Our music is influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, B. B. King, Carl Perkins, Muddy Waters, Wilson Picket, Classics IV, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others. We play blues, soul and rock & roll cover songs and some original material.

In recent months Uphill has entertained at Hooters and Sunburns on the Outer Banks, Thumpers and Groupers in Elizabeth City, The Indian Summer Festival in Hertford, Chero’s Market Café and the Chowan County Fair in Edenton, and various private functions.

Adam

Adam Nixon, AKA "Deacon Blues" is a North Carolina native. His father being a pastor, he spent much of his formative years in the church. Musically, he was brought up in the traditions of country and southern gospel. His initial desire to play guitar was simply for accompanying his voice and writing songs. Since then his playing has taken on a voice all its own. After honing his chops both in church and on stage, the Deacon of the Blues was finally ready to step up and be a front man. T.B.A. (Tim, Butch and Adam), as they were originally known, became the next chapter in this story. As for the next chapter, the Uphill chapter, only time will tell. But one thing is certain; that no matter what, the blues will keep flowing though his veins and out into the world, so be prepared! In his own words, “I’m a journeyman for a new age.” Can I get an amen?

Tim

Tim first got into music as a teenager in the 60s, in England, when he played lead guitar in a rock and roll band at high school, playing songs by Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Hollies, and many others. In the early Seventies, he spent several years studying the Classical guitar in England, Chicago, and New Jersey. Early in 2005 he discovered his love for the bass. Eager to express his new-found sound, he joined The Rhythm Flys with Jimmy Simmons and Mickey Corbel. Finally, in November, 2005, he met Butch and Adam and together they formed T.B.A. (soon renamed Uphill). The rest, as they say, is history.

Isaiah

Isaiah started his musical journey during Middle School, where he first learned the basics of percussion and symphonic style music. During High School, he became addicted to music when he was introduced to marching band and drum set playing. While attending college, he became more interested in the smaller band gig scene and in due course found “Uphill” - Blues, Soul, and Rock & Roll. His famous influences are Stewart Copeland, John Dolmayan, and Carter Beaufort. But most important to him are the local drummers from whom he has learned the most.

Doc Chris

Chris has been playing at the keys since he could reach them. He was raised in New York City both listening to and passionate about “any type of music where I can hear the musicianship” from Bach to the Beatles to music from Bali. Chris earned a doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore (but it ain't hurt his playin' none! DB), and teaches music theory and composition at Elizabeth City State University. He regularly sneaks out to coffee houses to play and sing “Boogie, Ballads and Broadway” as a solo act. He is thrilled to be a part of Uphill, preaching the blues, playing with Musicians Who Mean It (MWMI, join your local chapter today! DB), and to be “bashing away at the IV.” (Go ahead, ask him. He’ll tell you. Probably even explain what that means, with diagrams.) So check out The Doc (or Doc ChrisP) at our next gig to hear him assault the 88's and sing!