Who is Sweet Mother?

Paul Shuffield on guitar & vocals, Rick Dimond on keyboard, Mike Bryant on trombone & harmonica, John Jordan on bass & vocals, and Bill Halbrook on slagwerk & vocals--some of the most talented and innovative musicians on the scene today. Individually they are constantly on call to play with other musicians needing the very best in session players. Together they are one unit, a band with incredible finesse and chops. Music is part of them. Plus, they're just fun to listen to.

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A musician of impeccable talent, Rick Dimond (Izzy) is the keyboardist for the group. He has played with and in front of some of the biggest musical names in the country. Rick's uncanny ear makes him adept at soloing and provides a strong musical foundation for the band. His natural leadership ability and technical skills make him an asset to any group, and a driving force in Sweet Mother. One listen is all it takes.

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Having played in bands with a variety of styles including 80's Hair Metal, Country, Top 40 Rock and Southern Gospel, Paul Shuffield (Jackson) has developed his own unique sound and style. Paul is an innovative writer with a vocal range that tops off the group. His solos are soulful and creative, his sound comes sweet or crunchy.

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Originally from Stuttgart, AR, Mike Bryant (Spider) spent many hours practicing and performing with horn bands. Mike was a member of the 8th Air Force Band and an original member of Smote, Hip & Thigh and the Funky Chicken Review, and he now performs with several central Arkansas groups in addition to Sweet Mother, including concert bands and quintets. Having added harmonica to his arsenal some time ago, Mike is a vital part of the group's sound.

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John Jordan (Doc) made his professional debut in the 11th grade playing trombone and singing in a progressive country band. He has toured with R&B legends Johnny Taylor and Ollie Nightingale, and spent several years in Memphis playing with various genres of bands. John has worked as a singer, trumpeter, trombonist, guitarist, bass guitarist and keyboardist much of his life. When not on bass, he can be found a couple of nights a week doing his solo gig as singer/guitarist in the Hot Springs area.

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From his first garage bands in high school, through road bands, to being one of the most called drummers in the area, Bill Halbrook (Dexter) has been a working musician. His ability to play a wide variety of styles has led to work from studio to concert hall, and from rock band to big band. Bill strives for creativity in his playing and enthusiasm in his vocals.

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Partial Song List
Some of the following pieces are played as unique arrangements. The goups and performers are listed as references.

• My Old School |Steely Dan
• Spinning Wheel |Blood, Sweat & Tears
• What Would You Say |Dave Matthews Band
• Everything |Michael Buble
• Beginnings |Chicago
• Jack of Speed |Steely Dan
• Superstition |Stevie Wonder
• Brown Eyed Girl, Arr. |Van Morrison
• Feelin' All Right |Joe Cocker
• Don't Take Me Alive |Steely Dan
• Taxman |The Beatles
• Spanish Moon |Little Feat
• Mercy, Mercy, Mercy |Joe Zawinul
• The Ocean, Arr.|Led Zeppelin
• The Letter |Joe Cocker
• Footprints, Arr.|Wayne Shorter
• More and More |Blood, Sweat & Tears
• Hey Bartender |Blues Brothers
• Feelin' Stronger Every Day |Chicago
• Whisper Your Name |Harry Connick, Jr.
• Watermelon Man |Herbie Hancock
• Fool In The Rain, Arr.|Led Zeppelin
• So Much To Say |Dave Matthews
• When a Man Loves a Woman |Percy Sledge
• Drive My Car |The Beatles

Originals

• Cold Coffee |Shuffield/Halbrook
• Kick You |Halbrook
• Original Sin |Dimond
• Sucker Shot |Shuffield/Halbrook
• Ain't Got Nothin' |Halbrook

Some of the music the band is thinking about performing:

• Mama Told Me Not To Come |Randy Newman/3 Dog Night
• Losing You |Faces
• Money |Pink Floyd

Let us know what you think.

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Some of the other groups the guys play with are Colt & the Old 45's, Capitol Brass, & All About Tom.

Sponsored by Shuffield Music Company

Web Improviser Tommy the Sub.