September 24, 2013
For Immediate Release
International Blues Challenge
The Delta Swamp Rat’s Tony Smith On Harmonica and Steve Arvey on Guitar (and Rat Trap) have won the Suncoast Blues Societies’ Solo /Duo International Blues Challenge Competition, Sunday, September 22nd at Aces Lounge in Bradenton, Florida. They will be heading to Memphis, Tennessee in January to compete in the 2014 International Blues Challenge.
The Swamp Rat’s Mission is to bring the Raw Delta sounds of the late 40’s back to life. This sound that the band creates is called “Mississippi Delta Funk“. Cigar Box Guitars and Deep Tone Wailing Harmonica is mixed with a percussive drum kit that Arvey calls the “Rat Trap“.
This is very hard edged Blues, Boogie, Swamp and Funk crafted from out of the deep south and molded in their own style.
“Tony and I are very proud that we are representing the Suncoast Blues Society who won the award last year with Selwyn Birchwood. I know the competition will be tough with artists from all over the world. But we have a sound thats unique with a lot of Mojo”
Steve Arvey was Born in Chicago in 1957. He has recorded 15 CDʼs and has toured the World numerous times playing festivals and concerts. He started in Chicago on Maxwell Street performing, recording and working with many great Blues Icons. Check out over 1000 videos of him playing blues on the Internet.
Tony Smith on Harmonica has worked and toured with many great Blues players and has a love of the Blues playing Deep Tone Mojo Based Harmonica.
Learn more about the band at their website.
