Tomas Esparza was born in Mexico City in 1962. His father was known as a good singer, and the music of Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, and the guitar trio Los Panchos made an impression on young Tomas, along with the sounds of the streets and markets of Colonia San Rafel in Mexico city.

He first heard blues music when B.B. King and John Mayall appeared on Mexican television. Relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1985, Tomas saw harmonica great William Clarke play live, and event which proved to be a watershed moment for Tomas. "I knew at that moment that I had to do that", says Tomas. Years of practice and study of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Rod Piazza and others, set him on his way.

Receiving tips and advice from Junior Wells, Steve Guyger, and George "Wild Child" Butler, among others, Tomas began making his mark as one of the most energetic and exciting harmonica players, both working with local bands, and with his own band.

Tomas has opened shows for Charlie Musselwhite, James Harman, and Harmonica Shah, and his band has served as a backing band for ex-Fleetwood Mac guitar great Jeremy Spencer. He performed at Bluesfest International in Windsor, Ontario, and at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, as well as at some of the most prominent blues clubs in Michigan.

Tomas has succeeded at the rare task of creating something original, using the building blocks of the traditional harmonica greats of the 1950s, all the while being true to himself and incorporating the music he heard as a child in Mexico City.

His passion for Chicago Blues, and his electrifying energy, have opened many listener's ears and eyes to the power of the Blues. Working his own band, the Tomas Esparza Blues Experience, or fronting Detroit area band the Boa Constrictors, few harmonica players can channel the energy and feeling of the greats, yet combine their own soul to create something so deep and individual. Tomas is a man who feels has found his true calling: "I really think I was born to play the Blues".

Harry Oman was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He was first exposed to blues via his Mother's record collection: Blind Lemon Jefferson, John Lee Hooker, Missisippi John Hurt, Leadbelly, and more. Later influences are B.B. King, "Gatemouth" Brown, and Muddy Waters. Early guitar studies proved fruitful, and Harry has toured the U.S., Europe, and Canada with fine blues artists including Alberta Adams, James Harman, Harmonica Shah, and Eddie Kirkland. He has played at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, Pocono Blues festival in Pennsylvania, and Springblues festival in Ecaussinnes, Belgium, as well as many points between. Harry has known Tomas for 10 years, and is pleased to be contributing his guitar work to the band.

Gregg Morrison was born and raised in Detroit and growing up in "Motown" Gregg is well versed in that "fat-back bottom sound". At the age of 12, Gregg was fortunate enough to see B.B. King and Duke Ellington perform live. These performances would stick with him as he developed as a bassist. Gregg attributes his music style to James Jameson - a Session Motown Bassist. One can easily spot Gregg on stage wearing his trademark sunglasses. "I wear these things because I have to stare at headlights all night." - Gregg Morrison

Kirk Barkel started playing piano at the age of 5 when his father bought one with money he made from driving a milk truck. Primarily self taught, he played in his high school jazz band and the ARMY which he enrolled in only 2 days after graduating. While in the ARMY band, he had the chance to mingle with musicians from around the world. From 1975-78' he attended a music school in Texas. Some musicians who have influenced Kirk are Katie Webster, Dr. John, Professor Long Hair, and Jimmy Smith. Kirk now finds himself residing and playing in and around the Eastmanville area. "The Eastmanville Swamp Boogie is my clame to fame." - Kirk Barkell

Steve McLean is an outstanding Drummer that has an extensive background in all musical styles. Starting out as early as junior high school in marching, jazz, and orchestral bands. His playing reflects his performing experiences having traveled half way around the world from California to England, and all points in between. His major influences rest mostly in the Jazz, Motown, and Funk genres, and he enjoys playing the Blues. He has played in all types of bands, including rock, country, blues, funk, and variety bands, "I enjoy mixing it up." - Steve Mclean

Early In The Morning
Eyesight To The Blind
Help Me
Alright
Five Long Years
Hands Out Of My Pocket
Born In Chicago
One Way Out
EVIL
Poor Boy
Your Funeral My Trial
Mississippi River
Worried About You Baby
Little Schoolgirl
Little Red Rooster
Mojo Working
Same Thing
You Don't Love Me
300 Pounds Of Joy
Love The Woman

Originals

Mita Nena Bonita
Ibuprofen & Coffee
Love is Pain
Oohgy Boogie Baby
Somein' Bout You Baby
Blues My Best Friend
One Time Lover
I Tell You People
Ride With Me