Artist Information
Instrumentation
R.P. Michaels - Vocals, bass and keyboards
Harry Binford - Guitar
Robert Pasenko - Drums
" In a perfect Music World, Blue Plate Special would be hailed as Exceptional and they'd be on the road 300-plus nights a year and Festival-Headliners. We can always hope that the Music Scene straightens itself out and starts embracing Talent and Soulfulness again." Well, every time I've listened to "Can You Dig It!!" I get more and more convinced that Blue Plate Special needs to be ranked in the TOP 5 of Blues and Rock bands in North America. Very, very few bands still have that so-important connection to what it's supposed to be about. When I hear this album, it rekindles my fires and the belief that Music Has The Power To Change The World for The Better. 5 Big Bottles for a perfect example of what Blue Rock (or Hard-Rockin' Blues�) should sound like. May this CD get to the ears of millions, and if anyone you know complains about the cr_p music of 2007, just play "Can You Dig It!!" for them."
�A. Grigg /Editor-Publisher/ Real Blues Magazine
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Contact, Label and Tour Direction:
Prime Entertainment
547 W. Edgewood Rd.
Lombard, IL. 60148
bluesist@aol.com
630 207 0340
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Website: www.blueplatespecialband.com
Fansite: www.myspace.com/blueplatespecialband.com
Biography
WHAT DOES BLUE PLATE SPECIAL BRING TO THE BLUES TABLE ?
Energetic- Electric Blues that begs you to react!! Energized audiences, moving and shouting along with the newly rediscovered voice from the Chicago Blues scene.
Blue Plate Special asks it's audiences every night- "CAN YOU DIG IT !" and they respond with a resounding "HELL YES !!". R.P. Michaels gives a wink and shouts back "I knew that you could !". Harry Binford follows with a few BLAZING RIFFS on the guitar that make you think FREDDIE KING was back from the grave.
Right away you know your gonna be entertained by a Band with it's feet firmly planted in the power of past Blues greats. Then they're off and runnin' with "I Like It Like That" or "Hard Enuff"and you find yourself saying "wait, this is new- but my body is grooving !" The Rockin' Blues is happenin' and you can't keep still.
BLUE PLATE SPECIAL - DINNER IS SERVED !!
Just the way you like it ! ...and you like it like that !! HELL YES !
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BLUE PLATE SPECIAL is Featured in cover story of the September/07 issue of "BLUES ROCKS THE WORLD" magazine from Paris, France. go to: www.bluesrocks.net for free download of this issue!
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"Reachin' " is #1 followed by "Somebody Play The Blues For Me" and "Can You Dig It !" at #2 and #3 respectively on "Midnight Special Blues Radio" Daily chart 08/21/07.
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"BEST U.S. BLUES/ROCK C.D. OF The Year"
Can You Dig It !/ Blue Plate Special
--"Real Blues" Magazine/ Andy Grigg- Editor/Publisher 05/26/07
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MIDNIGHT SPECIAL BLUES RADIO'S ARTIST OF THE YEAR FOR 2006 !!!
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"Rocket In Your Pocket" reached the #1 position on Terry Iredale's National Rock and Blues Show on Australian Satellite Radio!!!! o4/17/07
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NEW ALBUM "CAN YOU DIG IT !" PLACED AT #22 IN TOP 100 BLUES CD'S EVER ! --/BY REAL BLUES Magazine !!
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"Rocket In Your Pocket" is also #1 followed by "Right Now" at #2 in France on Midnight Special Blues Radio !! 04/16/07
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During the month of April/07 We were featured on a Radio Contest on the "Rewind Show w/ Jimmy Jay" "The Hits You Grew Up With!!!" This is a worldwide syndicated radio programme. go to www.rewindshow.com/contests.html
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We were featured in the Premier Issue of Alternative World Fanzine /April Issue. Two Page Interview with Blue Plate Special by Peter Quinones/ Editor. Go To Link: www.blueplatespecialband.com (title page link) We are on Pages 23 and 24 !!!!! This Magazine is also available in hardcopy on East and West coasts of USA.
