Artist Profile: MaD BoJo
All images courtesy of MaD BoJo.
Name:
MaD BoJo
Hometown:
Everett
Your Medium/Craft:
Band
Years doing your craft:
50+ collectively - years as a local group
How did you first get started in your craft?
Bassman Tom Jones and drummer Rick J Bowen have worked together as a rhythm section for over a decade with the internationally acclaimed Stacy Jones Band and recorded on many studio projects together.
The duo joined forces with multi-instrumentalist Mike Marinig, who was originally brought on board for his talent as an award-winning saxophonist; they soon found he was equally as talented on flute, keyboards, acoustic guitar and vocals. Along with Sean Denton on guitar, slide, harmonica and vocals. Denton was an old friend who had subbed, recorded and even toured with the Stacy Jones Band from time to time. Making him a perfect fit.
The quartet landed a Monday weekly event billed at the Madison Pub and for the first year or so the band was simply called the “Madison Avenue Blues Review”. Denton was messing around with an anagram using the starting letters from the members’ last names and came up with a Facebook post referring to the band as MaD BoJo!!! It stuck.
MaD BoJo was nominated for the Washington Blues Society annual “Best of the Blues Awards” for 2018 Best New Band and 2018 & 2019 Best Traditional Blues Act, winning the Best New Band honors.
Culling songs from their repertoire played on at the standing Monday night dinner shows Mad BoJo have released their debut self-titled album in March of 2020. A 14 song collection of traditional Blues, Rockin Soul, timeless favorites and new original tunes.
The album opens with the first of seven tracks penned by Denton, the swinging “Crucify Me,” that is an homage to Blue Eyed Soul singers and features a luminous flute solo from Marinig. In the spirit of the group's Monday night shows Marinig then takes a turn at lead vocals on his groovy hard-luck song “Been So Long,” then jumps on piano and hands Denton back the vocals for the 2nd line fueled swamper “Messin’ Up My Home.”
Drummer Rick J Bowen handles the vocals on the slow Blues from Lary Davis, “Texas Flood,” made famous by Steve Ray Vaughn. Tom Jones steps up to the mic to guide us through the traditional lament “Wayfaring Stranger, “and Maring shows off his Sax chops the driving shuffle “Cold.” Opposite ends of the genre spectrum are represented on the melancholy “Killin’ Floor,” and the satirical “Anybody Can get The Blues.”
Next up are the classics “My Babe,” and “Let It Roll,” for good time fun before the funky originals “Won’t See Me No More,” and ``Kickin’ You.” The honky-tonk ramble “Red Rooster,” rounding out the strong debut from Mad BoJo. The album was awarded the 2021 Best of the Blues award for "Best Washington recording" from the Washington Blues Society.
Favorite Artist(s) and/or Inspirations?
Great songs and Great Grooves
Favorite Piece You've Created?
MaD BoJo -debut album 2020
What’s the most challenging part of being an artist, or something you had to overcome?
Keeping the show fresh and spontaneous every week. The group doesn't have a set song list, instead, we spontaneously call out songs to perform in a round-robin fashion with each member taking turns taking the lead and often challenging each with unrehearsed new material.
MaD BoJo also encourages musical friends and special guests to join them on stage when they drop by, thus creating more one-of-a-kind musical moments.
How can people be supportive of the arts?
Attend as many live music performances as possible. Support the venues that offer live music. buy music from the artists, either in person or online.
Favorite place in Everett to eat?
Madison Ave Pub
Favorite place in Everett to hang?
Madison Ave Pub
Favorite quote and/or words to live by?
Peace Thru Music
What's next for you?
MaD BoJo plays a free dinner show every Monday at the Madison Ave Pub in Everett WA at 7 p.m.
Where can people purchase or see more of your art?
Madison Avenue Pub
905 Madison St
Everett, WA 98203
(425) 348-7402
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