Get to know us

Welcome to the Rhythm Train - my mainstay band - where we run hard and steady on the main tracks of Blues, fueled by soul, a little of R&B, and a few licks of this and that to make our contribution to the arts. (And needless to say - the boys can play!) I've been doing this for as long as I remember. As a child- from singing and swaying in the backyard to my dad's jazz band buddies, and belting out gospel in churches throughout the Great Lakes (the Harbor) area. I've been so fortunate to have so much music embedded in me. A big rich pot of sounds, rhythms and voice that cherishes every opportunity to share and release it. My mom's family stirred the pot with the Louisiana spice to add into things and my dad's folk added a little latin spice in the mix. Hmmm. That's probably why New Orleans felt like home the moment I stepped on the ground - a mixture of music that fills the air and the soul, pouring blues out in every direction with everything you got.

God has been good with lining my musical pathways with great musicians - Sammy Mayfield, who helped me to really tune in to the blues and taught me an Irma Thomas song that caught Ms Thomas' ear. That landed me with a dinner invite where she gave me a one-on-one on music interpretation, songwriting and delivery. Hazel Miller, another admired entertainer, has also been a great support in my growth in the blues. And there have been many other amazing artists, venue owners and music supporters that have inspired, guided and lifted me throughout. And the fans - what can I say - the wind beneath my wings.

Just like back home, music doesn't sit well in one corner..or it stales - just ain't music no more. So I love getting with other musicians and creating new sounds - sometimes to the same tunes, sometimes to very original pieces with very familiar meaning. It has to hit home for me.

So I am blessed to also be a part of other amazing music projects -- The (John Magnie's) Grocery Story Band, FoCo Motown Revue, Joyful Noise Gospel Group, and I love featuring and joining in with other projects and friends. And Jack Hadley, smooth and talented! And other features like in The Last Waltz - man what a great project to work with! And the best part about all of these collaborations is, I get to grow and learn something every single time. I've got lots of stories and adventures to share -- I may throw a few in here thru the blog, but its more fun to share in person, so ...I look forward to seeing you around the shows.

Peace and Blessings!

Peaches