Price: $15.00 at the Gate

Rev. Jimmie Bratcher

In the driveway was a 1958 Desoto, in the house a twelve-year-old boy and a dad with a plan. "Will trade 1958 Desoto for electric guitar and amplifier" was how the ad read in the Kansas City Star newspaper. One call came and I went home with a beautiful white Gibson SG Jr. and a Gibson amplifier. That's where it all started and I still have both the guitar and amp to this day.

Years have passed since that day but the sound of that gift my Dad gave me still rocks and you can hear it on my new album Secretly Famous. I played that guitar on a couple of the songs and let me say "it is a rock & roll monster."

Secretly Famous is my seventh album but I really feel like it's my first. This album is different for me because I went further back into my roots than on any of my other albums. Back to a time before I became "The Rev." Back to that blues-rock root that I learned playing that old guitar.

Secretly Famous was recorded at Bessie Blue Studio in southern Tennessee. The studio is in a 100-year-old house and is owned by the legendary multi-Grammy award-winning producer Jim Gaines and his wife, blues artist Sandy Carroll. The vibe at Bessie Blue is like going to Grandma's house, complete with mauve curtains, pink flowered wallpaper and a huge Magnolia tree in the front yard. As soon you walk in the door you feel like you belong; making it easy to relax and get to work. Then add in producer Jim Gaines and look out - Jim is the go-to guy if you want to record electric guitar. Known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, Steve Miller and a huge list of others. Needless to say working with Jim was a dream come true.

 

The Old No. 5's

The Old No. 5s are a powerful Blues / Rock / Roots trio from Kansas City. Brock Alexander (guitarist / lead vocals), Derek Tucker (bass / vocals), and Aaron Thomas (percussion / vocals) make a formidable sound with power as well as precision. Emerging in late 2011, the group has performed over 700 times in the past four years - forging a diverse sound and distinct style filled with nuances of Rock, Blues, Groove, and Soul.

The history of the group dates back to 2005 when Alexander and Thomas performed together at a happenstance party in Lawrence, Kansas. They went on to form the blues/rock group ‘Cold Shot' playing throughout Kansas and Missouri into 2008. "Aaron and I have probably played close to 1000 shows together," states Alexander. "The better part of a decade really...minus a year or two in there. I moved to Los Angeles and worked at a recording studio; got to be a fly on the wall for some amazing experiences, but ultimately winds blew me back home." The pair began playing shows again in 2012 as ‘The Old No. 5s.' "We basically just fell back into jamming, playing shows together," says Thomas, "we just took extended vacation." The group's lineup solidified in early 2013 with the addition of bassist Derek Tucker.

In the midst of a never-ending performance schedule, they released their self-produced debut album "SourMash" in June of 2013. An infectious mixture of original American music with hints of Rock, Soul, Americana and Blues. In January 2014 The Old No. 5s represented the Topeka Blues Society at the International Blues Competition in Memphis, TN - reaching the Semi-finals. After which they have taken the stage, both big and small, throughout the Midwest and beyond. Including The Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival, The Bonita Springs (FL) Blues Festival, The College World Series (2015 and 2016), Paxico Blues Festival, Norman Music Festival, and the Blue Springs Fall Festival (2015 and 2016).

In October of 2015 The Old No. 5s released their second full-length album Steam. "We've been through some stuff together," says Alexander. "Played a ton, changed as humans, our music has changed, but ultimately we are still approaching it with the same passion and love for the sounds we create. As long as people hear that, we'll be fine."

In January 2017 The Old No. 5s reached the Semi-final round in the International Blues Challenge, representing Brock and Derek's hometown of Wichita, KS. The band continues to perform week after week, reaching new audiences and building new fans with each performance.

 

Knock Kneed Sally

Knock Kneed Sally: Original Bluesy Americana, home based in the Midwest. Knock Kneed Sally continue to have an ever growing following headlining festivals like King Biscuit and shows everywhere. Fronted by Stovepipe Perkins this is a fun fun super tight band.

Voted best Americana band in the Midwest in 2015. Voted the "Best Blues Band" in Kansas in 2010 and KC International Blues Challenge in 2012, having opened for Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Jimmy Thackery, Sugar Blue, Tinsley Ellis, Stack Mitchhart, Big Head Todd, Shinedown, etc. as well as headlining their own festivals and shows. Playing 200+ shows a year has created a tight, hard groove that audiences love and come back for again and again.

Knock Kneed Sally continues to expand their festival reach across the country. 2017 Promises to be an amazing year for the band as they are finishing their 4th CD, "Dog Tilted Head"

 

Dan Bliss

Originally from upstate New York, Bliss has made his home for over 20 years in Kansas City, inspired by the traditions of blues and jazz and the incredible wealth of local talent. While his focus is solo acoustic performance, he has also played with Kelley Hunt and his own band Bluetonium. In addition to solo shows he also currently appears with fellow Kansas City guitarists Rod Fleeman, Tom DeMasters and Bill Dye in a blues & jazz guitar quartet called "KC GUITAR 4."