Exploring the Musical Styles of Tom Rigney & Flambeau
- Linda Amarl
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Band Members
Tom Rigney – leader, violin, vocals
Caroline Dahl – piano
Anthony Paule – guitar, vocals
Sam Rocha – bass, vocals
Brent Rampone – drums
Tom Rigney is a renowned American roots music violinist and composer from the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the leader of the band Flambeau, known for its high-energy, eclectic blend of musical styles. In 2000, Rigney formed Flambeau, a band that further refined his musical vision and blended a wider range of roots music styles.
Musical Style
Tom Rigney and Flambeau specialize in a unique blend of American roots music, often described as 'gumbo,' which includes:
Cajun and Zydeco: Fiery two-steps and dance grooves influenced by the music of South Louisiana.
Blues and New Orleans Grooves: Low-down blues and funky rhythms from the Crescent City.
Boogie Woogie Piano: A fast-paced, rhythmic style of blues piano.
Ballads and Waltzes: Heartbreakingly beautiful, slower tunes.
Other Influences: The band's sound also incorporates traces of Celtic reels, swing, and roots rock and roll, along with hints of Rigney's Irish roots and Eastern European music.
Most of the band's repertoire is composed by Rigney himself, showcasing his virtuoso fiddling, charismatic stage presence, and originality as a composer.
Band Members
Tom Rigney: Violin, vocals, and leader.
Leading the charge with his fiery violin, Tom Rigney brings unparalleled energy to Flambeau. He is known for his passionate and virtuoso fiddling, and his music is a blend of various styles, including Cajun, zydeco, blues, New Orleans grooves, ballads, waltzes, and roots rock and roll. Much of the band's repertoire is composed by Rigney himself.
Rigney's career highlights include leading the bluegrass/Western swing band Back in the Saddle, touring with Queen Ida's Bon Temps Zydeco Band, and fronting The Sundogs for 15 years.
The band's high-energy live shows are known for their tight playing, infectious grooves, and impressive solos. Flambeau was voted Best Cajun/Zydeco Band of 2004 by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame.
Tom Rigney's discography is extensive. His solo albums include 'Chasing the Devil' and 'Metamorphosis.' With Flambeau, he has released numerous albums such as 'Red Boots and Rice,' 'Happy to Be Here,' 'Don't Fight It,' 'Cajun Fandango,' and 'Let the Four Winds Blow.'
Caroline Dahl: Piano
With her mastery of boogie-woogie and American roots music, Caroline Dahl brings a unique flair to the piano. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and has resided in San Francisco for over 35 years. She is known for her work with Tom Rigney & Flambeau. Also, she performs solo in the Bay Area and at various international festivals in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The American Music Research Foundation describes her as a "self-taught master" of diverse styles, including boogie-woogie, blues, vintage R&B, jazz, swing, and country swing.
Besides her musical career, Dahl is also an award-winning fiber artist, with her work exhibited in galleries and museums. She supports herself by playing piano and has released several albums, including No Hats (2005), Night House (2006), Devil Digit Boogie Woogie (2013), and A 'Boogie Woogie State of Mind' (2021).
Anthony Paule: Guitar
Anthony Paule, a versatile blues guitarist, specializes in a diverse range of classic styles, from jazzy soul to energetic juke-joint grooves. Based in the Bay Area, he is an American electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has released records under his own name. However, he is also widely recognized for his collaborations with other artists, including Boz Scaggs, Charlie Musselwhite, and Mark Hummel.
In 2007, Paule founded the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, a nine-piece ensemble he formed in San Francisco. The orchestra draws inspiration from the soul and blues recordings of the 1960s and 1970s, featuring a horn section. The group has collaborated with renowned vocalists such as Wee Willie Walker, Frank Bey, and Willy Jordan. The orchestra has garnered numerous nominations for the prestigious Blues Music Awards.
Sam Rocha: Bass
Sam Rocha, an American musician born in Fresno, California, in 1986, began his musical journey at the tender age of four, when he started receiving piano lessons. Later, he expanded his musical repertoire to include viola and bass guitar. At the age of fifteen, Rocha took up the acoustic string bass, solidifying his identity as a bassist. His professional musical career began at seventeen when he joined the Blue Street Jazz Band.
Rocha’s musical endeavors extend beyond his band affiliations. He is a member of the Hot Club of San Francisco and performs with his own group, the Sam Rocha Trio. Additionally, he has collaborated with a diverse range of artists and groups, including Jonathan Stout, Dawn Lambeth, and Le Jazz Hot. Rocha’s musical style encompasses a blend of blues, soul, Latin jazz, and folk music.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Rocha is an academic, author, and assistant professor of philosophy of education at the University of British Columbia. His scholarly work explores the intersection of philosophy, music, and religion, and he has authored books and recorded several albums that delve into these themes. Rocha’s particular interest lies in “Augustinian soul music,” which has been released on Wiseblood Records.
Some of Rocha’s notable albums include “Late to Love” (2014) and “Anamnesis” (2019).
Brent Rampone: Drums
Brent Rampone, a renowned powerhouse drummer, is celebrated for his exceptional clarity, precision, and fire on the drums. His grooves are characterized by their infectious, upbeat quality.
Over the course of more than two decades, Rampone has had the privilege of performing, recording, and touring with a diverse array of roots, rock, and country artists. Notable collaborations include those with Maria Muldaur and Billy C. Farlow. Additionally, he has contributed to albums by artists such as Michael Osborn, Dr. Elmo, Rosalie Sorrels, and Joe Goldmark.
Since 2006, Rampone has been a dedicated member of the band Flambeau.
Discography
Tom Rigney and Flambeau have released numerous albums, including:
Red Boots and Rice (2000)
Happy to Be Here (2003)
A Blue Thing (2004)
Back Streets: A Blues Collection (2006)
Back Porch Blues (2008)
Serious Fun (2010)
Don't Fight It (2011)
Swing State (2011)
You're the One (2012)
Swamp Fever: Live at Three Stages (2015)
Cajun Fandango (2016)
Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think) (2017)
Let the Four Winds Blow (2019)
Photographs by Ed Powell, protected by copyright.
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