Meet the band...
Formed in the fall of 2008, the Backyard Blues boys started out with the original 5 members - Wade Hilts and Garren Epley of Franklin High School - and Louie Leager, Jason Morrison and Reuben Unrau of Cleveland High School.
Soon after forming, the group decided to enter a band competition and began to work up material for their first public appearance. During that time, they added Jillian Looney, another student from Cleveland, to the group. Jillian's rich, jazz tinged vocals offered new possibilities for the band to broaden their sound. The expanded group, with Jillian as their female vocalist, won the Cleveland Battle of the Bands in the spring of 2009 with a stunning version of "The Truth", by Handsome Boy Modeling School.
During the following summer, the BBBs began to collaborate with Lucas Biespiel, an accomplished musician and song-writer in his own rite. Lucas had already recored dozens of original and cover songs independently, and had established himself as a top local young music talent. The BBBs backed Lucas for a gig at the 2009 Portland Waterfront Blues Festival - the combination of Lucas' soulful vocals and bluesmanship of the boys was a perfect match. More collaborative gigs would follow at venues around Portland, such as Mississsippi Pizza and Arrivederci Wine & Jazz, and then (nearly a year later) Lucas, also a Cleveland student, at last officially became a member of the BBB band.
In the summer of 2010, the BBBs were spread to the wind as several members took extensive travels away from Portland, and the entire band was not able to perform together through June or July. It wasn't until mid August that they were all back together, back at work at Double-Nickel Studios jamming and preparing for August gigs. During this period of separation, Samantha Hooper joined those BBBs still in Portland, bringing her own R&B vocal influences to the mix. Ryan Short also stepped in to cover at lead guitar while Reuben was out of the country.
They came back with a bang in September playing around at their old favorite venues to please their blues fans who had been longing for their return. In January 2011 they released their debut album "Tradin Twelves" which featured many crowd favorites. The album was critically acclaimed by the Cascade Blues Association, with CBA President Greg Johnson calling it, "a listening pleasure...a band with ten times the experience of The Backyard Blues Boys would be proud to record them in such style and class." A film was released on the making of "Tradin' Twelves" by friend and classmate of the band Sutton Raphael. The documentary (under the same name as the album) won the Cleveland Film Festival and is available for viewing online (see the Music tab at the top of this page).
Summer 2011 was an eventful one for the band, as they performed on the main stage of the Waterfront Blues Festival, in addition to returning to the same venues where they built their name. The BBBs also made trips out of Oregon for the first time, playing in Seattle as well as San Francisco and its suburbs (where the band members were dubbed "Legends of Foster City
Currently, the band is in limbo as most of the members just began their studies at various colleges and universities (not two members are in the same city), but anticipation has begun for their return, set for December 23, 2011. The venue of their return has not yet been released to the public.
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Soon after forming, the group decided to enter a band competition and began to work up material for their first public appearance. During that time, they added Jillian Looney, another student from Cleveland, to the group. Jillian's rich, jazz tinged vocals offered new possibilities for the band to broaden their sound. The expanded group, with Jillian as their female vocalist, won the Cleveland Battle of the Bands in the spring of 2009 with a stunning version of "The Truth", by Handsome Boy Modeling School.
During the following summer, the BBBs began to collaborate with Lucas Biespiel, an accomplished musician and song-writer in his own rite. Lucas had already recored dozens of original and cover songs independently, and had established himself as a top local young music talent. The BBBs backed Lucas for a gig at the 2009 Portland Waterfront Blues Festival - the combination of Lucas' soulful vocals and bluesmanship of the boys was a perfect match. More collaborative gigs would follow at venues around Portland, such as Mississsippi Pizza and Arrivederci Wine & Jazz, and then (nearly a year later) Lucas, also a Cleveland student, at last officially became a member of the BBB band.
In the summer of 2010, the BBBs were spread to the wind as several members took extensive travels away from Portland, and the entire band was not able to perform together through June or July. It wasn't until mid August that they were all back together, back at work at Double-Nickel Studios jamming and preparing for August gigs. During this period of separation, Samantha Hooper joined those BBBs still in Portland, bringing her own R&B vocal influences to the mix. Ryan Short also stepped in to cover at lead guitar while Reuben was out of the country.
