His powerhouse band, Men of Blues, or MOB for short, combines the talents of Ernie "Jay" Olivares on drums, "Pianoman" Dan Germic on keyboards, Rick "Sugarwhite" Bailey on harmonica and vocals, Duane "Fingers" Collier on bass, and Michael "Big Dog" Murphy on guitar and vocals, is a high energy, swish at the buzzer, in your face, acoustic and electric blues band.
And, to Michael, being the MOB means ALWAYS providing the audience with a listening and personal enjoyment experience that will make them want to come back time and time again! And they always do! And don't be surprised at guests stepping up the stage! If the BIG DOG sees a player in the audience that he knows, he'll ask them to come up and play a few. BIG DOG says, "It's always fun when I get old friends on stage with me. You never know what's going to happen! Just love making memories."
Between Michael's original songs and the songs he and his band cover, but never copy, the audience is assured of a show that's always fresh, and exciting! The audience is always in smiles as they watch the band interact with each other on stage. The laughter between them, and emotion they show while performing, is what sets them apart from other bands, and presents them as true musicians and lovers of the blues!! Come on out and catch a show. See for yourself! The Big Dog and the MOB are anxious to meet you!
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RICK "SUGARWHITE" BAILEY
Sugarwhite is an ace harmonica player. A master of the "Mississippi Saxophone!"
Rick grew up in Ypsilanti, MI, and as a typical "Yupper!" did all the things Yupper's do including maintaining a extreme sense of loyalty to his country. Rick Joined the Navy in 1964, and served twice in Vietnam aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA)14 as an Aviation Ordanceman. Kind of an explosive, if you will, rating! After completing his tours of duty, Sugarwhite was discharged in 1967.
Realizing since his coordination wasn't going to allow him to be an Olympic floor routine gymnast, he started learning to play harp. Since the early 70's, he's been bending reeds and learning to play "cross harp", the standard for blues harmonica players, and it ain't easy, but Rick has become a master. Throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's his talent just grew and he continued to master the blues harmonica!
During the 90's, Sugarwhite took his playing up to a whole different level, and started playing very serious, sitting in with many bands along the way! In 2006, he along with drummer EJ Olivares, started the band "Red White Blues," and has continued, along with EJ until now.
The MOB is extremely happy to have Rick "Sugarwhite" Bailey become a member! His harmonica, along with Rick's excellent vocals are going to take the MOB up a few levels!!
Welcome aboard, Rick "Sugarwhite" Bailey!!
"PIANOMAN" DAN GERMIC
Dan started playing guitar as child, 8 or 9 years old. He took lessons for only a few months, then heard the Booker T. classic Green Onions. As the powerful Hammond B3 sound echoed through his tiny transistor radio, he knew then he had to play the organ.
Dan talked his parents into trading in his guitar and buy an organ. In his teenage years he listened to the likes of Jon Lord (Deep Purple) and Ray Manzarek (Doors). Growing up in the U.P. he didn't get a chance to hear much classic blues on the radio. It wasn't until his teenage years that he realized that all the bands he really liked, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Foghat, and Eric Clapton, were really just reworking old blues tunes. Then he was hooked on the real blues. Dan has played with rock/country bands in the Iron River area for several years.
One thing the MOB has wanted to do for a while now is to expand the band's sound by adding keyboards. They are thrilled to have Dan Germic filling that slot!
ERNIE "JAY" OLIVARES
Filling out the MOB's rhythm section, "Jay" has kept his kids awake while practicing the drums for their whole lives. Now that they’ve grown up and moved out, he keeps us in time by pounding them skins.
Jay has been playing drums since his high school days in Los Angeles in 1964 and played in bands in the Los Angeles music scene, as well as scoring a hit single with The Prophets of Doom out of Escanaba in the late sixties.
Now he brings his skill and talent to the MOB, as he sits back on the throne pounding out the beats for the rest of the band to follow. The MOB is please to have Ernie "Jay" Olivares join their blues train!
DUANE "FINGERS" COLLIER!!
Hailing from the great Twin Cities area of Minnesota, from studio to stage bassist Duane Collier is a highly sought after veteran of the blues scene. A lover of jazz and blues, Duane's brings the best of both in his playing, offering the MOB a little space to explore!
Duane has played along side some of the biggest names in the business, such as Mojo Buford, and the world famous Drifters. With the MOB, Duane is the second half of one of the best rhythm sections in the blues world!
We are extremely fortunate and happy to have Duane as a member of the MOB. Please come out and stick a hand out and welcome Duane "Fingers" Collier!
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Michael "Big Dog" Murphy knows that today's economy sometimes put constraints on the abiliy of venues to offer their clients the best entertainment available! So, with that in mind, the MOB has provided options to ensure the best show possible to meet any venues needs.
THREE PIECE MOB
Comprised of Michael "Big Dog" Murphy, Duanne "Fingers" Collier, and Ernie "Jay" Olivares. The best blues trio anywhere, offering an exciting, full sound blues band that will keep folks hopping and bopping all night!
FOUR PIECE MOB
Same line-up as the trio, but adding the awesome talents of Rick "Sugarwhite" Bailey on harmonica and vocals.
FIVE PIECE MOB
The full band, with the incredible "Pianoman" Dan Germic filling out the stage, on keyboards.
Each version of the MOB brings the same electrifying energy, and the "top-shelf" talents and years of experience to every show! The boys didn't just didn't "walk out of a garage" yesterday! They collectively have over two centuries of this music called blues under their belts, and it shows every time they take the stage! One look at these cats tells you that these are no ordinary musicians, they are walking history books, carrying the scars of a life of playing the music they love, and they really appreciate the audience, never taking them for granted, dedicated to making sure every listener leaves their shows feeling a whole lot better than when they walked in. Each is a master of their instrument.
Regardless of which line-up a venue prefers, they are assured of a "powerhouse" show! MICHAEL MURPHY AND THE MOB! Book'em today! Chek out their EPK here:
EPK
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