Band Members
Paul “Doc” Herling – Electric guitar & vocals
Born in NYC, 125th St. & 8th Ave. (2 blocks from the Apollo). Exposed to big band & folk music around the house growing up, wanted to play guitar after hearing the Beatles (like millions of other kids), heard the sound of blues guitar from English guitarists Clapton, Beck & Page, from there found the three Kings (B.B., Albert & Freddie) and was hooked for life. 25+ years of performing with many different bands in venues ranging from small clubs to concert stages. Main influences: the aforementioned, also Jimi, Muddy, the Wolf, Coltrane, Leo Fender, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, James Brown, and “anyone who plays with soul”….
Rich Rittenhouse – Harmonica & vocals
Powerfully attracted to the sound of the harmonica, discovered the acoustic blues of Sonny Terry and DeFord Bailey, then the big “mis’ippi sax” sound of Little Walter Jacobs, Big Walter Horton, and all of the other great harp players who worked with Muddy Waters. Accompanied the Roanoke Valley’s own “Coalfield Bluesman” Mr. Nat Reese, and soaked up some of Nat’s seven decades of experience and style. With Scott Perry, opened for Ann Rabson, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines. With Doc’s Blues Revue opened for Bob Margolin. Currently nuts about Chicago blues.
Bill Smith – Electric bass & vocals
Playing the bass since 1971, recently has played with Big Blues Beat, Little Roger & The Cheap Thrills, Fat Daddy, and the Bill Smith Blues Band. Opened for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bob Margolin, Big Bill Morganfield, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. Composed and recorded over 30 songs. Started out listening to Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin which led into the blues. More recent influences include Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, and other Chicago artists. Has a deep love for the traditional blues.
Marc Webb - Percussion
Started out listening to music ranging from Hank Williams, to Miles Davis, to Muddy Waters on DC radio stations. Later influences include blues-based jam bands such as Gov’t Mule and the Allman Brothers, in addition to Albert, BB, and Freddie King, Robert Johnson, and many others. Has a CD collection to rival that of the Library of Congress. Playing drums from a young age, currently playing for at least 3 bands, including The Vaporizers and Medicine Jar. Says “Music is powerful medicine!”
