Established by Austin Blues legends Erbie Bowser and TD Bell (both deceased) the band has performed around the world and continues to innovate in the area of the blues. Up and coming projects are a new and long-awaited CD to include some originals recorded by TD Bell prior to his passing, and originals written by current band members.
The current makeup of the band includes original bandmember/bandleader Mel Davis on vocals, harmonica, sax, the son of TD Bell Lawrence Hammond on keyboards, Rob Richardson on guitar, Louis Thompson on sax, Pete McClarin on bass and Weldon Gentry on drums. The Blues Specialists play traditional Texas jump blues with a tinge of jazz. The roots of the music center around T-Bone Walker who influenced TD Bell and is cousin to Mel Davis.
They put out an album in 1992 which was voted best blues album in Austin for that year. It was a finalist for the W.C. Handy Award for traditional blues album of the year in 1993
The Band plays every Friday at the Continental Club during happy hour. Visit their website. Get their music at CDBaby.
