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The Lance
Almon Smith Band is one of North Alabama's premier blues and rock bands. Formed
as a power trio in 2005, the band
features original material as well as the blues and rock standards Lance is
known for.
Lance Almon Smith -Vocals,
Guitar:
Lance has gained an underground following as
one of North Alabama's best blues and rock guitarists. As one Beale St. musician
said after walking into a gig at the Tap Room, "That's one hot guitar player."
But such acclaim didn't come over night. Lance's dad gave him his first guitar
for high school graduation and while in college at the University of Alabama, he
studied and practiced the licks of the greats. He even penned a few songs. After graduation
he moved back to his hometown of Huntsville, AL and upon a
suggestion from local blues legend Microwave Dave, began to cut his teeth at the
local jams such as the infamous Sunday Night Blues Jam at the Kaffeeklatsch. In late 2003 he helped form The 4-Door
Ramblers, playing all over North Alabama, from Huntsville, Guntersville, and Scottsboro, down to Birmingham,
AL. The Ramblers were consistently voted one of the top blues bands in the
Tennessee Valley by readers of a local magazine, the Valley Planet. They even
made a few appearances on Beale St. in Memphis, TN. In 2004,
drum master and producer Ardie Dean (from Taj Majal and Jerry "Boogie" McCain
fame) asked Lance to play rhythm guitar on the debut album of Milwaukee blues
great Lee Gates, who also happens to be the cousin of blues legend Albert
Collins. The album, recorded in 6 hours in one night, gained positive
reviews for its raw sound and tight rhythm section. In 2005 he left the Ramblers to form the Lance Almon Smith Band with fellow Blues Jam alums Nick Waldrop and Joe Harbin.
While the band has gone through a few different drummer changes, one constant
has always been Lance and Nick. In 2008, Ardie Dean asked Lance and his band to
back up New Orleans blues great Alabama Slim. He has also shared the stage with
Microwave Dave, Guitar Lightnin' Lee, Adolphus Bell, and even Frankie Avalon who
made a surprise appearance at a Blues Jam one night. A student of blues legends
such as Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lance is also primarily influenced
by rock legends such as Eric Clapton and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.
You might even hear a bit of Pete Anderson of Dwight Yoakam fame in there.
Nick Waldrop - Bass:
Nick is a veteran bass player having played in bands all over North
Alabama for over 30 years. Playing styles ranging from blues and country to rock
and funk, he is one of North Alabama's most versatile and experienced bassists.
At one time he was even a regular on Beale St. in Memphis.
You can also catch Nick every week as the house bassist at the Sunday Night
Blues Jam at the Kaffeeklatsch in Huntsville, AL.
TBA - Drums:
Bio
coming soon...
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