The Blue Vipers

The band met 3 years ago whilst busking on the streets of New York City and quickly became a favorite of native New Yorkers and tourists from the world over. The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn recently won the 'Subway Idol' contest on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet! The show was broadcast live on FOX, attracting thousands of new fans from all over the USA.

Billy (guitar/lead vocals)was born in Howells, Nebraska in 1977. At the age of eighteen he joined up with a traveling carnival "Culpepper Concessions," which eventually dropped him off in New Orleans. He spent 4 years performing on the streets in that historic city and traveling with the carnival "Circus Ridikkulous." In October 2001 Billy moved to NYC and brought with him a vast repertoire and an ability to draw and hold large crowds wherever he performs.

David (washboard) was born in Paris, France, where he took up the drum set at 15. At 21 he invented his signature washboard instrument and refined his technique. In 2004 he arrived in NYC where he has played with Dorado Schmitt, Paquito de Rivera, Angelo Debarre, Brian Torff, Scott Robinson, Gil Goldstein, Andrew Sherman, Orrin Star, Stephane Wrembel, and John Jorgensen.

Chris (bass) was born in Brooklyn, grew up in Middletown, CT, and then moved himself back to Brooklyn. He graduated from New School of Jazz, and he continues to studying privately with John Schaeffer, retired Principal Bassist of the New York Philharmonic. Chris has had the good fortune to perform with Grammy Award winners Norah Jones, Steve Miller, and Tom Jones, as well as Jane Monheit, Barry Harris, Junior Mance, Anthony Braxton, Bobby Sanabria, Grant Green, Jr., and Billy Harper.

Sam (trumpet) was born in Sharon, Ct., and grew up in Millbrook, NY. He started playing traditional jazz with his father, and went on to complete his musical education at Wesleyan University. Sam has had the pleasure of performing and/or recording with such notables as Anthony Braxton, Roswell Rudd, Skah Shah, and Jorge Ben Jor, among others.

Thom (saxophone) was raised in a family of musicians in Orem, Utah. He has studied with Tony Malaby, Dave Glasser, Ray Smith, Tim Price, and at the New School University Jazz Program in New York City. Abbott also plays and studies a variety of musical instruments, including baritone, alto, and tenor saxophones, clarinet, mandolin, banjo, bass clarinet, flute, bassoon, and piano. [http://www.rochesterjazz.com/artist_lineup/?artist_id=182]

References

External links

* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=BLUE VIPERS&sql=11:jifwxz85ldfe~T2 Discography at allmusic]