Blues Orbiters

Reviews

Washington Blues Society Bluesletter, January 2010

By Robert Horn

WBS December 2009 Blues Bash:  The Blues Orbiters played the electric set.  This  band has a trophy case of BB (Best of the Blues) Awards.  On guitar was not only Brian Lee (new words need to be added to the English language to describe Brian’s guitar playing, harmonica playing, singing, etc.), but also Tim Sherman, who other BB Award winning guitar players have mentioned as their favorite guitar player.  On drums is Conrad Ormsby who is in demand as a drummer and gets calls from bands asking if he can please consider helping them out.  On bass and sometimes also on vocals is Hank Yanda.  Brian reminded me of how good a slide guitar player he is and I am glad he did.

If I had to name the best swing dance band in the region today, it would be the Blues Orbiters.  If I had to name the most soulful band sound I have heard recently, it would be the Blues Orbiters on December 8th.  If I had to mention the best slow moving rhythmic groove I heard recently, it would be a song from the Blues Orbiters on December 8th, 2009.  If I was asked to say what guitar playing sounded the most intense I heard in December, it would be this band on this night.  They combine power, melody, rhythm, hard-driving intensity, great vocals, .... etc.  These are things that are hard to do all at once, but seem normal for them.  These guys are pros and are another local band that should be a national band because of how good they are.

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Washington Blues Society Bluesletter, “Scene and Heard”, March 2006

By Deb Engelhart/Malcolm Kennedy:

Malcolm Kennedy gives us the skinny on some gigs in the North end:

Forecasters Public House, at the Redhook Brewery (Woodinville): The Blues Orbiters “Falling Leaves” CD-release party: One of the best blues bands in the land played to a standing room only crowd and kept the dance floor full for most of the three hours they played. With songs from both “Blast Off!” and their latest CD “Falling Leaves” as well as three new songs “Feel So Lucky”, “Something”, and “Behind The Sun”, they rocked the house. The highlights of the evening for me were “Let Me In” off “Falling Leaves”, Otis Rush’s “All My Love” and their new originals.  If you have not seen the Orbiters, you really must, because they are fantastic.  

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Blues Orbiters “Falling Leaves” CD Review  

Blues To Do Monthly , November 2005

By Malcolm Kennedy

The long awaited follow up disc to “Blast Off!” was well worth the wait. There are 12 selections including two originals. The disc starts out with an enjoyable original called “Open Road”. It’s a shuffle with their trademark smooth vocals. Some of the covers you will recognize by name as they were made popular by the likes of Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, and Sonny Boy II. Some are a little more obscure, but they are all done with a satisfying touch that makes them their own. The other original, the title track, is one of those tunes that the first time you hear it, it feels so comfortable you feel like you have been listening to it for years. My favorite cut on this disc is the final cut “Let Me In” , which was written by Jimmie Vaughan, and it just plain rips.

To describe this band, the word that comes to mind is solid. With one of the finest drummers in the business in Conrad Ormsby, and Roger Smith, the rhythm section is tight. The guitar work is always just what it needs to be. It is not flashy, just solid.  Although Brian and Dan are capable of tearing it up on the disc, they keep it subtle. There is some really fine slide work by Mr. Lee. If you have not heard this band, I highly recommend putting their next date on your must see calendar, and as for this disc, it definitely belongs on your must buy list. It’s a really fun album.

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Blueslamp.com, October 2005  

By Laurette Langille

The Blues Orbiters are a tight unit with a song list of both originals and more traditional blues tunes. Brian Lee combines sharp showmanship with a relaxed stage presence, while providing strong lead vocals, blues harp, and guitar to the band’s sound. The rhythm section is tight with Conrad Ormsby on drums and Roger Smith on bass, and integral to the Blues Orbiters sound. If Conrad’s taking a drum solo stay put, you’re in for a rhythmic treat.