Loading details…
Artist
The Racky Thomas Band
6+ albums
bluesguitarharpblues rockharmonica blues
about
Racky Thomas got his introduction to the blues while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ma. when he saw Stevie Ray Vaughan perform at Northeastern's Matthews Arena circa 1987. At that time, Thomas was a guitar major without any clear direction or focus. Vaughan's performance that evening changed that; cementing what was to become an ongoing study of the music, and desire to carry on its great tradition. Thomas formed a psuedo-blues band with some friends intent on finding work. The band enjoyed landing a few spot gigs at some local venues; and hosting a memorable 'house party' that was ultimately broken up by the local constabulary. Discouraged after auditioning for a local club owner who flatly stated "You'se ain't blues", the band fizzled. Upon graduating from Berklee in 1991 Thomas found himself disillusioned; without a band or any prospects. While driving a cab, Mai Cramer's 'Blues After Hours' every Friday and Saturday night on Boston's public radio station WGBH was Thomas' oasis for the blues. Thomas caught on with a band calling themselves the 'Mean Red Spiders' and played around Boston at venues like the Rathskellar in Kenmore Square and Midway Cafe' in Jamaica Plain. Frustrated with keeping a band together, Thomas began exploring the realm of acoustic blues. Taj Mahal, Mississippi John Hurt, Johnny Shines, Robert Johnson and Paul Rishell became huge influences. Around '95 Thomas teamed up with bassist Todd Carson and guitarist Nick Adams and the nucleus
