ANSON FUNDERBURGH ( II )

                                                                                                                       

Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets

Anson Funderburgh and The Rockets, have earned the reputation as one of the most outstanding blues ensembles touring today. There is no question that when you speak of American blues music Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets are at the top of the list. 

Despite a lengthy hiatus from touring Anson’s current configuration of the Rockets is comprised of his long stand band members Gentleman John Street on keys, Wes Starr on drums, John Bradley on bass and the latest Rocket, Greg Izor on vocals and harp. 

Anson Funderburgh, a native of Texas, has spent the majority of his adult life playing the blues, with influences from blues legends such as Freddie King, Albert Collins, Jimmy Reed and Bill Doggett. Anson has earned the respect of artists like Delbert McClinton, Boz Scaggs, Jimmie & Stevie Ray Vaughan and Ronnie Earl. Over the years, these musicians have called on Anson to lend his tremendous guitar talents to their projects. 

Funderburgh recorded with the Fabulous Thunderbirds on their Butt Rockin' album, and went solo in 1981, when the New Orleans-based BlackTop label released Talk to You by Hand, the label's first release. Funderburgh added Myers on harmonica and lead vocals in 1986. Myers had traveled for years on the chitlin circuit, where he had the chance to accompany people like Elmore James and Robert Junior Lockwood. Funderburgh admits that adding Myers on vocals and harmonica was a turning point for the Rockets, partly because of the image they project from the stage, a big towering black man and three white guys backing him up. Funderburgh continued his association in the '90s with Black Top releasing Tell Me What I Want to Hear (1991), Live at Grand Emporium (1995), and That's What They Want (1997). After releasing nine albums on Black Top, in 1999 Funderburgh changed record labels with the release of Change in my Pocket for Bullseye Blues, a cd which won several W.C. Handy Awards. 

Since the passing of long time musical partner Sam Myers, Anson has concentrated on raising a family, working very local gigs and performing at a smattering of festivals around the world. Now Anson has caught a renewed dose of the performing bug and will begin to perform more regularly with the distinct possibility of regular tours in the coming years. 

What the press has said: 

"Funderburgh's lightning licks are searing, right on target and virtually egoless a rarity in these days of guitar heroes who live for their pyrotechnic-packed solo." --The Cleveland Scene 

                                   


                                 

1991. The Rockets are: Jim Milan (bass), Matt McCabe (piano), Danny Cochran (drums)