Blues Profile
The Wingtips
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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The Wingtips have been a staple of the Twin Ports blues music scene for the past 15 years playing in clubs and festivals all across the northland. Like many other bands, the original members first met at a jam session (at Remys in Duluth) and decided to form a new group. Gregg Nelson, the remaining original member of The Wingtips, plays guitar and sites influences that range from Freddie King and George Benson to Eric Gale. Current bass player, Jim Hunter played in a group called The Business with Gregg before joining The Wingtips about 8 years ago. Hunter, a very talented bass player, comes from a country and western background but his bass playing has always been on the funky side so it was a natural fit for him to play in a blues band. Jim Saylor, on guitar and vocals, used to play with the Centerville All-Stars and first met Gregg when their respective bands would be playing on the same bill. Mark Thompson on drums rounds out this compelling quartet. The Wingtips play a lively variety of music that keeps their fans coming back for more. From the soul of James Brown; to the gut-bucket-blues of Hound Dog Taylor; to the sophistication of George Benson, the Wingtips offer up a fresh approach to rhythm and blues, even adding some jazz influenced fusion into their routine that makes them a perennial northland favorite.
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