Blues was the original 'alternative' music. And since rock and roll's rebellious beginnings, much of the best in rock music has evolved from those seminal blues roots.
Enter 24-year-old guitar virtuoso, singer and songwriter, Corby Yates. While physically living near Santa Cruz, CA, Corby dwells musically in a soul-stirring and mind-bending space - a world where influences of past musical giants deeply merge with his own unique Presence.
His power trio's all-original live shows explore these deep and varied heavy rock and blues roots. The band plays tunes written to stimulate your neurons and hopefully bring you Joy. Corby and company have enjoyed the opportunity of performing with many great artists and bands including John Lee Hooker, Robin Trower, Johnny Winter, Indigenous, Cheap Trick, The Mermen, Chris Cain, Robben Ford, Tinsley Ellis, Joe Louis Walker, Tommy Castro, Jimmie Vaughan, Freak Kitchen, Coco Montoya, and The Tubes.
At 17, Corby won the prestigious National Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition in Seattle, WA, in the 18-and-under division. He started playing guitar at six and since 14, he's played 50 to 125 shows a year, mainly at clubs, theaters and festivals throughout California. His old-school roots include Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Chris Cain, Robin Trower, Howling Wolf, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Eric Dolphy, The Yardbirds, Blue Cheer, and the Groundhogs.
Corby is helping create the future of the fusion of blues with heavy rock. Fungus Blues, the newest album will be available in January, 2006. His last CD, Back from Yesterday, is available at live shows or on his website. The first CD, Corby Yates is available at live shows. And you really should have these clutched in your sweaty palms, or hot little hands - whichever description fits you best.
Catch a show. Listen to some tracks. Experience the new music. Can you say psycho-active blues/rock?
