Each year in conjunction with the International Blues Challenge, the
Blues Foundation allows affiliates such as Ozark Blues Society to submit one CD to the Best Self Produced CD Competition. This year's winner of the Ozark Blues Society Best Self-Produced competition is...
The E-Flat Porch Band!
The band is named for the porch in McKinney, Texas where the members first practiced - it resonates to the key of E-Flat. Duane Brown and Rudy Littrell form the core of the band, entertaining with their unique blend of acoustic “porch music,” including folk, Blues, early country, jazz and original tunes. As “angst-
free” acoustic musicians, they play serious music without taking themselves too seriously. This “Porch Music” is played on acoustic instruments and pays homage to our varied Texas musical roots. It is influenced by Country Blues, Texas folk music, Jazz and swing standards, and Depression Era country songwriters. Guitar playing styles include finger picking and slide guitar. Other instruments include the acoustic bass, harmonica, cymbal, and a drum-like
instrument of their own design made from a wooden soda pop box. This is a small band with a big sound. The band is on the Touring Artist Roster of the Texas Commission on the Arts, and they offer workshops and performances for a variety of age groups, including school and library performances. They have been playing together for over 16 years, and have three CDs, Porch Music, Pork Chop Night, and No Unauthorized Play. Rudy Littrell is a self-proclaimed recovering percussionist," Rudy has the coordination to play 4 instruments at one time -- acoustic bass, high hat, harmonica, and a wooden soda pop box. Duane Brown has been making music since he was a kid, when he strummed the broom (today it’s a guitar and harmonica) and sang Roger Miller songs for the neighbors. The E-Flatters present an educational and entertaining introduction to folk music, to enable the audience to understand and appreciate the folk roots of today’s music. They recognize and pay homage to many Texas musicians, who have had an important role in influencing music trends everywhere. Through their original songs, they carry on a tradition of creativity in its musical form.
Check them out!
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