Bill Scholer is a California native, born in Concord in 1954. As a young man, he was heavily influenced by Jimmy Page, Albert King and Mike Bloomfield. He has played countless jazz, piano and banjo concerts over the last 60 years, but none can compare to his long-time work at Capone's Chicago Tea Room in his hometown of Sacramento. Thinking about those wild years, Bill decided to write down his memories and contact some of his old friends and acquaintances from that time. He found that many of them also held their memories of Capone's in high regard.
Lena brought the “Blues” to the CSUS student body and her band played regularly at the Sacramento Blues Festival during the many years that Phil Givant was the producer. This led to the Jazz Jubilee asking her to perform on later occasions. Al Arnett was a favorite bass player and an important part of the rhythm section that built the Sacramento blues scene. He attracted the attention of many leading artists such as blues legend Charles Brown, Jimmy McCracklin, Floyd Dixon, BB King, Frankie Lee, John Mayall, Ray Charles and country musician Rodney Crowell.
Al played with Dave Bonds Rhythm & Blues Band, Blues Express, Blues Ambassadors, Soul of the Blues (Glenn Lane's band), Nate Shiner Big Blues Revue, Bits and Pieces and many others. Phil Givant was one of the fundamental figures in the history of Sacramento blues and throughout his life earned a national reputation as a blues expert. He was also a producer for many years at Capone's Chicago Tea Room. Mike Balma recorded a CD entitled “The Sacramento Blues” which included 10 local blues bands including Lena Mosley and The Badd Shoes Blues Band. Aaron King is a true product of the Sacramento blues scene and has been an ambassador of Sacramento blues around the world.
His style is due to both jazz guitarists like Herb Ellis and country guitarists like Hank Garland as well as blues guitarists such as Albert King and Albert Collins. Steve Samuels founded his own band The Steve Samuels Blues Revue in 1970 and played regularly at many clubs in the Sacramento area including Tootsie's, Vangari's, Melarkey's and Torch Club. Ron Texeira's daughter Marina joined her father and brother and was instrumental in bringing in nationally known blues artists every day of the week. The Soul Prophets won the SAMMIE award for best blues band three times which entitles them to a place in the SAMMIES Hall of Fame. Mike has also produced blues programs for other Sacramento area music programs including the Rocklin Jubilee, Rainbow Festival, several SPCA festivals, downtown Sacramento concert series and the Sacramento SAMMIES. Sacramento has been home to some of the most influential blues journalists in history.
From Bill Scholer to Lena Mosley to Phil Givant to Aaron King to Steve Samuels to Ron Texeira to Mike Balma to The Soul Prophets - these are some of the most influential figures in Sacramento blues who have made an impact on music scene over the years. They have all contributed to making Sacramento one of the most vibrant cities for blues music. These musicians have been instrumental in bringing together different styles of music from jazz to country to create a unique sound that is distinctly their own. They have also been responsible for introducing new artists from around the world to local audiences. Their influence has been felt far beyond their hometown as they have helped spread their love for blues music across California and beyond. Sacramento has been lucky enough to have some of the most influential blues journalists in history call it home.
From Bill Scholer to Lena Mosley to Phil Givant to Aaron King to Steve Samuels to Ron Texeira to Mike Balma to The Soul Prophets - these are some of the most influential figures in Sacramento blues who have made an impact on music scene over the years.
