Fountain Of Blues

The Fountain of Blues has been around for a good couple of years. Judy Buchman, a veteran professional singer, (blues, jazz, show tunes, classical) returned to live in NYC after spending many years in Tel Aviv, Israel, and after having survived the suicide bombing at Mike’s place, a popular Tel Aviv blues bar where she performed regularly at the jam (see www.bluesbythebeachfilm.com).Judy sought a blues jam in Manhattan and stumbled upon The Studio. After attending several Saturday night jams in the Blues Rooms, Judy encountered several great musicians including John Birdsall, a charming and versatile harmonica player and dedicated student of Jonathan Kalb (see jonathankalb.net).Well, John Birdsall brought in the wonderful and multi-talented Tom Pragliola on percussion. Tom has been kickin’around with different showcase bands in NYC over the years. He occasionally sat in on percussion with the Rolling Bones, and he formed and played with “The Jacks”, [whose vocalist, Sandra Langerstrom, now leads her own band in NY, “Sandstorm”]. After a brief stint with Gypsy Blue, Tom also drummed for “TJ and The Hellcats”, and most notably, has sat in occasionally with Jonathan Kalb.Well, Tom brought in Dennis McGann, an excellent and well known bass player around New York who often performs at Kenny’s Castaways.Aaron Comins, a trained and versatile musician, has recently joined us on keyboard.With the great Chris Botta now on lead guitar and some of the vocals, the Fountain of Blues plays a mixture of old fashioned blues standards (Billie Holliday, Koko Taylor, Howlin’ Wolfe, Little Walter), plus some upbeat modern blues/rock tunes (Etta James, Joanna Connor), as well as oldies but goodies. [Our kudos go to John Panessidi and TJ Hogarty (lead guitar) for some of the tracks included on our page, and to Eric Heilner (keyboard).]Judy touches on her innermost feelings when performing and enjoys using her wide vocal range, true to the Etta James style. We are constantly expanding our repertoire and love to keep our audience entertained.The Fountain of Blues has performed at the Clinton Cove Fesitval, The Bitter End, Kenny's Castaways, The Red Star, The Underscore, National Underground and Connolly's, and is currently in contact with other venues. All performances are posted.