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"Can You Dig It" Placed in "The Top Ten Albums of 2006" by the Oklahoma Gazette /C.G. Niebank
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THREE #1 HITS ON ELECTRICBLUES RADIO IN 2006
I Like It Like That, Hard Enuff and Feel So Good / from "Can You Dig It !"
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BLUE PLATE SPECIAL NOMINATED FOR BLUES BAND OF THE YEAR 2007 AT SUBURBAN NITELIFE, Chicagoland, IL.
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"In a time when musical groups come and go as quickly as the rapid-fire images on MTV, three Chicago area men have stayed true to their blues roots for over thirty years."(38 years to be exact).
"Blue Plate Special has grown older and wiser but what hasn't changed is their friendship, collaboration and passion for the Blues."
These two quotes, written by Darlene Ostrowski of the Glen Ellyn News and Lynn Van Matre of the Chicago Tribune respectively, acknowledge Blue Plate Special's long time devotion to the Blues.
Together since 1969, with the purpose of bringing the Blues into the future, this Chicago based trio's sheer enjoyment in performing together shines through in their intuitive abilities to play off each other. This leads to constantly evolving live versions of their original material and avoids over production which steals away the basic grit of the Blues.
Songs from their last 3 well received Independent releases are interspersed with choice cuts from artists such as Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, and John Hiatt, and feature an ever changing selection of songs by Chicago's own Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Junior Wells.
Although some artists like to hang the name Chicago on their billing, this group truly has played almost every major and minor club throughout Chicagoland.
Blue Plate Special was there at The Cellar in Arlington Heights, Illinois in '69-'72 opening for Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues Allstars, Zephyr w/Tommy Bolin on guitar and The Bob Seger System.
They were among the artists that played at the Otis Spann Memorial Benefit where Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy introduced the Blues community to Koko Taylor singing Wang Dang Doodle.
They were one of the first bands to lead the famous Blue Monday Jam session at Chicago's Kingston Mines (with Studebaker John on the harp).
Blue Plate was the house band for two years at John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd's Blues Brothers Bar on Wells Street.
They have entertained at the Chicago Bears Fan Convention and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Convention and Sears Corporate shows.
Over the years, Blue Plate Special has shared the stage with Charlie Musselwhite, Paul Butterfield, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Siegal-Schwall Blues Band, Heartsfield, Leon Russell, Edgar Winter, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, Mitch Ryder, The Kinsey Report, Larry McCray and Wayne Baker Brooks.
Our new album "Can You Dig It" was released to Radio in 2006/07 and since then all 14 songs have been on the air worldwide. During the months of March and April, 2006 the songs "I Like It Like That", "Hard Enuff" and "Feel So Good" went #1 on ElectricBlues Radio 56 & 16. The songs"Yer' Bad Behind" and "Workin' on Love" "Hard Enuff" and "Luck Runs Out" went to #1 on Midnight Special Blues Radio, France. At this printing FIVE songs from our previous CD "The Blues Ain't Pretty" have also gained #1 slots (Tell the Truth, Not In The Mood, Knock Knock, Get Some Fun Out Of Life and The Phone Call). 8 other songs from the album "Can You Dig It !" are in other various Top 20 ratings. Thank you to all the Blues fans worldwide that voted Blue Plate Special up the charts. Blue Plate Special's first album on Prime Records "No Place To Fade" is now also gaining renewed interest and the songs "Stand", "Homework" and "Dippin' In" have gone #1 in 2007.
In response to the worldwide radio appeal of "Can You Dig It!", we feel now is the time to reach out beyond our Chicago roots. The Blues Radio listeners and Blues Festival attendees are one and the same. The current hit songs, powerful sounds and all-around good vibe of Blue Plate Special makes them a great addition to your Blues Festival; an honest homage to the past mixed with the new blood of the present and the determination to Bring The Blues into the Future!
