The Randy Oxford Band
Performing
at the Tacoma Freedom Fair
JULY 4, 2013, 7:15 - 8:00 PM
DUKE'S CHOWDER HOUSE BLUES STAGE
Although essentially blues-based, The Randy Oxford Band prides itself on showcasing music that defies easy classification. From classics like Etta's, “I’d Rather go Blind,” to originals that crackle with jazz licks and funky rhythms, the band prefers to define itself, building upon each player's creativity and talent. With two guitarists to complement each other, Randy's killer trombone, and the solid rhythm section, the band delivers its characteristic big sound. The interplay between the performers provides the audience with something entertaining to watch, as well as to hear.
The Randy Oxford Band is proud to call Tacoma "home", as the band brings its distinctive urban blues sound to venues and festivals throughout the country. Led by Randy Oxford - award-winning trombonist, jam host and entertainer - the band showcases a style of blues that is as diverse as the band members themselves. From classics like Etta's, “I’d Rather go Blind,” to originals that crackle with jazz licks and funky rhythms, the band prefers to define itself, building upon each player's creativity and talent.
Randy's ability to energize an audience and inspire fellow musicians has attracted great players from a variety of backgrounds. With two guitarists to complement each other, Randy's killer trombone, and the solid rhythm section, the band delivers its characteristic big sound. The interplay between the performers provides the audience with something entertaining to watch, as well as to hear.
Randy Oxford - trombonist, "Blues Performer of the Year," and notorious wild man- has been honored more than 25 times since returning to his home state of Washington more than 20 years ago, following a European Tour of duty with the U.S. Army band. He has won multiple "Best Horn" awards, "Entertainer of the Year," "Keeping the Blues Alive," and induction into the Washington Blues Society's Hall of Fame and has played with some of the best bands the area has produced, including Little Bill and the Blue Notes, Fat Cat, and Junkyard Jane. His own band: the Randy Oxford Band- has been tapped three times by NW blues associations to compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. In 2011, The Randy Oxford Band earned a spot at the finals, where they placed among the top 8 bands of the hundreds that competed from around the world.
Jada Amy is the featured vocalist, with her velvety voice and confident, take-no-prisoners attitude. She's sultry, playful, and hard to resist.
The band features two lead guitarists:
Manuel Morais was born in Portugal, but his family moved to South America when he was two. At the age of eight he found his father's guitar in the closet. From then on he was unstoppable. He began playing at school functions that led to local gigs. As an adult, Manuel has played gigs and festivals all over South America, Australia and Malaysia.
Randy Norris, on “the other guitar” and vocals, is the newest member of the band, bringing over 30 years of experience as a musician, a bucket-load of original songs, and the finesse of a seasoned veteran to the mix of skilled professionals that is the Randy Oxford Band. Born in Wichita, Kansas, Mr. Norris honed his talent on the road with Jack Mack and the Heart Attack and with the fabulous Boxtops, opening for many national acts, including the Neville Brothers, Rare Earth, Average White Band, and Etta James.
The two guitarists complement each other and, together with Randy's killer trombone and a solid rhythm section, give the band its characteristic big sound. The interplay between the performers provides the audience with something entertaining to watch, as well as to hear.
Polly O'Keary is a noted bass player, singer and songwriter in the Pacific Northwest. A working musician since she was 16, O'Keary was a member of a popular alt-rock band in the 1990s, but in 2000, she was invited to see Jeff Healey at a bar in Canada and it changed her life. Watching the rhythm section of that blues trio at work, she felt she finally understood music.
LA Smith, who often joins the band on percussion, is a native New Yorker who started playing in public when he was 17 in NYC clubs with Mary Mac, folk singer. LA plays over one hundred times a year at festivals and venues around America and Canada, with some of the top headliners in the business. Whether playing Cuban, Latin, Rock and Roll, Jazz or Blues, LA adds his distinct rhythmic sounds to the shows. His unique style and texture helps define the sound of The Randy Oxford Band.
Richard Sabol is another fun guy, but an animal on drums. Or a viking. Randy gives him a different nickname every gig, and Richard gives Randy and the band a solid beat, some impressive double kick-drum work, and all kinds of skillful and entertaining energy. Richard is originally from New Port, Rhode Island, home of the famous jazz festival, so he grew up with a jazz and blues bent. His work is featured on 7 CD's to date and his live performances have been on bills with the Greg Allman Band, The Outlaws, Black Oak, Marshall Tucker, Johnny Winter, Smokin Joe Savage and many others.
