Somewhere in the late 70's, between learning how to drive and discovering penny drinks during 'Ladies Night' at the Arcadia Ballroom in New Haven, CT., I stumbled upon a band which forever changed the way I heard music.

The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet, better known as N.R.B.Q., has been an active, creative force in the American music scene since the mid nineteen sixties. Combining any and all genres of music, NRBQ runs the gamut into the stratosphere and straight back again. The eclectic playfulness of one tune often finds itself interspersed between soulful jazz, all out rockin' R&R, and straight ahead rhythm and blues. Yes indeed, the 'musician's musicians' straight up with a brilliant touch of magic!

Adams, Ferguson, Gadler, Staley, Spampinato (aka Jody St. Nicholas)

The band has taken on various personnel formations over the years but has remained a quartet throughout. . .you just never know when a surprise guest or horn section might show up! Today, founding members, pianist Terry Adams and bassist Joey Spampinato, along with Joey's younger brother Johnny (on guitar) and drummer Tommy Ardolino are NRBQ.

Johnny Spampinato, Tom Ardolino, Joey Spampinato, Terry Adams

During the 70's and 80's, the Whole Wheat Horns, comprised of Terry's brother Donn on trombone, Keith Spring on saxophone and the late, wonderful and wacky Gary Windo, also on saxophone, would add their own flair and flavor to any given gig. These days, if you're lucky enough, you might find David Gordon, Tyrone Hill or Marshall Allen, famed hornsmen from Sun Ra's Arkestra, blowing a few with the 'Q' (as their fans lovingly refer to them as).

Dave Gordon, Tyrone Hill, & Noel Scott (photo: Fuzzy)

This page is assembled with two things in mind. Firstly, to give back to this band of musicians a small something, a token of my appreciation for the two decades of happiness and joy I have personally experienced through their music and, secondly, to hopefully turn someone else on to what is often referred as the music worlds best kept secret. Well, it's time to let the cat out of the bag. NRBQ rocks my world and if you give 'em a listen, they'll do the same for you. I love this technology stuff:-)

With Love,

StaceyQ

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