Biography

The Back Alley Players

If you’ve been wondering what’s the state of America’s authentic ‘roots’ music lately and where are its contemporary practitioners, well look no further, because here comes the Back Alley Players! This tight and tasteful ensemble is creating a blues for the 21st century which is aptly demonstrated in their new CD outing Beyond the Blues.

Since Johnny Turco (‘Johnny T.’) formed the Back Alley Players they have performed in New York City at the internationally famous Nuyorican Poets Café and the Sugar Bar (owned by international recording stars Ashford & Simpson). In addition, two songs from Beyond the Blues—Nuttin’ But the Blues and Can’t Get You Outta My Head have debuted on WHCR 90.3 and WBAI 99.5 in New York City, and Beyond the Blues is #21 on the Living Blues charts and #18 on the Roots Music charts.

The Back Alley Players’ rhythm section is grounded by drummer Stix Bones and bassist Al Brisbane—and what a foundation it is! These guys provide a pocket that effortlessly propels the band and allows singer L. Umar Conry and guitarist/mandolin player Johnny T. to put the icing on the cake while gliding on that propulsion like an ice cube on a hot stove. The Back Alley Players are a soulful combination of the talents and energy of four very impressive individuals* who form a seamless whole. Few groups capture the harmonious cohesion that these players achieve so that the result is as if the music is emanating from one human musical entity, as opposed to the collective identity of a group of separate individuals.

Few groups capture the harmonious cohesion that these players achieve so that the result is as if the music is emanating from one human musical entity, as opposed to the collective identity of a group of separate individuals.

As good as Beyond the Blues is, the Back Alley Players are a must see live act who create a high energy and uplifting celebration of the blues and life, and remind us why we frequently come back to the blues for that joyous catharsis.