Al “Hurricane” Spears – Guitarist

In the rich tapestry of Chicago’s blues history, there are few names as synonymous with the genre as Al “Hurricane” Spears. Born and raised on the westside of Chicago, Hurricane has dedicated his life to keeping the blues alive through his remarkable talent and tireless efforts. As a skilled guitarist and passionate performer, he has graced some of the most iconic Blues venues in Chicago, including Buddy Guy’s Legends, the House of Blues, Kingston Mines, and Rosa’s Lounge. For Hurricane, the blues is more than just music—it’s a way of life. His deep-rooted connection to the genre can be traced back to his early childhood when he would listen to old 78s, absorbing the raw emotions and soulful melodies that defined the blues. It was in the early 90s that he first picked up a guitar and discovered his true calling. From that moment on, Hurricane never stopped playing, honing his skills and developing a unique style that blends elements of jazz and blues with an edgy twist. While working a full-time job, Hurricane found solice and inspiration in the local blues scene. He began participating in blues jams at Carter’s Place in Lockport and the Harlem Avenue Lounge in Berwyn, immersing himself in the vibrant community of musicians who shared his passion. These experiences fueled his determination to bring the blues to the forefront, and Hurricane took it upon himself to organize and operate three of the longest-running blues jams in the western suburbs. Al Hurricane has shared the stage alongside Toronzo Cannon, Lurrie Bell, Mike Wheeler, Billy Branch, Johnnie Drummer, Aron Burton, Jimmy Dawkins, and the father-son combo of Lonnie and Ronnie Baker-Brooks, and Lucky Peterson. These collaborations not only enriched Hurricane’s musical journey but also cemented his status as an esteemed member of Chicago’s blues community. Hurricane wants to give special thanks to his wonderful wife Donna, Michael Wheeler, Toronzo Cannon, Chico Banks (RIP), Twist Ferguson (RIP), Dave Riley, Lindsey Alexander, Billy Branch, Carl Weathersby, Carlos Johnson, Third Coast Guitars, Glen Gerini, Music Solutions, Doug Horan, Jeff Ruffin, Gibson Custom Guitars, and hosts of friends who helped make the music possible.

Herman ” Hermanator” Hines – Lead Vocals

Herman Hines is  very humble, kind and a approachable gentleman who always finds time to chat. But with a microphone in his hand, he transforms into a charismatic showman with a penetrating and soulful voice that commands your attention.

Herman was raised on a sharecropping farm in Brownsville, TN, and is a proud veteran of the United States Army, and worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections for 30 years. Herman was discovered singing in a Joliet karaoke bar in 2001, and became the lead vocalist for The Chicago Blues Angels shortly thereafter. Herman has shared the stage with such notable performers as Billy Branch, Dave Spector and Toronzo Cannon and can regularly be found on the popular “Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises”. Herman has performed in many of the famous Chicago area venues including Buddy Guy Legends, Rosa’s Lounge, Fitzgerald’s and Frankie’s Blue Room. Hines has performed as far east as New York and as far west as the Mojo Lounge and Murphy’s Law in California. Herman has been influenced by such blues legends as BB King, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Robert Cray, Son Seals and Bobby Blue Bland.

Tony ” Mississippi Sax ” Medina – Harmonica & Vocals

Tony’s passion for the blues started early on, enjoying the instrumental sounds of the bass guitar and saxophone. At the age of 15 Tony began working his first job as a bagger at a local grocery store, and with his first pay check he bought his 1st harmonica. Tony then met Mr. Renfro Wallace jr. while bagging groceries and they quickly became friends. Mr. Wallace proceeded to teach Tony the fundamentals of playing the harmonica and he quickly developed a passion for blues music. Shortly after that he met Terry “Pops” Williams who was a multi-talented instrumentalist and was introduced to Everett ( Uncle Skeez ) Williams who helped Tony expand his skills and introduced to the blues scene. Tony’s inspiration comes from listening to Sonny Boy Williamson, Lil Walter, Billy Branch, Rod Piazza amongst many others. Tony fronted two bands shortly thereafter with the 4th Street Blues Band and Maxwell Mojo as well as being a side man in other bands and is currently one of the original members of The Hurricane Project. Tony has shared the stage with Clement Brashir, Doug Lee, Mike Wheeler, Toronzo Cannon, L.V. Banks, Twist and The Groove Machine, J.B. Ritchie, Billy Branch and many others over the years.

