Has anyone heard of a rock band named Blind Rhino? are they good?

Answer 1

When a band decides to perform under the moniker of Blind Rhino, it's only logical to expect a group that's willing to choose its own direction and follow its own calling. That's certainly the case with this Blues quartet out of Albany, Oregon. But this Blind Rhino doesn't charge about recklessly like a large, sight-challenged beast; instead the band prefers to doggedly pursue their own vision of steady musical growth.

Guitarists Roy Barnes and John Fox first hooked up about eight years ago and found out right from the start that they shared an interest in the Blues and in composing new songs. So when they decided to form a Blues band, they were determined to write and perform original tunes. They both believed in the concept of progressing musically by creating songs that would be important to them personally.

Of course, concentrating on performing original music rather than cover tunes requires a certain level of commitment and adds some uncertainty to the process. The first band Roy and John organized didn't work out because the rhythm section they joined didn't seem to share a similar commitment to the music. Separating from their original bandmates wasn't a quick or simple process and, of course, it also left Roy and John in need of a new rhythm section. Fortunately, in 1998, drummer Tom Hanna and bass player Maurice (Mo) Dorsey stepped in to fill the openings and for the last six years, the quartet has been chasing a common goal of playing the Blues on their own terms.

The group's dedication allowed them to complete their first CD release, "Out Of Sight," in 1999. This collection of new songs written almost entirely by John and Roy leaned heavily towards Blues-Rock, Roadhouse Boogie and straight Rock 'n' Roll. The energy and intensity that has helped garner strong audience responses for their live shows is plainly evident on this high-octane set of recordings. But, for the group, that first CD was just a starting point. They continued to work hard to mature together as a band, delving into different aspects of the Blues while searching for their own distinct identity.

The next recorded chapter in that progression is their soon-to-be-released second CD, "Blues In A Blender." The group feels this second set of original tunes is a quantum leap for them. Its much more of a collaborative effort among all four musicians than the first CD. Tom and Mo had only been with the band for a short time when the first CD was recorded. Now, with more time together as a quartet, they are producing the songs as a group and the rhythm section is a more integral part of the music.

The band has already incorporated some of the tunes from "Blues In A Blender" into their live sets and the partnership they have developed is readily evident. Within a single tune, Roy and John will trade off on lead guitar, weaving both their playing styles into the number. The group also shares lead vocal responsibilities, taking advantage of the distinct sound that each can provide.

Still, as the band's own style has emerged, they have not lost any of the raw intensity that has been their trademark from the start. In fact, during their efforts to record "Blues In A Blender," they searched long and hard for a way to capture the energy and emotion that is typified by high quality live performances. The band tried two different recording studios, but felt that something was being lost in the production. Eventually, they decided to produce their own recordings and purchased a 16-track digital recorder. There was still some concern that the live quality they were striving for would be compromised, but much to their relief, that hasn't been the case.

For Roy Barnes, the path to the frontline of a nascent Blues band started early on. He grew up in Philomath, Oregon as part of a musical family, with his father, mother and grandfathers all able to play musical instruments. His Mom still plays the organ in church and, according to Roy, performs with more than a little soul.

Roy began playing guitar at an early age and played the trumpet with the school band. He was also a drummer and was recruited to play for a Jazz band. Naturally, Rock music was a strong influence on him; however, the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and "the Alberts" helped turn him toward the Blues. Roy toyed around with songwriting, but despite the strong musical background, it wasn't until he met John that his interest in composing music began to blossom.

By contrast, John Fox is a relative newcomer to musicianship. He says he didn't listen to a lot of music as a youngster and didn't take up the guitar until he was in his 20s. When he did begin taking guitar lessons, his teacher would bring in a variety of music to broaden his horizons. As soon as he heard Albert Collins play, he knew he was hooked on the Blues. He describes Collins as one of the "least predictable" Blues guitarists he's heard. Other performers that John lists as key influences in his Blues awakening include Lonnie Mack, Freddie King and Jimmy Dawkins.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, John moved to Oregon in 1994. Like many others, a visit to the Pacific Northwest convinced him that this was an attractive place to live. John met Roy in 1995 when walking past his house to the bowling alley. He had previously heard someone playing guitar inside the house and was interested in what he heard. So, when John saw Roy sitting out front one day and recognized him from the bowling league, he had every reason to introduce himself. The rest, as they might one day say, is Blind Rhino history.


