Big Daddy Stallings - Vocals, Guitar
Charles “Big Daddy” Stallings Charles “Big Daddy” Stallings really knows the essence of the Blues. Born in Columbia, S.C. and raised on a farm in Hobbsville, N.C. with ten brothers and sisters he lived the Blues everyday. Music became his escape and the first song he learned to play was “Big Boss Man” by Jimmy Reed. After migrating to Baltimore, MD. “Big Daddy” continued to develop as a musician performing in local R&B and Jazz bands all the while dreaming of recording his own Blues project. His Debut CD “One Night Lover” Reached #1 at XM Radio (Bluesville) and also Peaked at #1 on Midnite Special Blues Radio in Paris, France and continues to Generate Worldwide Sales and Airplay. The Single “4x4 Woman” also Received An Honorable Mention Distinction in The 16th Annual Billboard World Song Contest from over 1500 entries. His Second CD “Blues Evolution” Received National Attention with Reviews in Living Blues, Blues Review and Downbeat Magazines while also Reaching The Living Blues and Roots Music Radio Charts. “Big Daddy” has shared the stage with The Holmes Bros., Magic Slim, Hubert Sumlin, Michael Burks, Marva Wright, Mark Hummel and Candye Kane and “Mesmerized” the crowd with his Powerful Downhome Performance on the Main Stage at Artscape’s 25th Anniversary in 2006, 2008 and again in 2011. His music can be Heard Globally in The U.K., Belgium, New Zealand, Italy, Spain and Australia and “Big Daddy” has Represented both The Baltimore and D.C. Blues Societies at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. His Current CD “Blues Party” Continues to Expand Musical Boundaries and Spread his Message of “Good Time Blues With A Twist” to music lovers everywhere.
Ronald Bland - Bass
Ron started his musical journey in elementary school playing piano and drums before trying the French horn in middle school. He picked up the Bass guitar because of the heavy sound produced by Alice Cooper in the early 70's while also studying acoustic guitar. His influences include Larry Graham, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke and local Bassist Barry Woodley. Ron has performed with numerous R & B and Top 40 Bands and enjoys writing and playing different genres of music.
Russell Hayward II - Drums
Russell began playing drums in the mid- 60's in St. Mary's County with R & B bands such as The Midniters and The Dynamic Corvettes and continued into the 90's with various Top 40 acts. His influences include his High School Band director as well as Frankie Beverly and Maze, Steve Ferrone, David Garibaldi, Michael White and local phenom Dennis Chambers. Russell also performs in churches and with a Jazz Trio while working as a music instructor in Baltimore City Public Schools. He enjoys cooking, cycling, softball, listening to music and spending time with his family.
Steve Levine - Harp
Steve is originally from Laurel, Maryland and started playing harp when he was in high school. His main influences include Big Walter Horton, Phil Wiggins, Sonny Boy Williamson, James Cotton and George "Harmonica" Smith. Steve also plays with the acoustic blues/roots band The Shack Breakers. He has recorded with Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation, Jeff Aug, Esther Haynes, Tom Paxton and The Resonators. Steve is a former director of the DC Blues Society and he has written for the DC Blues Calendar, Living Blues and Music Monthly.
Kelvin O'Neal - Trumpet Emeritus (2005 - 2010)
Kelvin is a 'lifelong musician' who began his musical studies playing the trumpet in childhood. His musical experience is vast due to his performing in Jazz, Gospel, R & B and Blues with both National and Local artists. He's been influenced as a player by Dizzy, Louis Armstrong, John Faddis and Roy McCoy and as a writer/ arranger by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tower of Power and Earth, Wind and Fire. Kelvin was previously a Director/ Musician with numerous musical groups including the Eubie Blake Legacy Big Band and is also a music instructor in Baltimore City Public Schools.
MEMORIAL
On December 18,2010 Kelvin passed away after a lengthy illness. As a Co-Founder of the band since it’s inception in 2005 he was the Centerpiece of the Horn Section helping to create “Big Daddy’s vision of “Good Time Bluez With A Twist”. His work can be heard exclusively on the 2007 release “Blues Evolution” and he continued to perform with the band last appearing at The 8x10 on Oct. 15.
David Russell - Trumpet
Dave began playing the trumpet as a teenager at The Holliman Music Studio in East Baltimore, a haven for young musicians from the 1950's - 1970's. He obtained his B.S in Music Education from Morgan State University in 1985 and is very active locally performing in a numerous Jazz ensembles and church groups. His influences are include Clifford Brown, Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Maurice Andre, Thad Jones and Count Basie. Currently a Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Hospital he spends his leisure time with his family.
Eflat - Alto Sax
Eflat's musical experience also began in childhood after receiving a clarinet and later a saxophone as gifts and has continued into the present with his collaboration with 'Big Daddy' Stallings playing the Blues. His style was influenced by Maceo Parker, King Curtis and Junior Walker as well as guitarists Carlos Santana and B.B.King as well as various harmonica players. As a writer/ arranger he credits The Memphis Horns, Chicago, Tower of Power and The J. B's with his development and approach. Eflat feels that playing music and sharing it with others is a 'blessing' from God and is proud to be reunited with previous bandmates O'Neil, Bland and Hayward in the Bluez Evolution Band.