By Danny Coleman
originally published: 04/28/2016
"The blues? Well, we, ya' know; it's kind of indigenous to where I grew up. I grew up in Texas and Louisiana and it's kind of embedded in our culture; I've always been drawn to it," explained a laughing Lance Lopez as he elaborated on his enthusiasm, career and love of the blues. "I sawStevie Ray Vaughn and B.B. King when I was 12 years old and I've been on a journey ever since."
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana; Lance's family moved to Dallas, Texas when he was 12 years old and it was here that his love of the guitar and the blues was born. "When I went to see B.B. King with Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. was supposed to be the headliner but being the gracious man he was; he let Stevie take that role being that it was in his hometown. Turns out that was Stevie's last performance in his hometown because he died shortly after that in the crash. Stevie was a hugeJimi Hendrix fan and watching him play Hendrix drew me right to the blues. Seeing B.B. and Stevie play together at that show; that was the first blues jam that I ever witnessed and man was I hooked."
Lopez was hooked well enough to where he worked feverishly at learning the guitar and by the young age of 14 began performing professionally. "My parents divorced when I was a kid and my mom lived in Texas and my dad in Louisiana; when I was 14 I moved into my dad's in New Orleans. By then I had really immersed myself in the guitar and when I had gotten good enough to play out, my dad took me to various music halls and bars with open mics and jams and I started performing and networking with other players; so yeah, I started gigging out as a teen aged kid (laughs)."
The age of 17 saw Lopez touring with "Soul great" Johnnie Taylor. After getting his feet wet on a six month tour; he embarked on multiple world tours with blues legend Lucky Peterson; where Lance found himself Lucky's band leader. While on tour with Peterson, Lopez met Band Of Gypsys drummer Buddy Miles and the two became fast friends; so much so that Lopez did a short run as the guitarist for the Buddy Miles Express. Buddy's guidance and connections led to Lopez's eventual debut album; 1998's "First Things First."
Lance began working even harder on his solo career following this first release and continued to tour and stockpile connections and enlist the help of old childhood friends; even becoming friendly with the Vaughn family. However, like so many artists, the business side of things and personal struggles can lead to difficulties and despite producing several albums for a small indie label from 2003-2007; Lance needed a break. "I had a lot of personal issues and was changing record labels," he said somewhat subdued. "I was trying to get my style back, my label had pigeon holed me but it's all good now. I used to try and do everything on my own and I wanted to do what I wanted to do but taking the break and signing with a different label has allowed for a big evolution of my music. I've started working with a producer now, I've used co-writers and I'm letting others help me."
Some of the "Others" he is referring to are rock legends such as ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons,former Allman Brothers Band and current Gov't Mule great Warren Haynes and Robben Ford. This cast also includes the top notch bassist Fabrizio Grossi and former John Mellencamp drummer Kenny Aronoff. "I'm very lucky, I've known Billy since I was 15 years old and to have him and the others on this new project is outstanding."
The project to which he is referring is his current band and their debut CD. The band is called Supersonic Blues Machine and the CD is titled "Dr. Z Presents Supersonic Blues Machine West Of Flushing, South Of Frisco." "Well, Dr. Z is our bass player Fabrizio and he came up with the band name. I mean blues and rock is where my heart is at and to be able to have him and Walter Trout and Chris Duarte and Eric Gales also on board was like a dream come true. These guys are not only my influences but they're my friends too. I remember Billy Gibbons and I sitting around in the studio and we were re-working some songs; Billy and I have always had lots of chemistry, he's so easy to jam with and he picks up the phone and calls Fabrizio. He was like, "Hey what are you up to these days?" Fabrizio was familiar with me so he came down and the chemistry was instant. Playing with Warren and Kenny was like a dream come true; I'm a lucky guy, I really am."
