Emily Jack grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan and the cold winters there can sure give you the blues ! By the age of six Emily loved gospel music and was touched by the sound . Making one of her dreams become a reality , Emily traveled to Europe , while their she witnessed street performers and even did a lil of her own (authentic American style of singing , Old School). Emilys' influences are reflected in her vocals that include Aretha Franklin , Tina Turner and the late Janis Joplin . Emily fronted several bands before settling in with Balboa Blues Band on Sundays at Westside formerly Players . Emily heard the 3rd Degree performing at Westside and felt the Blues calling her , so now Emily performs with the 3rd Degree as well . Putting her heart and soul in every performance is what it's all about !


Aaron "BigHands" Chapman bandleader, guitarist and vocalist, cut his teeth early on the South Side of Chicago which was and is a hotbed for "amplified blues".  Growing up in Cabrini Green and the Robert Taylor homes two of the toughest housing projects was his first lesson of the Blues. Drawing influences from Pops Staples , Lefty Dizz , Albert King , Buddy Guy , Walter Scott , Billy Flynn , Vance Kelly , Bob Stroger , Lurrie Bell and Curtis Mayfield to name a few . The historical Maxwell Street was a weekend experience sometimes with my dad and brother that was full of musical treats . Befriended by the late great Godfather of the Blues Junior Wells was an honor !

Aarons' Facebook page: www.facebook.com/aaron.chapman1

Melvin "Sunset Slim" Mitchell is a riveting presence on the harmonicas.  He hails from Cleveland, Ohio,  but his wide exposure to the Chicago Blues scene becomes evident in his performances.  Slim cites Chicago greats like Billy Branch and Sugar Blue as having the biggest impact on his career.


Benton "Big Sky" Asbury was raised in Montana and has been a member of the band from the beginning.  He's a Vietnam War veteran.  He has performed in symphonic orchestras and big bands as a string bassist . Benton plays electric, upright and acoustic bass as well as classic guitar.  He says (besides the Blues) his passions are fly fishing in Montana and Ragtime music.


Bobby "Too Big" Albright is the newest memeber of the band as drummer and percussionist.  Bobby has studied under the tutelage of great musicians like Joe Pacaro and Louis Conte.  He holds down the beat in a perfect segue from one song to the next and enjoys playing in a band that allows him to stretch out.

    Harrison "Hatch" Manell grew up with the piano in the house , his mother Adelle recieved in 1931 . Hatch fooled around with the keys until he learned some basic chords . He found a couple of friends that played guitars and soon was playing local parties and school dances . Through high school and beyond , he played in several local blues - rock groups at local clubs . His musical influences include Brian Auger , Savoy Brown , Santana , Clapton , Keith Emerson , and the Jazz Crusaders to name a few . Family life took over , but once the kids grew up "Hatch" was back on the scene with renewed enthusiasm .

I'd rather go blind , Ooh Poo Pah Doo , If you should lose me , Someone else is slip'n in , Groove me ,Mojo workin , Rollin stone , You shook me , Bo Diddley medely , Spoonful , Lil Red Rooster , Backdoorman , Ain't superstitious , killin floor , tore down ,  goin down , love her with a feelin , chains of love , Midnight hour , knock on wood ,634-5789 , love and happiness , The thrill is gone , let the goodtimes roll , jambalaya , Blues is alright , born under a bad sign , why I sing the blues , last 2 dollars ,  Shade tree mechanic , down home blues , bad to the bone , dust my broom , sky is cryin , chitlins con carne , cissy strut , messin with the kid , all your lovin , yonders wall , use me up , high heel sneakers , big bossman , roadhouse blues , boom boom , pride and joy , crawlin king snake ,  Lowrider , Cisco kid , slippin into darkness , back at the chickenshack , sittin on the dock of the bay , titty man,  strokin ,  redhouse , Johnny B. Goode , 19 yrs. old  ,  stand by me ,  shout , tequila , waiting in vain , stir it up , leave my girl alone , if lovin you is wrong I don't wanna be right , lets get it on ,  I wouldn't treat a dog ! , St. James infirmary ,  green onions , phone booth ,  drownin on dry land , scratch my back ,  off the wall , give me back my wig ! , Damn right I got the blues ! ,  soul fixin man ,Miss you , Ain't that a bitch , Real mutha 4 ya , tons of  blues and soul music the list goes on and on  !