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Mike Lawley – (Guitar, Harmonica, Percussion, Vocals) Having spent the ten years as front man for Birmingham R&B group Dick's Hat Band, Mike has pleased crowds all over the country with his smooth vocal stylings and blistering guitar work. Signed as an artist and writer by Muscle Shoals Sound in the mid seventies, Mike received a gold record from RCA records in 1983 for his co-writing efforts with Waylon Jennings and Jerry Bridges on “I'll Be Alright.” Among the many bands he played with over the years was Cross, considered to be Birmingham's premier rock band pf the late seventies and early eighties.
Steve Ramos – (Drums, Percussion) Originally from the Washington DC area, Steve is one of the busiest drummers in Birmingham these days. The Cast, Mark Avant's Nightflight, and Dick's Hat Band have all featured Steve on drums and percussion. With the group Vallejo, he made quite an impact on the Austin Texas music scene, and recorded with numerous groups there.
John Jackson – (Bass Guitar) Bassist for Dick's Hat Band for ten years, John has earned the respect of many, including 'swamper' David Hood. John's laid back style and dead-on bass playing can be heard on CDs by many artists, including Mark Sallings, The King Brothers, and Bo Gallager. John also plays regularly with The Tim Boykin Blues Band.
Clay Swafford – (Piano) Clay is a masterful boogie-woogie and blues pianist, having played with legends such as Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Powerhouse pianist doesn’t begin to describe him. His lightning fast fingers have dropped jaws of every blues icon with whom he has shared the stage. As Pinetop Perkins himself said, “I have 10 fingers, it looks like he has 20! He’s tearing the keys down on that piano, man!" David Maxwell exclaims that he is “a dynamic and accomplished young blues and boogie-woogie pianist. He plays the blues with affection and soul. His rhythm is steady -- watch out for this guy!” ".....shakes the floor and rattles the roof. Long live the blues! ~ Frank Alkyer - Downbeat - May 2013"
Tim
Boykin
– (Guitar, Vocals ) A
renowned guitarist on the Birmingham music scene since the early 80s, Tim played with
Topper Price and the Upsetters for more than a decade, and fronts
his own blues trio, the Tim Boykin Blues band. A self-described
journeyman, Tim is a first-call studio session player, has an extensive discography, and has also
performed for audiences all over the USA, including Canada and Japan. Tim says Kingfish is the best band
he's ever played with. |
Some recordings made by our friend Jim Bostick at Jitterbugs in Homewood. Drown In My Own Tears - A great Ray Charles tune. Stellar vocal by Mike. Sissy Strut - Meters tune. Guests Clay Swafford on keys and Steve Lowery on bass. Eyesight To The Blind - Sonny Boy Williamson II tune. Guests Clay Swafford on keys and Steve Lowery on bass. Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers classic. Vocal by the late, great, Matt Kimbrell. Guest Clay Swafford on piano. Spine-tingling guitar by Tim Boykin. You Upset Me - This BB King smash is a mainstay for Kingfish. Sunshine Of Your Love - Kingfish goes psychedelic on this Creem number. Vocals by Tim Boykin and Mike Lawley. Take Me To The River - Macey leads the fellas through this Al Green stormer. Walkin' - Jimmy Rogers tune. A minor snafu in the middle adds a comedic element to this blistering performance.  L-R: The late, great, Matt Kimbrell (drums), Tim Boykin (guitar) |
