Brothers Bob and Pat Colwell

By George L. Tibbetts Jr.

Most of Maine’s music fans have enjoyed one or more of the bands that were fronted by either Pat Colwell, his brother Bob, or both over the years. With the release of their new record “New Shoes – Old Blues”, they have combined their talents with other highly acclaimed Maine musicians to produce a musical walk through time from the 1960’s to the present day.

Bob and Pat were born and raised in the Gardiner, Maine that was once home to shoe factories, paper mills, iron works and large dairy and produce farms of all kinds. Work could be found for most seeking jobs but not all crafts and trades were high paying and people worked hard for the wages they earned. Making ends meet was a challenge for many families. Everyone in the family contributed in one way or another and  it was through the music of the blues that many people could look adversity in the eyes, capture all it meant to them and bring it to light in their homes, at local venues and community and family gatherings.

Today, America faces many new, yet formidable, changes that, more than any other musical style, the blues speaks to. America has become a country where realizing the American Dream is becoming more and more difficult. No one knows this more than Pat, who has always had strong political feelings and a deep, passionate love for the American people and respect for the principles that set America apart from the rest of the world. In his capacity as a Maine legislator and former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Pat tried to bring change through our sate and national political systems. Pat worked hard and provided great leadership for Maine lawmakers.

However, It came as no surprise to this writer and close friend of Pat that he decided a while back to take his message to the people by returning to the stage, writing songs, playing songs and giving people hope, confidence and an understanding of what could be achieved by way of music and, most especially, the blues. The genre of the blues frees us all and best tells the story of the American struggle from all walks of life. Hence, this record accomplishes that and I think you will you agree once you listen to it.

In Pat’s own words, “On Saturday night we put our new shoes on, hit the dance floor and transform those old blues into the joy by way of one more song”.

About the Players

The Colwell Brothers

The Colwell Brothers bring their unique brand of high energy electric Blues and R&B to any stage. Wherever they are found the listener is guaranteed a night to remember. Pat’s lead vocals and phenomenal guitar riffs capture center stage. His stage presence alone draws attention to the stage and the lyrics of any song they might be playing. Any audience also focuses on the talents of brother Bob who brings down the house with his New Orleans flavored piano work, all kinds guitars, bass playing and vocals extraordinaire. With a combined total of over 50 years in the business and their work with such bands as the Boneheads, Soul Sensations, the Radiators, and Inspectors; as well as opening for BB King, NRBQ, CCR, Rick Danko and Roseanne Cash, the Colwell Brothers and their band of veteran studio musicians mean business! Both of these guys are legendary performers.

Greg Lindholm (Electric Bass)

Greg’s professional music career got a big boost when he played with the US Army band from1986 to 1991. Since that time he has played with Andrea Faye (Sapphire) from 1991 to 1992. Later on Greg played with the Cooler Kings (revival blues band) and toured with them throughout Europe and extensively across the U.S. until 1995.

He also played opening support slots with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Mayall, Coco Montoya, Koko Taylor and served as half of rhythm section for Yank Rachell, Jimmy Walker, Cash McCall, John Brim, and various “all- star” blues reviews in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois.  He has also partnered up with Albert Lee, and Ray Flacke in Indianapolis.

Dicky “Doo” Hollis (Drums)

Dicky Doo has played with the boneheads for 16 years and started his career playing drums at age four.  His first gig was in 1st grade playing “Anchors Away” with the 6th grade band.  He loves all styles of music except opera. Dicky says he enjoys taking naps when not working three jobs.  He is much fatter than he should be and asks, “How’s that for a bio?  I say go with it”.  Doo!

Dave Wakefield (Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Blues Harp)

Dave has been part of the Maine music scene for decades and has played in several bands and offers considerable studio experience as well. He is often seen playing with many different bands and is household name for many Maine music fans. His contribution to any musical experience always stands out.

Mark “Guitar” Miller (Lead Guitar)

Mark “Guitar” Miller has been playing guitar and belting out the blues for decades. This legendary performer inspires and captivates the audiences and musicians alike with dazzling and emotional guitar work that only come from a true master and blazes the trail for twenty-first century blues guitar!

Also in the mix is Stephen B. Jones, Dobro, Track 9.

In the Studio

The album was produced, mixed and mastered by Bob Colwell, The Root Cellar, Hallowell, Maine, Tel: 207.446.1444.

Graphics by:

“Officer Dan” Murray

Photogrophy by:

Michell McDougal (Cover)
Clarence McKay Sr. (Rear Cover)

Bookings:

207.751.5619
or Patrickcolwell@myfairpoint.net
www.soul-sensations.com

Where to get your very own copy of NEW SHOES – OLD BLUES:

The initial release of this album has SOLD OUT! The good news is that another run of the album is due for delivery TODAY.

You can purchase your copy of The Colwell Brothers Album by going to the Pat Colwell and The Soul Sensations website homepage and click on CD Baby on the Right Side of the page or go to www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheColwellBrothers

It will also be available on ITunes and The Valley Voice is in the process of making it available locally at businesses like Musicians First Choice in Augusta and A-1 To Go in Gardiner and a link to purchase this album will also be placed on thevalleyvoice.org.

From the first song to the last, you will enjoy every song on the album and I am so happy to be a Publicist for this great Maine band and their phenomenal approach to the blues that I am sure will earn the respect and attention of  all Valley Voice readers..

Where to See The Colwell Brothers Band

The Wharf – Hallowell

The Wharf will hold Hallowell’s CD release party
Sat. July 24th
3-5 at the Wharf

chocolate church bigChocolate Church, Bath

Colwell Brother Band
July 28th
7:30 to 9:30

Ticket Information & Box Office

Box Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 4pm, and Thursday from Noon to 7pm.
The Box Office will also be open from noon to 4pm on the day of a Saturday performance only.

Tickets: Please order early for preferred seating (see “Advanced Tickets”). Many concerts will sell out before the performance. Special Member rows are sold for all reserved seating events.  If you would like member seating, please call us at the box office at 442-8455 while our membership link on the website is under construction.

Seniors: Ages 60 and up are considered seniors.

Advance Ticket Purchase – You may purchase tickets in advance one of three ways:

  • Buy Tickets Online
  • By Telephone – (207) 442-8455: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 10am to 4 pm  and Thursday from Noon to 7pm. Saturday only on the day of a performance 10am to 4pm,
  • At the Box Office: The Chocolate Church Box Office is located in the CCAC Annex 804 Washington Street Bath, Maine. Box Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 4pm, and Thursday from Noon to 7pm.  The Box Office will also be open from noon to 4pm on Saturday performance days only.

Tickets At the Door: Tickets are available at the door 30 minutes prior to the published show time.

Payment: We accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express. Checks or money orders should be made payable to “The Chocolate Church.“

Pick Up: All tickets purchased in advance will be available for pickup at the Box Office during Box Office Hours, and at the Will Call desk inside the Theater’s main entrance starting 30 minutes prior to the published show time. Tickets purchased online can be printed out at home.

Group Discounts: For certain events, group rates may be available to social, civic, or student groups of ten or more. For additional information, please call the Box Office at (207) 442-8455 (Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 4pm, and Thursday from Noon to 7pm).