Praised by DownBeat magazine as “in a class by themselves” and hailed by Count Basie as “the hottest blues band I’ve ever heard,” Roomful of Blues has been a powerhouse in blues, swing, and R&B for over 55 years. Founded in 1967, the band has earned five Grammy nominations, seven Blues Music Awards, and international acclaim, performing in 22 countries and collaborating with legends like B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Carlos Santana.
Led by guitarist and producer Chris Vachon since 1998, the current lineup includes vocalist D.D. Bastos, saxophonist Rich Lataille (a member since 1970), keyboardist Jeff Ceasrine, bassist John Turner, drummer Mike Coffey, trumpeter Carl “Geerz” Gerhard, and saxophonist Alek Razdan. The band’s distinctive horn-driven sound blends jump blues, swing, and soul, filling dance floors and delighting audiences worldwide.
Roomful’s impressive discography includes six acclaimed albums on Alligator Records, with In A Roomful of Blues (2020) being their latest. With energetic live shows and a commitment to keeping their music fresh, Roomful of Blues continues to inspire fans old and new. Guitar Player calls Vachon’s work “explosive,” while The New Yorker praises their “thunderous performances that get feet stomping and hands clapping.”
“We keep things fresh and fun,” says Vachon. “It’s as exciting for us as it is for our fans.”