Currently, this Texas gunslinger is performing locally near and around his Dallas home but says that there is a European tour scheduled for this summer and a U.S. tour in the fall. Lopez is an engaging personality and an amazingly talented guitarist whose burning passion for his music and the blues is exceeded only by his white hot licks. A must see act for sure and one that will leave you rockin' long after you've left the concert hall.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Amalfi's Restaurant146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville
(609) 912-1599
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Smoked Ice
Sat. 8:30 p.m. The Prophets
Amarones Windsor Inn29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Ottmar
Fri. 8 p.m. Rockin' Rhythm
Sat. 8 p.m. After Dark
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers St. Trenton
Thurs. 7 p.m. Social Repose, T Train, (TBA). All ages, $12/$15
Fri. 5 p.m. Headbang For The Highway Presents: "The Battle For The Summer Slaughter Tour" feat. Weary Travelers, Emrys, Shattered Skin, Collapse, Unconscious, 609, (TBA). All ages, $15
Sat. 5 p.m. "Cancer Benefit For Michael Bevilacqua" feat. Beyond Dishonor, We...Our War, Triggered Impulse, Bahscumbug, The Emtila Strain, Sunbreaker, (TBA). Allages, $10 (suggested donation)
Sun. 5 p.m. The Aberration, Goblet, Amnivor, Kold Blooded. All ages, $8
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Carrie Jackson Quartet. $10 (cover charge)
Chickies & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
Cream Ridge Winery145 Route 539, Allentown
(609) 259-9797
Sat. (2 p.m.) John & Maggs (6 p.m.)Ronnie Brandt
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Jeff Selby
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Visoon (9 p.m.) CP Duo
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Heather Heather
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (3 p.m.) Dustin Beck & the Wild Bunch
Wed. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson
Fran's Pub116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Glory Days Tavern1200 Hornberger Ave. Roebling
(609) 499-0896
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Audio Pilot
Halo Pub4617 Nottingham Way, Hamilton
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. Ja-Tun
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street. New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 10 p.m. College "Beat The Clock Night" w/ DJ Prince
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Dance party w/ DJ "Josiah"
Sat. 8 p.m. Christine Martucci
Sun. 1:30 p.m. Uncle Ernie & Patron Platinum Present: "Shad Fest 2016" feat. The Naturals
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Live, Local and Unplugged" w/ Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Ambeance the Duo
Fri. 6 p.m. Hopewell Valley Jazz Ensemble
Sat. 6 p.m. Ten Foot Tall
Sun. 2 p.m."Jazzy Sundays" feat. Jazz On Purpose
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Rd., Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Sat. 1 p.m. Greg Parker
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 10 p.m. Mikey Jr.
Sat. 10 p.m. F2 and The Anchovy Brothers with a Side Order of Low Cal Bud
All shows 21+
Jake's Pub869
Bustleton Pike, Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Fri. 9 p.m. Michael O'Grady
Sat. 9 p.m. John Austin
Tues. 5 p.m. "Acoustic Happy Hour" w/ Bill Shannon
Wed. 8 p.m. Trivia
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Fri. 9 p.m. River City Healers
Sat. (3 p.m.) New Pony (9 p.m.) The Hot Hedz-Remembering Ralph Smith
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Tim
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road, New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Fri. 8p.m. The Impulse Handbell Ensemble Presents: "Pop Monsters"
Sat. 11 a.m. "Bacon Fest" feat. (11 a.m.) Pennington Station (2:30 p.m.) 80's Undercover (6 p.m.) the High Strung Band
Sun. 11 a.m. "Bacon Fest" feat. (11 a.m.) Shore Syde Band (1:30 p.m.) Nash East (5:30 p.m.) Nikki Briar and The Sweet Briar Band
Wed. 6 p.m. "Girls Night Out"
McGuinn's Place1781 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Fri. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Rd Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ Codie
Fri. 10 p.m. The Fredz
Sat. 9 p.m. "Saturday Night Dance Party" w/ DJ RV and DJ OXX
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 8 p.m. Kim Richey. Doors at 7 p.m., $25
O'Connor's American Bar & Grille1383 Monmouth Road, Easthampton Mt. Holly
(609) 261-1555
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Jerry Steele
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Monk, Kramer, Plumeri
Olde Liberty Tavern2114 Liberty Street, Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 8 p.m. Acidic Solution
Sat. 8 p.m. Kevin Toft & The All Stars
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Polish Nannies
Sat. 9:30 p.m. 80's Undercover
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check website for upcoming events
RHO Waterfront50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Thurs. 10 p.m. "College Night" w/ DJ Bob E. Luv. Doors at 9 p.m., ages 21+,
Fri. (4:30 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) Once Again Band
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. No Direction
Sat. 10 p.m. Psycho Misfits
Tavern On The Lake101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Smoke & Mirrors
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket216 4th Street, Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Papa Delux and the Main Street Groove
Sat. 10 p.m. Box o' Rox
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. Out Of The Red
Sat. 9 p.m. Infinite Bandwidth
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. New Dawn
Sat. 9 p.m. No Way Out
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Williamsboy
Sat. 9 p.m. Kelly Fragile
Sun. 1 p.m. "Irish Sessions"
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Fri. 4 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 10 p.m. Nat Osborn ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Blue Healer ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (sign-ups 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All shows 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
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