The three members of Blue Plate Special and their own personal histories are:
R.P. Michaels
Songwriter, vocals, bass and keyboards
Ron's variety of skills leads the direction for each song, sometimes pounding out rhythm on his bass and then rolling the organ thru a ballad and later playing the boogie woogie on the piano (and even all three while continuously singing --- it's truly amazing!) which creates a rich palette of blues for the audience to enjoy. Reviewer Bob Gabrella of In The Mix magazine described R.P. as a performer who "wrings the gamut of emotion from a powerful set of vocal pipes and at the same time lays down a furious range of bass licks." Ed Ivey of Blues Review said "Michaels is a great singer with gruff roadhouse vocals." Outside of his work with Blue Plate, R.P. played as an on call bassist for Muddy Waters and also Sam Lay back in 1971-72. During this time, R.P. was aided by Muddy, Willie Dixon, Charlie Musselwhite, and Cary Baker which led to gigs (Peppers, High Chaparral, Kingston Mines) and other industry contacts. Muddy and Willie's biggest influence was to advise R.P. to concentrate on his original songwriting.
Harry Binford on guitar:
In The Mix magazine said "Harry's searing guitar gouges at the bare walls for every last scrap of pain and heartache." Big City Blues calls his playing "Truly powerful Fender guitar." Harry has also done side work in the past, most noteworthy was with Lavelle White. Harry is everything you could want in a guitarist. Sonic Voodoo is what's happening here. He's influenced by the greats, but what comes out in his playing is always his own.
and "ON THE DRUMS"
From 1969 to 2004 Gary Maier was our only driving force in the percussion slot. Our friend and partner retired due to health reasons in 2004. He was majorly responsible in developing the Blue Plate Special sound that we continue with today!!
"In The Mix" said Gary "kicks up a really crisp and solid boogie and plays with the utmost precision and class."
Kevin Johnston was added on drums in 2004 and is featured on our Latest CD "Can You Dig It". Kevin was previously the drummer with Buddy Guy. His ability to get people dancing fit right in with our jammin' blues style.
ROBERT PASENKO- The "Freight Train " of Blues Drummers has as been added as a full time member as of 06/07. He brings many years of experience and creativity to the "Blue Plate Special" Lineup.
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In 2005 we hooked up with another great Chicago guitarist, now turned producer, Don Griffin. The result is our new CD "Can You Dig It!" 11 originals and 3 covers which our fans have been requesting we record. Perfect for driving in your car, dancing, or just to get your party started. Soulful vocals - top notch songs - scorching guitar - and driving rhythms. Stop looking - it's here.
Can You Dig It! ... I knew that you could.
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(The following List of Top Shelf Radio Programs and Stations is regularly updated.)
Blue Plate Special would like to thank the following Radio Stations, On-Air Hosts and Shows for getting behind our music and spreading the word to the hearts and ears of Music Fans everywhere!
Syndicated AM and FM Radio Broadcasts:
"Rewind Show"..the Hits you grew up with... w/ Jimmy Jay
1Hr. Radio show heard round the world.
WORLDWIDE INTERNET (Live 365, Real, and others)
Midnight Special Blues Radio w/ Paul Bondarovski - Paris, France- Live 365--
ElectricBlues Radio 56 & 16 w/ Herm- Fla. USA- Live 365--
Blue Icewater Radio w/DJ Smilster- NH, USA- Live 365--
Bluebird Radio w/Tom Edwards- London, UK- Live 365--
Bandit Blues Radio-USA--
Midnight Blues- Utah, USA--
Tex-Mex Oldies Radio w/Carlos- Tx, USA--
Triad Radio Revisited w/Saul- Chicago,USA--
Rootstime Radio- Belgium--
Back Alley Blues Show- RadioAmerica-ITunes, w/ Richard Mulcahey--
Taproot Radio- Chapel Hill, NC. w/ Calvin Powers
N.A.R. Radio- Pleasant Grove, Utah.
Hound Dog Radio- Stone Mountain, GA.
Helsinki's Blues Cafe- Finland- w/ Geoff Barton
Rewind Show- Live 365- w/ Jimmy Jay
FM and AM Radio Stations
MIDWEST- USA
WBEZ 91.5fm- Chicago,IL. w/Sara Toulouse and Niles Franz--
WLUP 97.9fm- Chicago,IL." the Loop"w/ Erin Carmen--
WUIC Radio- Chicago,IL. w/ John Rose--
WDCB 90.9fm- Glen Ellyn, IL. w/Blues Edition- Greg Freerickson and Hambone's Blues Show--
WGVE 88.7fm- Gary, Ind.- The Blues You Can Use- w/ Clarence Stevens, KoKo Taylor and John Bowles-
WXRT 93.1fm- Chicago,IL. w/Tom Marker--
WNUR 89.3fm- Evanston, IL.
