Backed by veteran bassist Larry Hirshberg and drummer Brandon Zimmer. Both Larry and BZ have several CDs to their credit and you can check out their sites on MySpace.
Influences
Way too many to list, but to name a few all-time favorites: Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Dawkins, Muddy Waters, the Allman Bros., Albert King, Elvin Bishop, Otis Rush, Earl Hooker, Albert Collins. Bader saw many of these artists and more as a teenager, forming the foundation of musical influences upon which he relies for strength and inspiration.
Sounds Like
Sounds like Mike Bader, with his unique mix of blues, funk, R & B, cajun, reggae and more. Reviewers have mentioned Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King, Dr. John and Little Milton. Listen and decide for yourself!
Born in 1958 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mike Bader got his first electric guitar when he was 12 and by 1971 he was playing live music. He has gained national recognition as a powerful artist who delivers high energy performances. Popular on the festival and special event circuit, the unique mix of uptempo funk, R & B, cajun, reggae and low-down boogie gives his blues a deeply rootsy, signature sound, conducive to dancing!
With strong songwriting skills, stinging guitar leads and smoky vocals, Bader has received widespread praise. His debut album, Clearcut Case of the Blues, was listed amongst the Top U.S. Blues Releases of 2004 in the international 11th Annual Real Blues Awards. Both Clearcut and his new followup album, Matches My Feelings, have received critical acclaim in publications across the U.S., Canada and Europe, and radio airplay in 30 states and 9 countries.
Bader has shared the bill on festival main stages with Curtis Salgado, Tommy Castro, James Harman, Lil’ Brian & the Zydeco Travelers, Big Jack Johnson, Carlos del Junco and many others. He performs regularly at clubs and festivals from Washington state to Wisconsin.
Backed by the veteran rhythm section of Larry Hirshberg on bass, and Brandon "BZ" Zimmer on drums, the band is often joined by guitarist Ron Meissner. Whether you’re looking for a headlining act or a firestarter to get the party going, whenever the Mike Bader Band is playing, there’s a good-time boogie going down!