They came back with a bang in September playing around at their old favorite venues to please their blues fans who had been longing for their return. In January 2011 they released their debut album "Tradin Twelves" which featured many crowd favorites. The album was critically acclaimed by the Cascade Blues Association, with CBA President Greg Johnson calling it, "a listening pleasure...a band with ten times the experience of The Backyard Blues Boys would be proud to record them in such style and class." A film was released on the making of "Tradin' Twelves" by friend and classmate of the band Sutton Raphael. The documentary (under the same name as the album) won the Cleveland Film Festival and is available for viewing online (see the Music tab at the top of this page).
Summer 2011 was an eventful one for the band, as they performed on the main stage of the Waterfront Blues Festival, in addition to returning to the same venues where they built their name. The BBBs also made trips out of Oregon for the first time, playing in Seattle as well as San Francisco and its suburbs (where the band members were dubbed "Legends of Foster City
Currently, the band is in limbo as most of the members just began their studies at various colleges and universities (not two members are in the same city), but anticipation has begun for their return, set for December 23, 2011. The venue of their return has not yet been released to the public.
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The Band
Wade Hilts
(Slide Guitar,Rythm Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals)
Wade is a founding member of the band and writes much of their original blues material. Originally a drummer, Wade has transitioned to rythm guitar and continues to develop his slide technique as well as blowing the blues harp. Wade loves the blues and counts as favorite influences Howlin' wolf, John Lee Hooker and Elmore James, to name a few. Wade's sense of humor and quick wit, and appreciation for so many blues artists have served him well in his song writing and playing. He currently is attending Tulane University in New Orleans where he is continuing his study of the blues.
Wade and the boys get together each Sunday at the Hilt's Double Nickel Studios for a jam session - and here is where the BBBs sound came into being.
Wade is a founding member of the band and writes much of their original blues material. Originally a drummer, Wade has transitioned to rythm guitar and continues to develop his slide technique as well as blowing the blues harp. Wade loves the blues and counts as favorite influences Howlin' wolf, John Lee Hooker and Elmore James, to name a few. Wade's sense of humor and quick wit, and appreciation for so many blues artists have served him well in his song writing and playing. He currently is attending Tulane University in New Orleans where he is continuing his study of the blues.
Wade and the boys get together each Sunday at the Hilt's Double Nickel Studios for a jam session - and here is where the BBBs sound came into being.
Lucas Biespiel
(Vocals, violin, ukelele, piano)
A classically trained violinist with a dozen years of training under the instruction of Cynthia Scott, Lucas' musical foundation is definitely solid. With training from popular Jazz violinist Eddie Parente, Lucas has been exploring the improvisational world of jazz and blues. He has applied this musical blend to his song writing, which is prolific for such a young artist, having written a large number of the Blues Boys originals. And while his instrumental and song writing abilitis are exceptional, his vocal talent may well be his greatest strength. Lucas' music is influenced by many artists - a major one being Bob Dylan - which is apparent in his playing, singing, and songwriting. Lucas is currently studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, with violin as his principle instrument.
A classically trained violinist with a dozen years of training under the instruction of Cynthia Scott, Lucas' musical foundation is definitely solid. With training from popular Jazz violinist Eddie Parente, Lucas has been exploring the improvisational world of jazz and blues. He has applied this musical blend to his song writing, which is prolific for such a young artist, having written a large number of the Blues Boys originals. And while his instrumental and song writing abilitis are exceptional, his vocal talent may well be his greatest strength. Lucas' music is influenced by many artists - a major one being Bob Dylan - which is apparent in his playing, singing, and songwriting. Lucas is currently studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, with violin as his principle instrument.
Reuben Unrau
(Lead Guitar)
Reuben, a 17-year-old senior at Cleveland High School, has been pickin' and strummin' the guitar for nine years under the instruction of two of Portland's premier Jazz guitarists, Eli Reisman and Chris Woitach. After years of aimlessly learning basic Classic Rock songs, he began studying the stylings of Jazz and Blues at the age of 13, while developing an ear for the soul and emotions manifested in the music. His many influences are Wes Montgomery, Buddy Guy, BB King, Eric Clapton, Pat Martino and Dan Balmer. Reuben plans to continue to study Jazz and Blues in college.
