Ken Lamison: Jumboband

Jumboband
is a Pittsburgh, PA-based, four piece band performing a mix of Chicago blues, Memphis soul, storefront church gospel and traditional country music

The band has received critical acclaim from the Pittsburgh Blues Society and airplay on WYEP (91.3 FM),one of the country's finest alternative music radio stations

"Really great!" The Pittsburgh Blues Society interview excerpt

Jumboband history

Jumboband references

181 44th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

phone: 412.682.0807 : email

"Really Great!"
Jumboband Makes Big Impression on Pittsburgh Blues Society
[Interview Excerpt]

Tonight we are at Buskers to see the Jumboband. I had a sneak preview of their set list, and it seems that they mix it up rather well - bit of Rockabilly, a little Country, a taste of Gospel, and all the while they keep one foot planted firmly in the Blues. In a little while, we'll interview the whole band to see where they are, where they've been, and where they are headed.

FM: That was one hell of a first set…You guys seemed to go all over the American map, a little bit of Memphis, a little bit of Mississippi, and really a bit of everything in there, but kept one foot in the Blues. I really liked what
I heard a whole lot, and it seemed like the crowd did too. You guys seem to have a mission here. Is it to teach people what they are listening to, or…?

MK: Our mission is to make money! No, no I'm kidding [laughter]. I've played in a lot of bands and played music I hated. This is the first time that I've had the chance to play with a nice group of people who can play, and who are open to songs that are not old chestnuts. We do songs that are ah…eclectic, for lack of a better word.

FM: So I guess you would like to avoid songs like "Mustang Sally", or "Sweet Home Chicago"…

KL: Yes. We've played those a few times already. Did you see the look on the faces in the crowd?

FM: Yeah, I was one of them! I see that everyone in the house seems to be very pleased by your selection… Especially that Gospel number, you guys really tore into that one.

FM: We all agree that too many bands go through the same old songs that we've heard a thousand times. You guys don't seem content to do that.

FM: There's not many bands in town that will stick their necks out and do Gospel music, let alone do it as well as you guys do. I understand that one of you had been doing Gospel for a while. Who might that be?

MK: I lived in Portland, Oregon for a while. There are a whole lot of storefront churches. I got in with this group called The Golden Eagles. I really got into it. It's all rhythm and blues. I'm not religious, but I'm religious about the music.

FM: Well that is a great thing, I mean really, the Blues has a whole lot to do with Gospel … Gospel had a lot to do with the singers that we hear within the blues and the feeling that's put into Gospel music is a lot of what you hear in the Blues today… A few names quickly come to mind…Aretha Franklin.

FM: Al Greene. I mean there are tons of top vocalists who come from Gospel… I noticed that you guys also do a little bit of Country music too… who's to blame for that? [Band laughs]

BH: If you put this music into genres, those genres bleed into one another. You know, like Ray Charles does a Country album, because when he was a kid, he listened to all of these different radio stations. We put these labels on music, but really, it's all over the board.Basically everything we do is vintage American music, It's all got its roots in America We do some contemporary stuff too, but that also compliments the roots stuff.

FM: I did notice the Tom Waits tune, and you did one hell of a job at that too! I was really impressed with your first set, and really guys, I mean you guys really sound great! I am hearing people talk all over town about the Jumboband, which is a good sign. In this town, talk is hard to come by. You guys are doing something unique.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Jumboband tore into 2 more sets, and they entertained the crowd with rare treats, and forgotten gems. Never boring or predictable, they are a group of very talented musicians. None of the fluff or extravagance, no extended solos, just plain good music. The combination of each musician adds in a bit of spice to make a tasty gumbo known as Jumboband. The Jumboband is a top-notch act that deserves to be noticed. The Pittsburgh Blues Society is very proud to have them associated with their organization. Make sure that you check them out soon!

"Hot Stuff" "Rockin" "Very Impressed" "Stimulating" "Wonderful"
"Eclectic mix of various styles blended together into their own sound"

In 2001 Bob Hartley (vocals) and Mark Keen (drums) had an idea for a band that played Vintage American Music, a mix of Chicago Blues, Memphis Soul with some traditional Gospel and Country thrown in.

That’s why Jumboband plays strictly covers. "There are so many great tunes to choose from," says Mark. "And, to be honest, I don’t think we could write tunes that can even come close. Very few people can."

Mark’s musical career has spanned over thirty years and several cities. For example, in his home state of West Virginia, he learned the musical traditions of Appalachia. And in Memphis, he played the Blues and Soul for which the city is famous.

Bob was raised on Chicago’s West Side, the stomping grounds of Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin’ Wolf. He spent much of his youth going from club to club and sitting in whenever possible. Plus, the sound of Gospel poured into the streets from the storefront churches of his neighborhood.

Rounding out the band’s sound is guitarist Ken Lamison.
"Ken is a very good player. He really provides the band with a dynamic sound," says Mark.

The band has received airplay on Pittsburgh’s WYEP (91.3), critical acclaim from The Pittsburgh Blues Society and praise from fans, club owners and festival coordinators alike. "We’re having a really good time," says Bob. "It’s hard not to with the type of music we’re playing."

Jumboband gigs

tunes