The band was formed in Downey, Calif., by brothers Dave and Phil Alvin, who were joined by fellow-Downeyites, Bill Bateman on drums and John Bazz on bass. The Blasters sound was deeply influenced by blues artists like T-Bone Walker, Marcus Johnson, and Big Joe Turner, often called “The Boss of the Blues.”
The Blasters found enthusiastic audiences for their hard-edged roots rock in the L.A. club scene during the early 80’s when punk music was exploding. During this time, The Blasters often shared the bill with the legendary L.A. punk band X.
But on-stage and on records alike, The Blasters offered something new, a melding of rockabilly, rhythm and blues, country, Cajun and Tex-Mex with a high-octane, guitar-powered delivery.
The band’s first album called American Music, released in 1980, included favorites like “Marie, Marie” and the title track which became the group’s own anthem. The Blasters, the band’s follow-up included veteran pianist Gene Taylor, baritone saxophonist Steve Berlin and mentor Allen on tenor sax.
The Blasters recorded the last album with its original lineup in 1985. The next year, Dave Alvin left the group to pursue a successful solo career but has returned to jam with the band several times over the years.
Under the leadership of Phil Alvin, guitar and vocals, The Blasters now includes John Bazz on bass, Keith Wyatt on guitar and Jerry Angel on drums -- the same players who performed on the latest Blasters’ studio album, 4-11-44.
Catch The Blasters live (“...because that’s where the real music is” – Phil Alvin) at John Ascuaga’s Nugget on Saturday, April 16. Tickets are $20, available by calling (800) 648-1177, 356-3300 or visiting janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” dinner/show packages are also available.
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