TUPELO BLUE BAND BIO:
Tupelo blue was formed in mid-1994 and began playing South Bay venues soon after.
The band’s format was mainly based on Chicago-style blues but quickly blossomed with an infusion of jazz and a scattering of rock flavorings.

The band continues into 2011 with new members and a full sound of fresh material. Among the top OC/LA venues worked by Tupelo Blue are Bistro 400 and Original Mike’s in Santa Ana, Belmont Station in Long Beach, Stubrick’s in Fullerton, Centerfield in Huntington Beach and the famous Café Boogaloo in Hermosa Beach.

Their self-released CD, ‘Tupelo Blue’ came-out in 1999 to glowing reviews with sales that netted the band a tidy profit. The CD is distributed in the U.S. and Canada, and has received airplay in North America and Europe.

Bob Lesher: Harmonica & Vocals
Raised in Fullerton, California, Bob is the patriarch of Tupelo Blue with the most years under his belt. Began playing in 1965 with a Rolling Stones/Animals cover band. Recorded an LP with the City Blues Band in 1967 which is still sought after collectors item in Europe. Played five years in Blues Union Band, based out of Victoria, British Columbia. Did a six-month run, 1977-78, with famed L.A. Bluesman Smokey Wilson. Blues Union, with Lesher fronting the band, was voted 'Most Influential Blues Band' on the 2009 ballot for the Royal City music Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, located in Victoria, capitol city of British Columbia. He will be going to Victoria to accept the award on September 20, 2009. Has opened for Albert King, Koko Taylor, Jr Wells and John Hammond. Backed-up local favorite Joe Houston with his Blues-Rock group, Backseat Boogie, in the 1980’s.

Lesher writes much of the original material the band plays, including ‘I Believe It’s True’ in which reviewer Jim Santella attributes “dramatic power and a driving rhythm.”

As to his harmonica style on the Tupelo Blue CD, AllAboutBlues.com says, “Lesher’s harmonica solos light creative fires.”

Scott Lambert: Bass
Scott Lambert is one of the busiest bass players in the blues community. He was born and grew up in Long Beach, CA. He received his first guitar in 1957 and got his first electric bass guitar (a Fender Jazz Bass) in 1969. That bass is still used regularly. In 1994 Scott also picked up and frequently uses a late 40's Kay S-9 upright bass. Influences include Elvis, Little Richard, Bill Haley, Charlie Musslewhite, Paul Butterfield, Grateful Dead, Quicksilver, Dick Dale, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and the whole Chicago blues scene.

Scott has worked in tons of So. Cal. bands over the years, covering every style of music imaginable. Band leaders he’s been associated with, and still supports in many cases, include Fred Chel, "White Boy" James, Max Bangwell, and Job Striles. He’s currently working with Jr. Watson, Jay Summers, 2000 lbs. Of Blues, Victor Voce, Ricky Parrish, J.T. Ross, Darrin Stout, Bob Crail, and of, course Tupelo Blue. Scott also played the Happy Hour spot at Long Beach’s Blue Café every Saturday from 1994 to 2006... now that’s a long run! Scott says his Main Goal these days is to rattle all the drinks at the end of the Bar...!

Phil Terrones: Guitar

A longtime San Pedro resident, Phil has played guitar since age 12, having grown-up listening to R&B via his father’s 8-tracks.

Before joining Tupelo Blue, he did a two-year stint with local favorite, Big Harmonica Bob. In that time he worked the famous Sturgis Biker Run, in South Dakota, opening for ZZ Top and Steve Miller. He has also worked gigs with famed blues picker, Bernie Pearl.

During the last few years Phil has embellished his guitar abilities attending workshops hosted by Robben Ford and Bernie Pearl. He was, recently, hired by acclaimed harmonica instructor Jon Gindick, as guitar accompanist for his students.

Phil is the “young blood” in Tupelo Blue and has hit the floor running, bringing with him new ideas and fresh material for the band

Says Phil; “Satisfaction is when you impress, with your playing, a person in the audience that wasn’t expecting to be impressed.”

Johnny Minguez: Drums

John has worked percussion for thirty years, playing behind top blues players such as Jr. Watson and Lynwood Slim. He worked in Jr. Watson’s band for two years

Along with Scott Lambert, on Fender bass, he is part of the steady-rolling train that is Tupelo Blue’s much envied rhythm section.

John came into the band upon high recommendation from longtime Tupelo Blue drummer, Scott Van Dusen, who retired from the position in 2011.

He is most serious about dynamics within each tune and “rides his kit like it was a hot rod” says Bob Lesher, Tupelo Blue frontman.

Band alumni:

Ken Sheldon (guitar), Scott Van Dusen (drums) and Mary Ann Jensen (bass) are still full-on members of Tupelo Blue and will be appearing with the band at selected gigs as the band continues its journey into its 16th year of playing.