Blues Profile
Lamont Cranston Blues Band
by Ray Stiles
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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From the West Bank in Minneapolis to the West Coast and beyond, the Lamont Cranston Blues Band has been rocking out the blues for the past 30 years. To help commemorate their 30th anniversary, January 30, 1999 was named "Lamont Cranston Day" in St. Paul by Mayor Norm Coleman. In April, the band was honored with the POP (Perpetual Outstanding Performer) award at the Minnesota Music Awards, and in November they will be inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall Of Fame in New Ulm. One of the founders of the blues scene in Minneapolis, Lamont Cranston has released 13 albums including the 1997 critically acclaimed "Roll With Me." Lamont Cranston has shared the stage with such greats as Muddy Waters, Luther Allison, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Delbert McClinton, Charles Brown and even Bonnie Raitt and the Rolling Stones. In November 1996 the band made history when they opened the new House Of Blues in Chicago. Pat "Lamont" Hayes, the leader of the band, blows one of the most spirited harmonicas in the area. He can cover any harmonica style with ease and when he straps on the guitar, watch out, because he can cut loose with an explosive display that is thrilling to watch. The band has had many personnel changes over the years but 1999 finds 4 of the original members back together again. Joining Pat is veteran drummer Jim Novak and the duo saxophone attack of Jim Greenwell and Rick O’Dell. Michael Carvale on bass, is joined by Dale Peterson on keyboards, and local guitar sensation Ted Larsen, formerly of the Big Bang. The Lamont Cranston Blues Band plays some of the liveliest blues around and is always guaranteed to rock the house wherever they play.
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