About B.B. And The Stingers
B.B. and the Stingers is an innovative,
versatile heavy blues trio showcasing the dazzling style and technique
of guitarist/composer/vocalist Bernie Brausewetter, a.k.a. “B.B.” The
band’s musical roots lie in traditional blues and the blues/rock
influences of the late 1960’s. Their individual mastery, combined with
today’s guitar pyrotechnics and creative songwriting, puts this trio in
a class by itself.
A veteran of the touring and studio scene, Bernie’s musical depth has
earned him legendary status as a “guitar player’s guitar player.”
Bernie started playing New York area bars at age 16, and at 18 he
toured with the band Silverhoof, featuring ex-members of Ohio Express
and Sugarloaf. In the 1970’s, B.B. worked for producer Tony Camillo
(Gladys Knight) at his Venture studio complex, while playing
extensively throughout the New York-New Jersey area with Doug Rykin
& Midnight and Rivendell. In the 1980’s, Bernie formed original
band Attaboy, winning the WDHA song contest in 1984.
In 1990, Bernie founded B.B. and the Stingers. In 1993, B.B. and the
Stingers released their first, self-titled CD,
plus a music video
produced by Mark Weiss, then renowned for his videos of Skid Row and
Black Sabbath. The following year B.B.
and the Stingers gained European
distribution, and the band toured overseas to promote the release.
In 1997, the Stingers appeared on Attack Of The Killer Surf Guitars,
featuring Dick Dale and the Smithereens. In ’98, the Stingers scored a
deal with Dixie Frog Records of France with their second CD,
1st Blues
Band On Venus, which was released throughout Europe &
Australia.
In other ‘90s activity, B.B. joined Glen Burtnik (Styx), Tony Shanahan
and Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band) on a project called The Slaves of New
Brunswick, which received extensive area promotion and airplay and
national recognition. The relationship continues to this day, via
occasional Slaves gigs and a regular slot in Burtnik’s annual Xmas
Xtravaganza benefit concerts. In November 1999, Bernie won Guitar
Center’s “Local Axeman” contest, judged by guitar hero Steve Vai, who
invited Bernie onstage to jam with him.
For the past ten years, Bernie has also been the lead guitarist and
front man in the all-star blues/R&B project Supreme Court. Founded
by harp phenom “Big Nancy” Swarbrick, and featuring drummer Ron Howden
of Nektar and blues singing star Yolanda Briggs, this project provides
an outlet for B.B.’s more traditional blues influences.
Bernie has won the admiration of the many stellar guitarists he has
played with, including Paul Reed Smith, Warren Haynes, Steve Vai,
Smokin’ Joe Kubek, the Allman Brothers and the late, great Johnny
“Clyde” Copeland, and more recently, Stanley Jordan, G.E. Smith, and
Jimmy Vivino of the Max Weinberg 7. B.B. and the Stingers have opened
for Johnny Winter, Noel Redding, Rick Derringer, Robin Trower, and
Danny Gatton.
Along with B.B., the Stingers are:
Joe Nevolo (drums) – Joe has performed with Jersey notables Phantom’s
Opera and national acts such as The Good Rats, Frank Marino &
Mahogany Rush, Pat Travers Band and Carolyne Mas. Joe owns and operates
Big Beat Music Studios in Neptune, New Jersey, and has studied with
world-renowned drummer Carmine Appice. His chops have to be seen to be
believed!
Dave Carta (bass) – Dave has lent his versatility and skill to numerous
New York metro-area bands since 1982, most recently roots/rock band
Flint Michigan and pop/rock combo Green Marie. Along with B.B., Dave is
also a member of the blues/R&B project Supreme Court.
As of October 2003, B.B and the Stingers boast a 1200-name mailing list
that continues to grow. Ever conscious of their extensive following,
the Stingers are presently recording tracks for a new CD, while
organizing to capitalize on European radio airplay and achieve national
prominence in the United States.
For Bookings and Merchandise, call 908-757-2641
Home |
Show Schedule |
Releases |
About the band
