Steve Guyger

Steve Guyger (born September 12, 1952) is an American Chicago blues harmonica player, singer, and songwriter. He has recorded five albums since 1997,[1] having previously backed Jimmy Rogers for almost fifteen years.[2]

Steve Guyger
Born (1952-09-12) September 12, 1952
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
GenresChicago blues, electric blues, swamp blues[1]
Occupation(s)Harmonicist, singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Harmonica, vocals
Years activeLate 1970s–present
LabelsVarious including Severn Records
Websitewww.steveguyger.com

Rick Estrin, from Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, referred to Guyger in the liner notes of one of the latter's albums as "a true master of the blues harmonica."[2] Guyger has played with Rogers, Charlie Musselwhite, Little Sammy Davis and Mark Hummel, and is proficient in both diatonic and chromatic instruments.[3]

Biography

Guyger was born in Philadelphia, and initially studied guitar for five years before his future sister-in-law gave him a harmonica as a gift. Inspired by watching various blues musicians following trips to both New York and Chicago, Guyger formed his own band in the late 1970s. Personnel came and went and he changed the name of the band to the Excellos in 1980, who steadily built up a growing reputation playing in both Philadelphia and New York.[2] Guyger started backing Jimmy Rogers in 1980, and played with him until just before Rogers' death in 1997.[4][5] That same year Guyger's debut album, Last Train to Dover, was released.[1]

In 1999, Severn Records released Guyger's third album, Past Life Blues.[1][6]

In 2008, Guyger performed at the Lucerne Blues Festival.[7] His most recent album, Radio Blues was released in March the same year to critical acclaim.[4][8][9] His guest musicians included Johnny Moeller.[10] The following year his work saw Guyger nominated for a Blues Music Award.[11]

In 2010, he issued an instructional DVD, entitled Blues Harmonica, published by the Hal Leonard Corporation. He currently endorses Hohner harmonicas.[11]

Discography
YearTitleRecord label
1997Last Train to DoverBlues Leaf Records
1998Live at DinosaurHorseplay
1999Past Life BluesSevern Records
2006Down Home Old School Country Blues (with Richard Ray Farrell)Bluebeet
2008Radio BluesSevern Records

[1]

See also

References
  1. "Steve Guyger - Music Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  2. "Steve Guyger: Blue Collar Blues, Part I: Building A Foundation". Bluesart.at. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  3. "Lucerne Blues Festival 2012 - Steve Guyger". Bluesfestival.ch. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  4. "STLBlues Reviews - Steve Guyger - Radio Blues". Stlblues.net. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  5. Doc Rock. "The Dead Rock Stars Club 1996 - 1997". Thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  6. "Steve Guyger & The Excellos". Bluesmgtgroup.com. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  7. "Lucerne Blues Festival 2012 - Artists 2008". Bluesfestival.ch. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  8. "Fame Review: Steve Guyger - Radio Blues". Acousticmusic.com. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  9. Henderson, Alex (2008-03-18). "Radio Blues - Steve Guyger : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  10. "Radio Blues - Steve Guyger : Credits". AllMusic. 2008-03-18. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  11. "Steve Guyger". Steveguyger.com. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
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