CLASSIC ACOUSTIC AND CONTEMPORARY BLUES

Bill Sims Jr., Vocal Guitar

The Blues has many distinct sounds and styles but Bill Sims answers simply, “I play the Blues,” adding, ‘…I like to present a broader spectrum of the blues because I grew up hearing all of it, and I think it is important for people to be aware of the more complete history of the blues,’which is exactly what Blues to Bop does!
He heard it all in Marion, Ohio where his father, the Rev. William Sims, had moved from rural Georgia, bringing with him the Blues and Gospel of his childhood. He passed it all onto his son who started playing piano at the age of four and only ten years later was good enough to turn professionsal. He majored in music at Ohio State University where he played piano with many of the great Blues and R&B legends that performed there, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King and many more. In 1971, Bill joined “The Four Mints”, a doo-wop rhythm and blues group and 1976, founded “The Lamorians”, an avant-grade jazz band but just over ten years ago he reurned to the Blues and founded his own band, “Bill Sims and the Cold Blooded Blues Band” where he is both lead guitarist and lead vocalist. One of the best musicians on the New York Blues scene where he plays regularly. Bill also tours extensively both in America and internationally. He is sure to be a feature of this edition of Blues to Bop.