Reuben, a 17-year-old senior at Cleveland High School, has been pickin' and strummin' the guitar for nine years under the instruction of two of Portland's premier Jazz guitarists, Eli Reisman and Chris Woitach. After years of aimlessly learning basic Classic Rock songs, he began studying the stylings of Jazz and Blues at the age of 13, while developing an ear for the soul and emotions manifested in the music. His many influences are Wes Montgomery, Buddy Guy, BB King, Eric Clapton, Pat Martino and Dan Balmer. Reuben plans to continue to study Jazz and Blues in college.
Jason Morrison
(Keyboards)
Jason is another of the musicians in the band who spent years in classical training. All those years of practice and dedication definitely paid off and Jason's keyboard solos are a major element in the BBBs sound. Known for his one-handed, energetic runs, Reuben has been known to sneak up behind him and cover Jason's eyes so he must continue sight unseen... Jason never misses a note! On rare occassion, Jason will sing a number - to the delight of fans, as he also has an exceptional voice, having sung with Cleveland High Schools very talented male a capella group "Cloud 9".
Jason is another of the musicians in the band who spent years in classical training. All those years of practice and dedication definitely paid off and Jason's keyboard solos are a major element in the BBBs sound. Known for his one-handed, energetic runs, Reuben has been known to sneak up behind him and cover Jason's eyes so he must continue sight unseen... Jason never misses a note! On rare occassion, Jason will sing a number - to the delight of fans, as he also has an exceptional voice, having sung with Cleveland High Schools very talented male a capella group "Cloud 9".
Louie Leager
(Stand-up Bass, electric bass)
If you don't know it already, at the heart of every great band is a great bass player. Well, just about every band - perhaps the Doors are a notable exception. Nevertheless, Louie lays the harmonic foundation for the band, and teams with Garren to keep the rythm on track. And Louie is simply a fantastic bassist, having been a member of Thara Memory's Pacific Crest Jazz Orchestra while simultaneously being Principle Bassist for the Portland Youth Philharmonic. He currently is studying at Michigan State University, where he will major in Jazz Studies.
If you don't know it already, at the heart of every great band is a great bass player. Well, just about every band - perhaps the Doors are a notable exception. Nevertheless, Louie lays the harmonic foundation for the band, and teams with Garren to keep the rythm on track. And Louie is simply a fantastic bassist, having been a member of Thara Memory's Pacific Crest Jazz Orchestra while simultaneously being Principle Bassist for the Portland Youth Philharmonic. He currently is studying at Michigan State University, where he will major in Jazz Studies.
Garren Epley
(Drums/Percussion)
Garren and Louie hold the beat and rythm down for the band, and they are a great team. Garren keeps time like a swiss watch - dependable and precise. His percussive heartbeat for the band sets the energy level for each song. And, like Louie, he's happy to support the group though somewhat reluctant to solo, but on occassion will treat fans (and band mates) to an uplifting drum solo. In addition to drumming, Garren also produced the band's premier album "Tradin' Twelves" almost single handedly. A producer in his own right, he recently released a beat tape named "Tesoro" which has quickly become very popular. Garren currently studies at Portland State University, and plans to eventually major in Sound Engineering.
Garren and Louie hold the beat and rythm down for the band, and they are a great team. Garren keeps time like a swiss watch - dependable and precise. His percussive heartbeat for the band sets the energy level for each song. And, like Louie, he's happy to support the group though somewhat reluctant to solo, but on occassion will treat fans (and band mates) to an uplifting drum solo. In addition to drumming, Garren also produced the band's premier album "Tradin' Twelves" almost single handedly. A producer in his own right, he recently released a beat tape named "Tesoro" which has quickly become very popular. Garren currently studies at Portland State University, and plans to eventually major in Sound Engineering.
