Notes
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Blues Merchants are a group of 4 seasoned musicians that have merged their talents to produce a unique blend of traditional blues literature, blues based rock tunes and original compositions performed in a style unique to the group. Guitarist, vocalist, & songwriter Chris Kepes has worked with the likes of Dayton, Ohio based blues veteran Piney Brown on the blues circuit and toured nationally with The Alex Glover Show based in New Jersey and the Robin Lewis Band from Las Vegas. Chris formed the group MoeStCool with drummer Dave Koenig in 2003, which morphed into The Blues Merchants in early 2006 with the addition of keyboardist Bob Nave, and bassist King Phillip Buscema. Drummer Dave Koenig has been playing drums for 40 years in an assortment of various jazz and rock groups as well as forays in to the orchestra pit bands of the musical theatre. In addition to his work with The Blues Merchants Dave currently holds down the drum chair of the Monday Night Big Band in Anderson Township, Ohio. Bassist, guitarist, vocalist King Phillip has been a regular on the Cincinnati blues scene since the mid sixties. As a guitarist he has worked with Steve Tracy, Albert Washington, Pigmeat Jarret, Alice Hoskins, and the Cheryl Renee Band. He played bass with the Cincinnati Blues All Stars. King also played guitar and bass on Joe Duskin's studio recordings. Although best known as a jazz radio host for the past 25 years on WNOP and WVXU in Cincinnati, keyboard player & vocalist Bob Nave started playing in rhythm & blues bars and dance halls in 1958. Bob was a founding member of the acclaimed Lemon Pipers in the 60's, and was the recipient of a Cammy award for lifetime achievement in 2003. In the 90's Bob was a guest on two albums and occasional gigs with the Greg Schaber Band based in Cincinnati.