Melvin ” Too Smooth” Holmes – Guitarist and Vocals

Born and raised on the streets of the west side of Chicago, Melvin Holmes Sr. embodies the soulful spirit of the Windy City through the strings of his guitar and the powerful resonance of his voice. From the gritty urban landscapes to the smoky blues clubs, his journey is a testament to the enduring legacy of Chicago blues. Melvin’s love affair with music began at an early age, as he discovered the magic of the guitar and the profound stories it could tell. Raised in a household pulsating with rhythm and melody, he honed his skills as a backup vocalist for his mother, an experience that would shape his destiny in the world of blues. At the age of 20, Melvin found himself immersed in the electrifying world of gospel music, playing alongside the local sensation “Deacon Ruben Burton and the Victory Travelers.” The church pews became his stage, and the gospel harmonies fueled his passion for musical expression.

Life took a different turn when duty called, leading Melvin to serve in the United States Army. The discipline and dedication cultivated in the military only deepened his appreciation for the power of music to bridge gaps and heal souls. Post-service, Melvin dedicated years to the Illinois Department of Corrections, but his heart never strayed far from the soul-stirring rhythms of the blues. The blues, for him, was more than a genre; it was a force that connected people, transcending boundaries and echoing the stories of everyday life. In pursuit of his musical aspirations, Melvin pursued education at Joliet Junior College, where he became an integral member of the Joliet Junior College Jazz Combo. This marked a pivotal chapter in his musical evolution, broadening his understanding of the art form and refining his skills as a versatile musician. Today, Melvin immerses himself into the Chicago Blues scene. As the second guitarist behind the renowned Al “Hurricane Spears” and the Hurricane Blues Project, he keeps the flame of the blues burning bright in Chicago and its suburbs. His fingers dance on the strings, while his voice resonates with the echoes of a city that birthed the blues. Melvin is not just a musician; he is a versatile guitarist delighting the audiences with his skillful playing and infectious demeanor and smile, ensuring that its soulful melodies continue to echo through the streets, and blues joints that define the heart of this musical metropolis.

Jeffrey ” Muffinman” Ruffin – Drums

I am a hired gun in this music in the burbs set. I gel with most bands that I do gig with out this way. I grew up in the streets of Chicago, and music was my way out. I learned my craft from some of the best in the city. In 2009 I was known as one of the best jobbing drummers by the Chicago Blues News publication. My focus is to keep time, I am the anchor that holds the whole thing together. Ask any bass player. I miss the the old crew from back in the day. Over the years I’ve performed with Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues, Willie Dixon (my first and last overseas gig), Jo Jo Murray and Top Flight Band. Currently I’m playing with Twist and the Groove machine and the Hurricane project.

Alfred Shorter Jr. Bassist

 

BIO COMING SOON

Jeff Choate – Keyboard and Horns

Jeff is a lifelong musician who hails from the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.  Having played both trumpet and piano from an early age he thrives on the variety that playing multiple instruments provides.  This musical curiosity is still the driving force behind his endeavors today.  Having stepped away from serious musical pursuits for almost a decade Jeff has now been back at it for almost five years. He credits Al Spears, Herman Hines, Mike Brown, Mike Metoyer and others in the suburban music scene for giving him the opportunity to share his musical contributions.  Jeff is passionate about Blues music and the ability to infuse it with elements of all genres.  Playing with The Hurricane Project has given him an outlet for unbridled creative expression. Jeff’s musical journey has brought him to some of Chicago’s best stages and events including the House of Blues mainstage, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa’s, and the Chicago Blues Fest.