Blind Rhino onstage.
The intense interest that John holds for music is obvious when he relates his views on the subject. He's certainly not at a loss for words when it comes to a discussion of musical styles or the structure of music. I didn't get the joke when he opened my first meeting with the band by declaring that he wouldn't do any of the talking. I soon found out that keeping silent about a subject he holds so near and dear is not an option for him.

Both Mo Dorsey and Tom Hanna are long-time musicians and performers. Mo also hails from a musically-inclined family and the New York state native started playing the bass when he was 13, cutting his teeth on that ubiquitous Rock 'n' Roll. He performed with several bands on the east coast before moving out west to Albany in 1979, where he continued to perform professionally in local groups.

Tom, a native of Albany, began performing when he was 14 and played in the school band. He played drums in several local pop-music combos and, for a couple of years during the '80s, joined Mo in a Top-40 band that toiled in area lounges. Tom had been working with a Country & Western band when his wife, who works with John, introduced the two musicians. It was Tom who then contacted Mo about teaming up to form the new backline for John and Roy.

At first, Mo agreed to join as a temporary band member, but his wife convinced him he should stick with the group on a lasting basis. Not only did he decide to stay, he also came up with the interesting choice for the band's name. Neither Tom nor Mo had previously been in a band that concentrated on creating original music, so Blind Rhino proved to be a refreshing experience for both of them.

In reality, referring to Blind Rhino as a quartet is a bit misleading. This is a band that has had to rely from the start on strong family support to pursue their goals. It is a major effort simply to keep a band together when the members have day jobs to hold down and family obligations. But, the demands are even greater when the group is working to create and record its own songs.

Not only did the musicians' wives play a role in getting the current lineup together, they are actively involved with band publicity. Plus, of course, they have to deal with the long hours and four musicians gathering in the garage for rehearsals. It can't always be easy to put up with sleep-deprived musicians trying to balance full time jobs with band activities.

The family support has also helped the band get involved in the local community. In 2001, the group organized their first annual "A Little Help For Our Friends" concert in Albany, a benefit for the non-profit community aid group, "Fish House of Albany." The show features performances by other local bands, in addition to Blind Rhino, and collects donations of food, toys and cash. The third annual installment of "A Little Help For Our Friends" is slated for December 6th at the Linn County fairgrounds.

Many Portland area Blues fans were introduced to Blind Rhino when the band participated in the Cascade Blues Association's first Journey To Memphis competition in 2000. The band didn't take top prize, the chance to represent the CBA at the International Blues Challenge (IBC), in that first effort, but the judges were sufficiently impressed to award them the runner-up position. The second-place finish gave the new band a boost of confidence and encouraged them to re-enter the contest again in 2001.

But, the Journey To Memphis contest has proven to be a true test of the group's persistence. Though their bid to win the contest was unsuccessful again in 2001, and once more in 2002, they still refused to give up. Instead, the quartet joined the 2003 contest at the Waterfront Blues Festival and wound up grabbing first prize.

Thus, as this ambitious group works to complete their latest CD, they are also preparing to travel to Memphis in late January for the IBC. Hopefully, they will manage to find the time for a little sleep, as well. The Northwest Oregon Blues community will have the chance to give the band an energy boost by showing plenty of support when they perform at the CBA membership meeting on January 7, 2004.

http://www.cascadeblues.org/NWBlues/blind_rhino/blind_rhino-0312profile.htm

Are they good? Thats up to you and your taste, every one likes different bands and types of music. I might love it and you might hate it who knows. But they are good enough to find information about them online, so they are some what famous.

Fares Alsagri

Answer 2

No.I cant say I ever heard the name. I wonder why they chose it.
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Wait, I looked some more and there is a BlindRhino blues band in WIlliamette valley. The band was initially formed in Albany , Oregon and are working on their second album.

http://nowtowns.com/groups/?id=19590&fi=Blind+Rhino&fd
http://www.cascadeblues.org/NWBlues/blind_rhino/blind_rhino-0312profile.htm

Answer 3

Arctic Monkeys

Answer 4

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/sendemail.cfm?bandID=151222