Brian Lee and the Orbiters
Performing
at the Tacoma Freedom Fair
JULY 4, 2014 at
4:45 - 5:45 PM -
DUKE'S CHOWDER HOUSE BLUES STAGE
Brian Lee & the Orbiters are based in Seattle, Washington, and are one of the premier bands on the Northwest blues scene. Brian fronts the band with melodic vocals and superb guitar, slide guitar, and blues harp. Brian has lead the band since it's formation in 1999, initially called the Blues Orbiters. The "Orbiters" name evokes the concept of the band-- a "broad orbit through the blues universe".
Brian's blues influences from an early age include Elmore James, T-Bone Walker, Big and Little Walter, Johnny Watson, Guitar Slim, Peter Green, and later additions such as Jr. Watson, Jimmy Vaughan, Rick Estrin, Gary Smith, etc... Brian has lead the Orbiters to a prominent position in the Northwest blues scene based on their engaging and energetic delivery, top-flight musicianship, and great repertoire of original tunes and gems from the blues tradition. The Brian Lee Trio scales this same sound to provide a perfect fit for smaller venues. Brian and the band are serious in their musicianship, but have serious fun when they perform! Without gimmicks, the focus is on delivering a great performance of great tunes that are perfect for both dancing and listening.
Band members include some of the finest players in the area:
Guitar: Steve Yonck contributes to the Orbiters sound with his superb guitar work. Steve is deeply versed in the blues tradition, and he is an exceptionally fine guitarist. He has previously contributed to several top Northwest bands including the Hudson Blues Band, Kim Field's Titans of Tone, Harmonica Playboy and the Midnight Movers, and earlier performances with the Orbiters. His distinctive style is a superb complement to Brian's slide, harp, and guitar playing. Steve has recently rejoined with the Orbiters - check out the new photos in our gallery!
Drums: Russ Kammerer performs with both the Orbiters and the Trio. He's a superb drummer who really drives the groove with energy and finesse. Russ's playing demonstrates incredible versatility, polish, and expertise that comes from many years of professional touring performance. He's a fantastic player!
Bass: Hank Yanda plays bass with both the Orbiters and Trio. Hank also provides superb vocals. He's an amazing player who also has been on the scene for many years, and his experience really shows . He is a truly remarkable musicianwho really understand the blues.
Brian and the Orbiters band members have been honored in 2014 with six Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues award nominatio ns in the categories of Blues Act, Traditional Blues Act, Recording (In Orbit album), Drummer (Russ Kammerer), Bassist (Hank Yanda), and Songwriter (Brian Lee). In 2013, the band received the WBS BB award for Traditional Blues Act. In 2012, their Identity Theft album received the award for Best Recording, and Brian received the award for Songwriter. Past BB award nominations include Brian for Slide Guitar in 2013 and 2011, Male Vocalist in 2010, Hank for Bass in 2012, and band nominations for Blues Act in 2010, 2008, and 2003, as well as Traditional Blues Act in 2010 and Recording (Falling Leaves) in 2006. Thank you WBS members for the wonderful reccognition of these awards and nominations!
Visit Brian Lee and the Orbiters website
