THE BLUES EXPRESS
Electronic Press Kit
“As badass a blues ensemble as there is”
New England’s premier blues band, The Blues Express, is getting nationwide attention, and more and more people every day are seeing what the excitement is about.
The Blues Express is a high-energy group of New Hampshire musicians led by a longtime stalwart of the local music scene, bassist Mickey Maguire. Along with Mickey, a pair of 18-year-olds anchors the band.
One of these kids is the remarkable high-octane guitarist, singer and songwriter Nick “Old Soul” Spencer, whose songs, which are steeped in the blues tradition and yet as up-to-date as today’s chart-toppers, form the heart of the band’s output. Then on drums there is Nick’s classmate at Berklee School of Music, “Magic” Sebastian Keen, who is often joined by the stellar local drummer Harrison Foti for some serious percussion pyrotechnics.
Rounding out the roster is another experienced hand to guide the young ones: Pat Herlehy, a dynamic saxophonist who has played with blues luminaries including Mighty Sam McClain.
In March, the Blues Express traveled to Nashville to record its first album, Choose Love. Producing the album was the renowned musician Tom Hambridge, who produced the last nine albums of blues star Buddy Guy, appears in the new movie Sinners with Guy and other bluesmen, and has worked with virtually every great blues artist who is active today.
After finishing work on Choose Love, which consists of ten songs by “Old Soul” and two by Mickey, Hambridge said simply: “This is a great album.” The band plans to have it out in early summer as the cornerstone of its summer tour.
Holding it all together is Mickey Maguire. A New Hampshire resident for many years now, Mickey learned his craft from no lesser a guide than Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson, the legendary blues guitarist who played in the band of blues pioneer Muddy Waters, and even appeared in the Blues Brothers movie.
Luther lived in New Hampshire for many years, and mentored young Mickey Maguire along with numerous other local blues artists. Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson passed away on Christmas Day 2022, but his spirit lives on in Mickey Maguire and the Blues Express. “Luther is 100% still with me every day,” says Mickey, and if the rave reviews the band is receiving are any indication, Luther is smiling upon the group Mickey has put together.
In early April, the band appeared before an enthusiastic crowd at Tupelo Music Hall to play a benefit concert for Better Way to Help, a New Hampshire charity for those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Better Way to Help specifically requested that the Blues Express appear, explaining that when the band plays, “the groove is deep, the horns are hot, and the rhythm never stops. This powerhouse collective delivers straight-ahead, feel-good blues with a driving beat and that classic, dance-floor energy. From smoky slow burns to up-tempo shuffles, The Blues Express brings the kind of tight musicianship and soulful swagger that keeps crowds moving all night long.”
New England blues impresario Paul E. Benjamin, who sponsors blues festivals in this area as well as in Florida and has featured the Blues Express in both regions, says: “Bring your dancing shoes for the Blues Express Band. This high energy band will have you dancing the night away!” Frank T. Walsh, the producer and host of “Talk n Tunes,” remarks: “If you haven't seen these guys, especially the dynamic young phenom, Nick Spencer on guitar, you should make it a point to do so. They are so talented and entertaining. Buckle up and check them out.”
Absolutely in awe after one memorable Blues Express gig, the Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Massachusetts wrote: “Young guitar slinger Nick Spencer absolutely tore it up and threw the confetti on an audience riveted to him. Then drummer Harrison Foti took over and did one of the baddest drum solos ever seen at The Fallout Shelter… more jaws hit the floor! Mickey Maguire handled vocals and bass like the master thumping bass player he is… The Blues Express is all of that!!! The first thought is… ‘Are you kidding me?? This is as outstanding a blues ensemble as there is!!’”
That it is. And it could soon be one of New Hampshire’s best-known and most beloved exports.
Book the Blues Express for your event by calling 1-603-562-5521 or email fix4u55@gmail.com.
Book The Blues Express
Contact Mickey Maguire
fix4u55@gmail.com
(603) 562-5521
123 Concord Street
Peterborough, NH 03458