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About bluestate
Bluestate is bringing smiles to the faces of audiences large and small all across the Bay Area... and not just because the crowds are dancin' the night away!  Bluestate's infectious humor and dazzling musicianship is winning over fans aplenty everywhere they perform. Whether it's opening a big show for the likes of Magic Slim, Coco Montoya, Kenny Neal, Tab Benoit or Jimmy McCracklin, entertaining hundreds of fans at a blues festival or playing at a local club, Bluestate brings it - and draws a crowd - everytime they play. Bluestate infuses jumpin' blues from Louis Jordan and BB King, soul from King Curtis and Delbert McClinton, contemporary blues/rock from Coco Montoya and ZZ Top, and jazz/blues from The Crusaders and Robben Ford with energy, spontaneity and always, an irreverent sense of humor.

"Bluestate is one fine band with great musicians...and who isn't afraid to sound like a California Blues Band with jazz and jump influences."
   - Rolf Olmsted, Sonomatunes (read the whole review here)

"I trekked down specifically to check out Bluestate.  I was really impressed- You don't see or hear many groups like this nowadays. They are tight, have cool tunes, nice arrangements.......what more can you ask for!"
    - Steve Freund, Delmark recording artist

"The Bluestate Band was open for business in their set (opening for Magic Slim), which featured Greg Heumann on vocals, harmonica, and baritone and tenor saxophones. He and guitarist Vince Caminiti had things rocking with their eclectic blend of contemporary blues and the floor quickly filled with spirited dancers."
- Dorothy Hill, wwwbluesource.com

"WOW! Bluestate tore it up last night at Biscuits! I must say, I was so impressed and glad I had a chance to check you guys out! We had a great time! I loved the song selections, and the band is TIGHT!. You guys have somethin' really special goin on there! I have a feelin we'll be seein/hearin a lot more from Bluestate! Fun band, great musicians, a cool mix of tunes- loved it! Great job you guys! It was a fun night (and) I know the crowd really dug what ya laid down! If any of ya haven't had a chance to see these guys yet, make a point of it!"
   - Amy Lou, Amy Lou's Blues

"Just wanted to say what a fine time it was last night. The place (The Seahorse Saloon) was packed to the max! I've never seen it that full - EVER! The guys sounded fantastic as always. You guys have your grove down nice and tight. The dance floor was packed. Thanks guys a fun, fun evening!"
   - Vicki Henry, Fan

"The Bluestate band is tight, jumping and very fun to listen to. Greg Heumann does a great job on harp vocals and sax and Vince is probably the most underrated and unknown "great" guitarist in the Bay Area. He seems to be multitasking on the fretboard yet keeping it real and soulful. Bluestate is a happening band that's time has arrived. Everyone who is into supporting the blues should see this band."
   - George Schoenstein, producer - Redwood City Blues Festival

Great, great band this Bluestate... Gregg Heumann.....you can sing me the blues any ol' time! Man, I love his voice!
And Vince's guitar work is amazing, the keys, the rhythm section, the whole band...tight!...
Each of the front guys, the keys, the guitar, Gregg's singing and playing harp & sax, they are each very talented individually... the guy (George Landreth) is incredible in dem keys!
Vince got to stretch a bit more this time on guitar and it was great! That guy can play some blues guitar, no doubt.
   - Maureen Hayes - Sonomatunes

"We had 500 guests at our annual Summer Barbecue Festival and everyone raved about Bluestate! BBQ & Blues is the perfect combination and Bluestate gave an outstanding performance.  The guys from the band were easy to work with and sensitive to our needs throughout the day...  and most importantly... the crowd loved them!"
   - Dana Macaulay, Special Events Manager, Seghesio Family Vineyards

"Excuse me. Can you play something better?"
    - Unknown fan
The lineup

Vince Caminiti - Guitar

Vinnie, a.k.a. "the Godfather", comes from Brooklyn. He has an extended family. We can't say any more about that as it violates the terms of his witness protection program. What we can say is that he's played blues, R&B, soul, funk and rock for over 25 years everywhere from NYC to San Francisco. Along the way, he's had a chance to play with some great folks (Anson Funderburgh, Volker Strifler, Kenny Neal, The Nighthawks and Taj Mahal) and studied with some mighty fine teachers (Robben Ford, Ronnie Earl, Murali Coryell, & Jeff Tamalier of Tower of Power). He also runs the hottest blues jam going Wednesdays at The Little Fox Theater. Not only is he a great player but if you ask him nicely, he might just get you a great deal on a black cashmere overcoat.
 

Greg Heumann - Vocals, Harp & Sax

Greg started his musical career playing classical oboe in the second  grade – and continued with it well into college. But there is no  doubt the blues is home now. A student of great harp teachers  including David Barrett, Gary Smith and RJ Mischo, his passionate  style also shows the influence of contemporaries like Rod Piazza,  Gary Primich and Mark Ford. Greg has performed with Daniel Castro, Volker Strifler, Shana Morrison, Lloyd Jones, Terry Hanck, Kenny Neal, Tia Carroll, Mitch Woods, RJ Mischo, Kenny Blue Ray and many others. Adding vocals and tenor sax to the mix, Greg is happiest when the groove is right, the lyrics are fun, the tone is fat and the audience is dancing.

Tom DeFiglio - Drums


Tom has been playing drums longer than he would care to mention, knocking down his first studio sessions on a small record label at the tender age of 16. For many years he coddled some of the big names in the player and studio world by toiling on the other side of the control room glass, keeping the recording gear on the up and up. Having defected to the creative side it's clear that Tom kept his ears open. Now he lays down one of the tightest grooves in the SF area and is in high demand.

George Landreth - Keyboards


Coming from a musical family, George started playing keys in bands in the 6th grade!  He cites Ray Charles and Greg Allman among his muscial influences. He's performed in venus large and small hroughout the Bay Area, lending his skills to numerous rock and blues bands including the Detroit Disciples, the legendary R&B review from Sonoma County.  He's in hog heaven in Bluestate, playing a wide repertoire that is a great match for his enormous talent.
Pat Tinling - Bass

Bay Area native Pat Tinling sits in on bass for the band.  Pat grew up surrounded by great musicians, teachers, and recordings. After playing a few different instruments as a child, he started on the bass in high school and went on to study music formally. After school, he joined the US Navy's music program and toured the Midwest for several years before returning to the Bay Area. Experienced in a range of musical genres, Pat brings to Bluestate a bass style formed in both the Chicagoland and Bay Area blues scenes.





















© Bluestate