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Allow us to introduce
ourselves:
Matty Spinelli is what every band needs to succeed. His easy-going style,
fantastic sense of humor, and great musicianship make him the ideal band
mate. The BluesHounds are thrilled to benefit from Matt's passion for
the blues and his high-energy guitar playing.
Born and
raised in the "Little Italy" section of New York City in 1960, Matty had
guitar lessons forced on him at the tender age of nine. Wanting nothing
more than to play sports, he gave up the guitar after just a few
lessons. By the time he got into high school, however, he began to get
serious about his playing. It was the summer of 1973 when Matty first
heard Layla by Derek and the Dominos. That led him to discover Eric
Clapton and his musical life changed forever. He picked up the guitar,
got a hold of some old blues albums and started to teach himself how to
play guitar. Over the next several years, Matty played in several bands
before settling in with three other classmates to form a rock band that
covered everything from the Eagles to Jeff Beck to
Cream.
By the
early 1980s, having grown tired of having to play the "new wave" music
that audiences were clamoring for at school dances and private parties,
Matty decided to hang up the guitar and work behind the scenes with other
local bands. By 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan single-handedly saved Matty's
faith in music. To this day, he credits Stevie with renewing his passion
for playing guitar.
Life
then happened and guitar playing was put on hold. Matty and his lovely wife
Rita moved to Phoenix in the early 1990s. Although he had little time
for the playing, the guitar was always in the back of Matt's mind and he
knew that one day he'd return. Two years ago he did just that. Dusting
off of his trusty '76 Strat and beautiful cherry-burst Les Paul, Matty
began taking lessons and found that rust came off his chops pretty
easily. Inspired by that (and by many of the guitar greats that he was
listening to), Matty sought out a group of musicians that shared his
passion for the blues which brought him straight to the BluesHounds.
SEE MATTY IN ACTION!
Vocalist Karin Carmen - A.K.A. Special K - belts out the blues
like a seasoned vet and brings a raspy emotional edge to the sound of
the Blueshounds.
Born in Augsburg, Germany in 1963, Special K grew up a military
brat, traveling worldwide with her family. The traveling didn't stop
once she got into the music business. Working as a professional
entertainer for over 25 years, she's lived in New York City, Miami,
Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Seattle, Tokyo, Bermuda, Lake Tahoe and
Brussels.
Although K has always had a love affair with the blues, this is
her first opportunity to really sing the blues exclusively. She started
her career in musical theater, branched out to top 40, R & B and Rock &
Roll and then went on to perform in large Las Vegas style productions.
In between, she worked on several original projects in the studio, one
of her favorites being a Memphis Blues album. You can view more
information about Special K's career
HERE.
Special K enjoys writing songs, playing keyboards and producing
music at her home studio in Anthem, AZ. When she's not singin' the blues she
paints murals for commercial buildings and residences. You can view her
work at www.coolrooms.us
Dennis "FLAVA" Valentine has a flavor all his own. The day he blew
into the Blueshound's rehearsal is a day we will never forget!
A legend in his own mind, Dennis began life thinking his first name was
"Turn it down!". He grew up emulating a vast genre of music, especially
the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Originally from the East Coast -
specifically Florida's West Coast - he migrated to the Washington
D.C./Maryland area where he lived for years. He now resides here in the
Southwest hiding from the Karma police.
Dennis has been in more bands, duos and solos than he can remember (yes, he grew up in the 60’s & 70’s). Having an ability to play many diverse styles of music as a multi instrumentalist enables him to add his two cents to the 'Hounds' … oh…and some sounds
and flavors as well.
Says Dennis "I really enjoy playing the blues because it is from our American roots and it's
rhythms, riffs and chops are our most basic of musical instincts. I also enjoy the improvisation form it takes on and relating that feel to our audience and them to us".
We feel fortunate to have the unique style and great
energy that Dennis brings to the Blueshounds. With this talented musician's sense
of humor, there is never a dull moment.
SEE DENNIS IN ACTION!
Says Dennis "I really enjoy playing the blues because it is from our American roots and it's
rhythms, riffs and chops are our most basic of musical instincts. I also enjoy the improvisation form it takes on and relating that feel to our audience and them to us".
We feel fortunate to have the unique style and great
energy that Dennis brings to the Blueshounds. With this talented musician's sense
of humor, there is never a dull moment.
After taking 10 years off from playing music, Lynn
decided to pick up her bass and start playing again. She owes thanks and
gratitude to some fellow musicians for encouraging her to do so
last Spring. Lynn is the newest member of the Hounds and is a welcome
addition. She looks forward to lots of fun gigs and making new friends
(and no doubt new fans) along the way!
We have no idea where Kenny came from or what his
background is. We speculate he may be in the witness protection program
but no one knows for sure. One day we hope he'll let us in on a few of
his secrets.....
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