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Joseph Maher a/k/a "Big Joe" Maher has been a
performing drummer/singer over past 30 years. His list of credits is
like a "who’s who of blues & jazz," having performed
at an early age in his high school jazz band "The Starliners"
with the likes of greats like Clark Terry, Urbie Green, Mudell Lowe,
James Moody, just to name a few. Thanks to Col. Joe Carley, a
retired Air Force Colonel and Director of the Starliners, who knew all of
these great musicians and invited them to sit in as guest performers often.
After
high school Joe went immediately on the road with his own jazz trio.
His mission then started to become an accomplished singer/drummer.
Over time he shared the stage and backed up musicians like Jimmy
Witherspoon, Bullmoose Jackson, James "Thunderbird" Davis,
Nappy Brown, Otis Rush, Earl King and more. In the late 80’s after
performing with and managing nine piece swing
band "The Uptown Rhythm Kings," and after a few years as
drummer and touring with the Tom
Principato Band, Joe formed his own 5 piece blues jump group
"Big Joe & The Dynaflows." In
between touring and local performances with the Dynaflows, in the
mid-90's Joe accepted the role as musical coordinator for Mick
Fleetwood's club in Alexandria, VA "Fleetwoods." His
knowledge of the local and national blues & jazz scene helped
him land the position which had the club filled with top notch
talent!
The Dynaflows release "I'm Still Swingin" on the Maryland based Severn Records received the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) "Best Blues Recording" in 1998 and their 2000 release of "All Night Long" also on Severn, is currently receiving very favorable reviews.
Past Dynaflows releases include "Layin' in the Alley" on the New Orleans based Black Top Records. This CD received the (WAMA) "Best Blues Recording" in 1994. There is also the Dynaflows first release "Good Rockin'Daddy" on the Powerhouse label & "Cool Dynaflow" on a European label.
Other recent side projects Joe & Dynaflows have been involved with include the recording of "I Warned You Baby." This CD is a compilation of musical chestnuts recorded for the dancing pleasure of the North Carolina "shag dance" scene. This release is on the "Gutter Records" label out of Raleigh.
Big Joe & The Dynaflows and the Big Three Trio or Big Four Combo (three or four piece jazz/swing version of the Dynaflows) are currently performing live at local (Maryland, Wash.DC & Virginia), nationwide & European venues and festivals. All three groups are also available for wedding receptions and private functions.
The Dynaflows feature Ivan Appelrouth on electric guitar and Steve Potter on electric & upright bass. The combo features John Previti on upright bass (formerly of the Danny Gatton Band), John Cocuzzi on piano/vibes & local saxophone legend Joe Stanley. Big Joe Maher on drums & vocals in all three music groups.
MUSIC PRODUCING
Joe’s list of music producing projects include saxophone legend Joe Stanley’s (saxophonist in the Dynaflows and the Big Four Combo) "King of the Honky Tonk Saxophone", on the Mapleshade label. This CD is comprised of 50’s style R&B and is dedicated to the late great Danny Gatton. Joe’s original tune "Blues For Danny," is dedicated to him. Buy CD CD info
Also on the Mapleshade label, Joe produced and performed on John Cocuzzi’s (the vibraphonist/pianist in the Dynaflows & Big 3/Big 4 Combo) release "Swingin’ & Burnin’ ", and that it is! This disc features special guest Alan Vache’ on clarinet (brother of trumpeter Warren Vache’, most noted for Rosemary Clooney’s band leader). Buy CD CD info
Joe & longtime friend, bassist Jeff Sarli (who has recently worked on projects with Keith Richards/Levon Helm) teamed up with a host of fine local musicians to record in a relaxed atmosphere the bluesy-jazz CD "Mo Jo" for Mapleshade also. Buy CD CD info