Michael Locke was raised in South Florida and began playing guitar when he was seven. Michael’s father was a jazz aficionado and saturated Michael with the genius of artists such as Lester Young, Count Basie, Sonny Rollins, Coleman Hawkins, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sonny Stitt and, Michael’s mentors – Ira Sullivan and Joe Diorio.
Michael attended the University of Miami, majoring in Jazz Guitar. But then he heard the Blues! He found that in Blues music he could completely and freely express himself.
He moved to San Francisco in the early 90’s and fell under the tutelage of his now close friend and longtime bluesman, Johnny Nitro. Thanks to Johnny’s encouragement, Michael developed his own style and set off on his own to front an electric blues trio.
Michael has played his blistering yet soulful guitar from coast to coast. He has performed with or opened for the likes of BB King, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, W.C. Clark, CoCo Montoya, Sonny Rhodes, Walter Trout, Ben E. King, Del Shannon, Little Anthony, Jimmy Johnson, Otis Rush and Chuck Berry.
Michael now calls Southwest Ohio his home and continues to receive praise as one of the premier blues guitarists in the area.
Da’Rosa Hathaway Richardson – Keyboards
Da’Rosa Hathaway Richardson was born and raised in Dayton Ohio by his mother, sister, and brother. He began playing drums when he was 3! and became infatuated while sitting on the drums playing and watching or just listening to keyboard, piano and organ players like the great Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, Dino Kartsonakis, Joey DeFrancesco, Rudolph Stansfield, Keith Leak, Gary Lewis, Frank McComb, Jason White, PJ Morton and Pastor Samuel N. Winston. Da’Rosa attended the university of C.O.G.I.C. , P.A.W. , N.B.C.U.S.A.I. , Motown and Stax off and on studying Musicology and how to by a Levite. Da’Rosa Hathaway Richardson never wanted or had a dead man come out of the cemetery and tune or play his keyboard like Howlin Wolf but there is a man that came down and spiritually touched him and tuned his keyboard and ears back in nineteen and eighty this man who still yet lives – his name is Jesus Christ………”thanks for the gift!”
Stephen Keith – Drums
Stephen Keith was born and raised in Dayton Ohio where he started playing drums at a very young age. Taking note of his every move was his mother; who quickly involved him in the local church children’s band, as well as private music lessons. By the time Stephen was in the sixth grade he was already playing percussion for the University of Dayton’s Ebony Heritage Singers Gospel Choir. He has always taken his music and musicianship very seriously, which has led him to work with multiple national artists, such as: Tonya Baker, Jonathan Dunn, Grammy Award winning producer Kevin Bond, Joe Pace, Keith Leak, and more.
Stephen has always stayed close to his “church roots” which has kept him grounded and level-headed. He currently serves as the Musical Director “MD” at the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where he has been a member since birth. He believes that your talents will open doors for you; however it is your character that will determine how long those doors stay open. Stephen is a firm believer that as a musician you never stop learning, and that there will always be someone that can teach you new things. However it is up to you to take advantage of it!!
Stephen considers himself to be a well rounded musician. Not just a drummer!! When you hear him play, you will realize that he is not just the average “church drummer”, but indeed a true musician in his own way. As he plays, he listens to all of the other parts that are being played, and vibes off of everything musical that is going on around him. Thus making the music that much more enjoyable for him, his band members and the crowd.
Some of Stephen’s inspirations include: Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Cauliuta, Steve Smith, Steve Gadd, Terry Baker, Calvin Rodgers, Tony Royster, Buddy Rich, Ed Thigpin, and Art Blakey. As well as a host of other musicians who don’t even play drums!! All of these great players have somehow inspired him to become the musician that he is today.
Stephen is certainly a blessed musician and always thanks God for the indescribable gift that He has given.
LISTEN AND ENJOY!!!!!!!!