Samantha Hooper
(Lead Vocals)
Like Lucas, Samantha has already built a name for herself in Portland for her singing and lead vocals with The Big Banana Spiders and, at age 13, a top-ten finish in the 2007 Portland Teen Idol competition. Stepping in with the band in August of 2010, Samantha brings her R & B influences and powerful vocal presence to the stage. How the BBBs have been so fortunate to work with their great vocalists is anyone's guess - Samantha continues their good fortune, indeed. A year younger than the rest of the band, she is currently a senior at Cleveland High School.
Like Lucas, Samantha has already built a name for herself in Portland for her singing and lead vocals with The Big Banana Spiders and, at age 13, a top-ten finish in the 2007 Portland Teen Idol competition. Stepping in with the band in August of 2010, Samantha brings her R & B influences and powerful vocal presence to the stage. How the BBBs have been so fortunate to work with their great vocalists is anyone's guess - Samantha continues their good fortune, indeed. A year younger than the rest of the band, she is currently a senior at Cleveland High School.
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Frequent Collaborators
Jillian Looney
(Lead Vocals)
Jillian's vocals hit the spot on several of the band's noted songs, such as "The Truth", and "Rainy Day Blues". She is equally adept at fronting the band on a smoky blues number, or backing Lucas on a song like "St. James Infirmary Blues". Jillian is also involved with other music projects and has a very bright musical future.
Jillian's vocals hit the spot on several of the band's noted songs, such as "The Truth", and "Rainy Day Blues". She is equally adept at fronting the band on a smoky blues number, or backing Lucas on a song like "St. James Infirmary Blues". Jillian is also involved with other music projects and has a very bright musical future.
Ryan Short
(Guitar, Bass)
Ryan steps in on occassion with the band, either on stage, or in the recording studio. An adept musician with his own outside performance and recording projects underway, Ryan is a willing contributor to the band and a great friend. He also leads up and coming Portland group "Oslo in September" (see below).
Ryan steps in on occassion with the band, either on stage, or in the recording studio. An adept musician with his own outside performance and recording projects underway, Ryan is a willing contributor to the band and a great friend. He also leads up and coming Portland group "Oslo in September" (see below).
Ari Kohn
(Tenor Saxophone)
Ari attends Tulane University in New Orleans, but whenever he's back in Portland the BBBs do there best to get him to play with them. An amazing sax player, he has sat in numerous times with the band, sporting fantastic jazzy blues solos. Ari, like Wade, studies at Tulane University in New Orleans, and is currently playing with a funk band called "Sexual Thunder".
Ari attends Tulane University in New Orleans, but whenever he's back in Portland the BBBs do there best to get him to play with them. An amazing sax player, he has sat in numerous times with the band, sporting fantastic jazzy blues solos. Ari, like Wade, studies at Tulane University in New Orleans, and is currently playing with a funk band called "Sexual Thunder".
Patrick Sargent
A former student at Cleveland, Patrick played with the band when they were first coming into existence. Patrick most notably played with the group at the 2009 Cleveland Battle of the Bands, the first gig the band ever played, helping them to win the competition! Now at NYU, Sargent's contributions are not as frequent as the group would like but he's a welcome addition whenever he can make it.
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Other Supporting Artists
Laura Chase
Laura is one of the premier singer-songwriters in Portland, making a name for herself after several large stints of travel. A good friend of Biespiel's, Chase frequently opens for the BBBs with her impressive guitar playing and beautiful vocals.
Half Way There
Originally competitors of the BBBs at a city-wide battle of the bands, HWT has frequently been added to a Blues Boys bill. And a fine addition indeed! With strong songwriting and great vocals by lead singer Taq Bleiler they are another strong young band in the Portland area. More information here.
Oslo in September
An emerging young Portland band featuring three very close friends of the band, Ryan Short (see above), Andrew Toothacker, and Dannika Sullivan OiS creates a very experimental, jazzy sound that always leaves the crowd wanting more. They recently released their first EP, a self titled work produced by none other than Garren Epley. While they have never actually played a show with the Boys, Oslo shares a like birthplace: Franklin High School. The band is currently playing shows around Portland and elsewhere on the West Coast. For more information, click here.