WRTB 95.3fm- bobfm-Rockford, IL. "Sunday Morning Blues" w/Rich Gordon
WGLT 89.1 fm- Normal, IL- GLT Blues w/Jon Norton
WGLT 103.5 fm- Peoria, IL.-w/ Jon Norton
WWSP 90fm- Stevens Point,Wi.- w/ Blues Cafe w/Pappa Joe
WXPR 91.7fm- Rhinelander, Wi.
WXPW 91.9fm- WauSau, Wi.
WOJB 88.9fm- Hayward, Wi.
WHFR 89.3fm- Dearborn, Mi. w/ Go with the Flow and Hwy. 61
WLNZ 89.7fm- Lansing, Mi.- w/Blues Beat
WYCE 88.1fm- Grand Rapids, Mi.
KJLU 88.9fm- Jefferson City,MO.--
WVLP 98.3fm-Michigan City, Ind. w/The Blues Drive w/Bill Paige
WVPE 88.1fm- Elkhart, Ind. Blues Revue w/ Ol'Harv
WRSW 107.3fm- Warsaw,Ind.- The Blues Cafe w/Pat Gervais--
WTTS 92.3fm- Indianapolis, Ind.
WWOZ 90.7fm- New Orleans,LA.- w/ BIG D's Radio Program--
EAST- USA
WRCT 88.3fm- Pittsburgh, PA.--
WNTI 91.9 fm- New Jersey, Rock-It Science Blues w/Greg--
WNJC 1360am- Philadelphia,PA.--
WBGO 88.3fm- Newark, NJ. w/ Michael Bourne
WFDU 89.1fm- Teaneck, NJ. w/ Bob Putignano's "Sounds of Blue"
WFUV 90.7 fm- Bronx, NY- Fordham University
WEST- USA
KLBC - Long Beach, Ca. /Pat Graham's Blues Highway
KUNV 91.1fm- Las Vegas, NV. w/Nothin' But The Blues w/Brian (the Blues Dr.) Spencer--
KRVM 91.9fm- Eugene,OR. Breakfast with the Blues w/ Coffee Jack--
KEXP 90.3fm- Seattle,WA.
CANADA-
CKRLfm- Quebec, w/Michel Dobois--
CKOD 103fm- Montreal, w/Benoit on "Passion Blues"
PODCASTS-
Murphy's Saloon- Edmond,OK. w/ Murph
Taproot Radio- Chapel Hill, NC. w/ Calvin Powers
AUSTRALIA and New Zealand-
RTR 92.1fm-Perth, WA.-Spoonful of Blues w/Stephen
101 FM- Queensland- Railway Blues w/Steve Morgan
101 FM- Queensland- Honky Tonk Blues w/ Henry Prokop
2MBS FM- NSW- w/Austin Harrison
2RDJ 88.1fm- NSW-
2RRR 88.5 fm- NSW- w/Mark Ryding
3 Way FM 103.7fm- Victoria- w/ Garry Dalton
5BBB 89.1fm- S. Australia- w/ Tess Coleman
Twin Cities 89.7fm- WA- w/ Derek Cromb
Bay FM 99.9fm- NSW- w/the Honeydripper
HOT FM 106fm- Victoria- w/ Tecka's Tracks
Rod Niemeier Show- FM
Spirit FM 92.3fm- NSW- w/ Wendy Rudin
The Sound Lounge w/ Fast Eddie
The Studio FM 107.4fm- New Zealand- w/Mike Butler
EUROPE-
Phoenix 98fm- Essex, UK. w/ Digital Blues
EVW 95.6fm- Lingen, Germany w/Rockin'XXL w/Bernd
Baker Street Radio- France-on Radio Menergy w/ Xavier
Radio Mon Pais 90.1fm- "Tout Le Monde Aime de Blues" w/GG Bluz
Radio Canal Bleu FM- France w/Serge
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