Selected as September, 2002 "Artist of the Month" by Klaritymusic.com
New CD release:
"Don't You Ever be Afraid"
Bootsie Daniels
and the
Smack Dab
Bootsie Daniels and the Smack Dab Dance Band, based in Staunton, VA, have established themselves as one of the best dance bands in Virginia! If they don't get you dancing, you better check your pulse! Bootsie Daniels, the lead singer and spokesman for the band,began performing at the age of eleven in Roanoke, Virginia. He has shared the stage with Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Little Richard, and The Drifters! Mike Williams brings experience to the band as guitar teacher and solo guitarist for over twenty years. His smooth chords can soothe in the slow songs, or "raise the roof" when he cuts loose on his lead guitar. Bill Harlow is the man playing the funky bass licks snd runs the sound system for the band. Jon Helbraun, drummer, is the one that adds the "fat back-beat that drives the band." James Berry and Greg Moody (both graduates of Shenandoah Music Conservatory) are the incomparable saxophone duo that sound like a whole horn section! James plays the tenor sax and Greg plays the alto sax. They both play other instruments in the band as well (see band member listing on right). Additionally, Greg is a frequent session musician for Catawba Sound Studio in Troutville, VA. Also singing great back-up vocals with them on the CD were Nicole Daniels, and Lorie (The Blues Lady) Strother! The band has completed their new CD project on Catawba Records label and it is available now. You don't want to miss it!
For bookings contact: bootsie@rica.net
The Band Members
Bootsie Danies - Lead vocals
Mike Williams - Rhythm & Lead guitar, Vocals
Bill Harlow - Bass guitar & Vocals
Greg Moody - Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Sax, keyboards, and Flute
Jon Helbraun - Drums. Vocals
Jamie Berry - Tenor & Soprano Sax, Vocals
Excerpt from Review of the July 21st Catawba Records Artists Showcase by May Ladenheim, Roanoke.com, July 25, 2002
"By the time Bootsie & the Smack Dab Dance Band rolled on-stage, the already warm crowd had loosend up to downright best friends. This attitude was encouraged by Daniels, a sassy crooner rumored to have sung with Otis Redding. When Bootsie cood out a tune written for his bride, multiple female sighs whispered behind his entrancing vocals. The bands brass knocked its quality right up to kicking, at which point listeners abandoned all pretense of sobriety and sashayed out to the dance floor."
