Recording artist Terraplane Blues takes you back to the juke joint...back to the Delta...back to your roots. As 2000 International Blues Challenge Finalist (the largest battle of the bands in the world), this six-piece band defines diversity. Men and women, black and white, young and mature, electric and acoustic all meeting on a common ground, the blues.
Swampy guitars, raunchy harp, and a crunchy rhythm section combine to advance the cause. Lead vocalist, Jennifer Wright, is one superb blues diva in the true blues tradition, showering audiences with a full range of emotions. Her voice will mesmerize you.
Terraplane Blues' credits include performances with Koko Taylor, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Big Bill Morganfield, Buddy Guy, Johnnie Bassett, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Vivino, Levon Helm, David Johansen, Janiva Magness, Deanna Bogart and Louisiana Red, plus opening performances for Chuck Berry, Little Richard, John Hammond, Shemekia Copeland and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Their 1998 debut CD release, 'Yesterday's Blues', mixes traditional blues with well-crafted originals, ranging from the dusty roads of the Mississippi Delta to the urban sprawls of America. They released their 2nd CD in July 2004, titled 'Jubilee Stomp'. Track #12, I've Got To Sing, became a semi-finalist in the 2005 International Songwriting Competition (11,000 entrants). Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation voted CD 'Jubilee Stomp' as the 2005 Best Self-Produced CD. Simply said, Terraplane Blues deeply cares about 'the Blues'...and it shows!
Terraplane Blues can provide a versatile selection of pieces, from a solo acoustic guitar, to a duo with harmonica or keys, all the way to the standard 6-piece band, with the option of adding a horn section and/or piano. In addition, DJ services can be provided during the band breaks at a nominal fee.
Some artists Terraplane Blues opened for, shared the bill and/or performed with:
Koko Taylor, Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, John Hammond, Big Bill Morganfield, Guy Davis, Johnnie Bassett, Louisiana Red, Buddy Guy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Shemekia Copeland, Canned Heat, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, NRBQ,
Rod Piazza, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Vivino, David Johansen, Debbie Davies, Lonnie Shields, Georgie Bonds, Southside Johnny, Levon Helm, Deanna Bogart, Janiva Magness, Sam Bluzman Taylor, Magic Slim & The Teardrops.
NOTEWORTHY
• June 2004 - Jennifer Wright (Terraplane Blues) sings with Koko Taylor at the Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank, NJ). Koko Taylor asks Jennifer to sing with her on tour at various prestigious festivals (details TBA).
• June 2004 – Deanna Bogart wails on saxophone and sings harmony with vocalist Jennifer Wright at the show Women Who Cook.
• 2004 – Terraplane Blues releases 2nd CD Jubilee Stomp.
• 2003 – Gary Wright (Terraplane Blues) plays slide guitar and sings Howlin’ Wolf number with the Howlin’ Wolf Tribute Band at The Stone Pony (Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Vivino, Levon Helm, David Johansen, Southside Johnny). He also played guitar in the back up band for Lonnie Shields & Georgie Bonds at the same show.
• 2001 – Phil Proctor and Gary Wright sit in on harmonica with Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers.
• 2000 International Blues Challenge Finalist (largest battle of the band in the world). Produced by The Blues Foundation, Memphis, TN. Grammy winner Ruth Brown hears Terraplane Blues perform her song, Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean.
• 2000 – 2003 Asbury Music Awards Nominee for Top Blues Act and Top Female Vocalist.
• 2000 – Jennifer Wright sings with Handy Award winner Johnnie Bassett at Jason’s Jazz & Blues Club.
• 1999 Lehigh Valley Blues Network Competition Winner. Shemekia Copeland and Michael Cloeren (producer of Poconos Blues Festival) were 2 of the 5 judges.
• 1999 – Big Bill Morganfield (son of Muddy Waters) sits in on guitar with Terraplane Blues at Blues, Brews & BBQ (Jackson, NJ). Jersey Style quotes him saying “My daddy always used to reach out and help upcoming musicians. The Terraplanes seem like great people, and I’m going to go on over and jam with them now.”
• 1999 – Debut CD, Yesterday’s Blues, receives international attention on the radio airways in various countries including Germany, Poland, Australia, Denmark, Macedonia, England & Italy.
• 1998 – Terraplane Blues releases debut CD Yesterday’s Blues.
• 1996 – Terraplane Blues begins their juke joint journey as a sextet (female vocal, slide guitar, rhythm guitar, harmonica, bass & drums).