Even though Roomful of Blues’ lineup has changed over the years, the band has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. Currently an eight-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger. Singer Phil Pemberton brings his sweet and soulful vocals and adds another bright new dimension to the jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Along with bassist John Turner, trumpeter Carl Gerhard, drummer Mike Coffey, keyboardist Rusty Scott, baritone and tenor saxophonist Alek Razdan, tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille , Roomful keeps on rockin’!
Phil Pemberton – Vocals
“His voice can ache with tenderness, or rattle the rafters with it’s power…”- Patricia Smith (Pulitzer nominated Journalist) Boston Globe “This man could sing his way outta Jail…” -Bill Smith
Chris Vachon – Guitar Chris is a true multi-talent. His prowess as a guitar slinger is well documented, and his strengths as a producer and songwriter grow from album to album. He produced the band’s eight most recent albums.
John Turner – Upright and Electric Bass A veteran of the New England jazz scene, bassist John Turner has performed and recorded with just about everybody! John’s rock solid bottom is the essential element of the swing groove which Roomful is renowned for.
Rusty Scott – Piano and B3 Rusty Scott has been a fixture on the Boston jazz and blues scene for a number of years now. Rusty also plays Hammond B3 organ. Rusty’s solid rhythm, driving piano solos, and howlin’ organ riffs are a first class addition to the “Roomful Tradition”.
Mike Coffey – Drums From Newport Rhode Island Mike Coffey spent 20 years performing with the US Navy band. He has performed with Mike Renzi and Grey Sargent both members of Tony Bennett’s band and other renown jazz artist. Known for his versatility and ability to enhance any group he performs with he been a welcome new member of Roomful of Blues
Rich Lataille – Tenor and Alto Sax Rich’s interest in the swinging bands of the ’30s and ’40s that led Roomful to forge the distinctive sound that has become the band’s trademark. Lyrically tender or blisteringly hot, Rich has a big, warm tone that is always jam-packed with feeling. His melodic inventiveness reflects the depth and breadth of his wide-ranging influences.
Alek Razdan – Baritone and Tenor Sax Hailing from Rockport, MA, Alek Razdan is a perfect fit as the newest member of Roomful’s legendary horn section. When not performing with Roomful, Alek can also be found playing in the air-tight horn section of The American Symphony of Soul, a 9-piece Boston-based funk band, and The A-Train Orchestra, his own blues and jazz group based out of Boston’s North Shore.
Carl Gerhard – Trumpet Carl “Geerz” Gerhard has toured and recorded extensively with the iconic rock band Phish as an original member of The Giant Country Horns. Carl’s pure melodic style, infectious energy, and love of the blues can be heard every time Roomful of Blues takes the stage!
