Outback Blues Band
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  Professional music career began while attending Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 1976...

1976-1980 played bass with Smooth Talkin' & also Tri-Passage a blues-rock band

1981-1982 played bass with Tundra, classic rock, Cleveland, OH

1983-1986 played bass & trombone with R-Factor, classic rock & originals, Cleveland, OH

1986-1989 played bass with The Blue Hearts, blues, Cleveland,OH

2000-2002 formed the Outback Blues Band with George Rogers on Keyboards,  Salome, AZ

2008-2010 re-formed the Outback Blues Band with George Rogers who retired from the band in 2009. During this time, the band progressed through several members, culminating today in a brilliant and talented line-up of professional blues musicians that now make up the OUTBACK BLUES BAND from the west suburbs of Phoenix, AZ.

Favorite Music Styles & Artists: Classic Blues, British Invasion, Power Pop late 60's to early 70's.  Cream, Blind Faith, Clapton, Springsteen, Raspberries, Badfinger, Nilsson, Chicago, & T. Rex.

 
is a native of Arizona and has always had an interest in blues music. For several years he was on the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Blues Society and was chairman of the Blues in the Schools Commitee. The Phoenix Blues Society presented Mike with the "Keeping the Blues Alive" award in 2007 at the Blues Blast in Mesa. Mike is a former band member of 'The Amazing Blues Wizards' and The 'Blind Dog Band'. They played at clubs and private events around Phoenix, as well as blues festivals in Arizona, (Payson, Tuscon and Patagonia) and the Monterey Bay Blues Festival (2000 & 2001). Mike is also an ASCAP member and songwriter.
 


 
 
began performing on stage when he noticed that there were few musicians playing traditional blues. His bottleneck slide and lap steel guitar will take you back to the early days of blues in the delta then up to Chicago and back again.  Former member of 'The Amazing Blues Wizards' and 'Blind Dog', Mike is no stranger to the blues scene in and around Phoenix.  He has performed at various clubs in the Phoenix area and also at the Tucson and Monterey Bay Blues Festivals.
 
Mike has received recognition as a guitar maker and his handmade guitars are marketed as The Maricopa Guitar Co.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 became interested in blues music while living and working in the gulf coast. He frequented New Orleans and became close friends with Les Gretrex, a Crescent City native and Blues musician. Les was the inspiration Boyd needed to find his own voice and began what has now become his passion for the blues.
 
Boyd also credits his wife, Sheryl, for putting up with and encouraging his harp, vocal practices and lessons that have been taking place over the past 6 year. Boyd lists his favorite harp players as Jimmy Reed, Lazy Lester, and Sam Meyers to name a few.
 
Boyd also wants to credit Bill and Susie Tarsha and Dave Forster from the Rocket 88’s as well as other musicians, including “Lady D” that have encouraged and supported him for the past 3 years at local blues jams around the metro Phoenix area. Boyd’s motto; “You’re never too young or too old to find your place in music.”
 
 

 
 
a native from Romulus Michigan now residing in Phoenix Arizona, started playing drums in music class at 8 yrs of age. Along with playing to his Dad's oldies and Bob Seger albums, he performed in school concerts and took private lessons but gave up playing at age 15.

 

However, playing drums continued to be a desire throughout his adult life and 25 years later Tom decided to pick up the sticks again. He focused his efforts on learning Blues along with a desire to learn Jazz as well. Tom was handed a lot of material from his Dad, “Walt” a Blues and Big Band fan, and after studying the material he played with a band at his Dad’s retirement party and his dream to play drums and perform was re-kindled.

 

Tom then started attending local Phoenix jam sessions and soon became a sought after drummer. Since attending jam sessions Tom has been playing steadily in the Phoenix Metro area for the last 4 years and has performed in more than 300 shows.

 

Tom credits many drummers and musicians for his growth and success and would like to mention some important influences. Local Phoenix drummer, David Bell, has helped Tom stabilize his mechanics and touring drummer, Filipe Torres, has helped Tom to refine his ability to play dynamically and musically. Tom continues to study under Filipe Torres.

 

Tom also credits other seasoned musicians Paul Shaw - Air Force Jazz drummer, Mel Martin - Jazz Sax Player, Scott Whitfield - Jazz Trumpet Player and Jazz singer Shirley Chauvin.

 

Some of Tom’s favorite performers are B.B. King, Chris Cain, Robben Ford and Clarence Spady.
 
 
 

 
 
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