Big Dan & the Contraband

Big Dan & the Contraband was formed, almost accidentally, by veteran blues players who have been rubbing shoulders in the area's muisc scene for years now. All of the members (Daniel Barreras - harmonica, John Kellogg - guitar, Tim Obert - drums, Tony Russell - keyboards, James Paul - bass) had been in other musical projects, but realized that something new and great-sounding could be realized by joining together. The band mixes traditional bare-knuckle blues by the likes of Muddy Waters, Magic Sam and Buddy Guy with some fresh covers, exciting originals and all supported by a backbone of the swirlilng keyboards of Tony Russell. Stinging guitar leads, wailing harmonica and beefy Hammond organ are the order of the day.