Bios
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Bob Deforge
(Guitar & Vocals)
Bob is from upstate New York but has lived in the Mid-Atlantic, South, Southwest, and Japan as a pilot in the Marine Corps. He started playing trumpet as a youngster, but when he first heard Jimi Hendrix he knew he wanted to learn to play guitar and bought himself a Fender Strat. Bob is self-taught, and his influences are rooted in the Blues, including Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa and, of course, Jimi Hendrix. He has played in many bands – including performing in a band that opened for ZZ Top in 2017.
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Sam Baumel
(Fiddle & Vocals)
Sam is from Yonkers, NY, but has spent most of his life in the DC area. His first violin lesson was at age 4…delivered by his father, a concert violinist. Raised on classical, ‘60’s AM radio, and ‘70’s classic rock, he got his first electric fiddle in high school and played into his late 20’s. After a two-decade hiatus, he returned to performing in 2015. With early influences that include Motown, Johnny Winter, Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie…blues has always been core to his style. Sam has performed with a range of independent artists at local venues, regional festivals and music cruises.
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Phil Hamm
(Bass & Vocals)
Philip was born in Syracuse, NY and has lived in Northern VA since high school. He started playing guitar in elementary school and was introduced to the bass at the age of nine, quickly learning to appreciate how the bass “drives the sound of the band.” Philip started performing in high school and has been playing bass guitar in DC-area bands since the 80s. His musical influences are broad, and the hallmark of his style is versatility. He has performed in bands ranging from blues, 80s glam metal to 90s alternative, classic rock to modern pop.
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Marc Zoellner
(Drums & Vocals)
Marc was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. In high school Marc worked as a session drummer at a Cleveland recording studio. Marc takes pride in being an “in the pocket drummer” driving songs with power, consistency and subtlety. His style is influenced by Steve Gadd, John Bonham, & Buddy Rich. Over the years Marc has shared the stage with BJ Thomas, J. Geils, and Travis Tritt. He has performed at venues throughout the U.S., including the House of Blues in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and at Hard Rock Cafés across the country.