New local band brings their own blues sound to Polson
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POLSON — A new local band held a successful debut recently, aiming to bring some of their favorite blues traditions to Western Montana.
The six-person blues band, Mojo Rising, got its start a few months ago thanks to a party among local musicians. According to two of the band members, lead vocal Jess Hunter and lead guitar Richard Lecomte, a jam session during that party was what got the whole thing started.
“(Richard and I) were considering doing a coffee shop sort of thing, but then it turned into adding my friends Keryl Lozar and Sid Seay … and next thing you know it’s a six-piece band. It’s just been amazing,” Hunter commented.
Lecomte said he ended up bringing in some of his own former bandmates from Missoula to round out their lineup. They were really able to get things going thanks to the Western Montana Musician’s Co-op in Ronan. “It’s all thanks to the WMMC because we wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Lecomte stated. “They provide the rehearsal space and everything.”
“It’s a great place to get started, spread your wings on a Saturday night with everybody,” Hunter said of the WMMC. “We’ve been working since October … We’re hoping to create a fun blues atmosphere with some raw, deep, female blues vocals.”
The band is made up of Hunter, also known by her “blues name,” Big Mama Jess; Lecomte, who goes by Brother Joad on stage; Lozar on drums, Seay on piano, Dan Hollenback on bass, LaBarre Banqueshot on harmonica, and special guest performer from the WMMC, Doug Ruhman.
Naming the band proved to be a challenge. Lecomte explained that several names they hashed out ended up already owned by other bands, so in the end they named the group after his cat, Mojo. “He really digs the blues because whenever I’m practicing or working on material, he sits right in front of the amp and really gets into the music,” Lecomte explained.
Thanks to the chance meeting between experienced musicians, the group worked hard for the last few months to get some songs together and be ready to play. It all culminated in their debut appearance at The Durham in Polson on Feb. 17.
With their renditions of songs from blues artists such as Howlin’ Wolf and Susan Tedeschi, the band members shared that “Mojo Rising” was able to double the restaurant’s sales for the night and pack the place with listeners.
“It was almost a throwback to solid blues music. It was really good, they’re very good musicians that really jive together,” Tom Durham, owner of The Durham, commented. “Polson really likes when music comes to town, and I feel like it’s needed. The whole thing was just a really good experience.”
“It was a real good night for the band, and a real nice room for live music too,” Lecomte commented.
“We absolutely rocked their music room,” Hunter laughed. “We really like The Durham. Tom has an awesome music room and an awesome space for a band, and he was super accommodating ... We had so much fun.”
The band has several more performances lined up across Lake County and more of Western Montana, including the KwaTaqNuk, Missoula’s Old Post and plans are underway for the blues festival circuit in the summer. Those interested in seeing them perform live can find out where they’ll be next on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086393007072
“I’m looking to have a good time with my friends and really enjoy the valley music scene,” Hunter commented. “We want to bring a new sound with a female blues vocalist … I’m hoping that my singing will speak for itself.”
“We’re trying to bring back that blues tradition of going out and doing a really good show and having a blues jam afterward with visiting musicians and people in the area,” Lecomte said. “We take every gig as if it might be the last time we ever get to play or sing, so we’re just going to go out there and put that kind of energy out every single time we play.”
