The SnakeShakers are an electrifying, four-piece blues band from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Formed in 1998, they have, through hard work and perseverance, earned the respect and praises of the Oklahoma blues-loving community. There seems to be a current emanating from the band which flows into the crowd and, for those who love to dance, this band is crowd ready!
The SnakeShakers bring to their audience an infectious, rollicking blues-inspired atmosphere that invites audiences to jump to their feet and groove on the dance floor. Their sound is influenced by the likes of Buddy Guy, Etta James, Janis Joplin, B. B. King, Eric Clapton and the late blues guitar greats, Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. They pay homage to the urban electric blues and classic traditions, seasoned with their own personal touch of funk and style. A SnakeShakers performance features a wonderful mix of unique interpretations of timeless classics, lesser known cover tunes, as well as a wealth of original tunes that have become requested favorites by the band's loyal following and can now be found on their debut CD "Shake These Blues" released March 2001.
The SnakeShakers exciting live act has garnered them praise from the press and radio alike. Hardluck Jim, (Jim Johnson) host of The Weekend Blues, KGOU & KROU radio in Norman, Oklahoma, stated "The SnakeShakers have the "just right" combination of talent, commitment, and charm". "In sum, The SnakeShakers are going somewhere... and it is my best advice that you make it a point to catch them along the way." Aletha Dewbry wrote in the Nov. 1999, Blue Thru Oklahoma column, published in Southwest Blues magazine, Dallas, Texas, "This is a tight band from head to toe, and man, are they crowd ready." "They absolutely ooze positive energy." "I'm telling ya, The SnakeShakers are electrifying!" Former Oklahoma Blues Society President, Jim Shadowen described the band as, "Talented and ambitious, The SnakeShakers are poised to explode onto the national blues scene." "Blues lovers will soon be enjoying this band at major festivals throughout the country."
The SnakeShakers bring together a collection of talented and experienced musicians. Pushing The SnakeShakers forward rhythmically is Tim Lykins on drums and Jeremy Burgin on bass guitar. With great emotion and intensity, guitarist Chris Henson brings together the original SnakeShakers sound. Fueling these already hot flames is the group's fiery centerpiece..."Pinkie"! On stage, Pinkie's sexuality and vocal prowess begs for comparison to the late Janis Joplin. And though that might be compliment enough and, in fact, the truest comparison one might make, Pinkie is not an emulator. Her voice has the power and passion of a classic blues belter. She nspires her audience with her emotionally intense vocals and engaging personality. Her style alternates between soft, sexy and hypnotic to the intensely raw, blues belting, hair tossing, passionate wailing that brings audiences to their feet. Chris Henson contributes his powerhouse vocals and smooth guitar work. His impeccable playing skill enables him to express his great depth of feeling through his music. Crisp and clean, he lets you hear every note as the music envelops you and moves you to what is happening. His original guitar compositions, combined with the writing experience of "Pinkie", creates the original blues material that showcases the band's best features to full advantage.
The Band:
PINKIE - vocals
CHRIS HENSON - guitar
JEREMY BURGIN - bass
TIM LYKINS - drums
Check out www.snakeshakers.com for more info!
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