Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure
Amazing . . . spectacular . . . impressive . . . spirited . . . soulful. . . on any given night, these are the words that will resonate as the sounds from one of the most impressive musical ensembles on the road today not only permeates a room, but the souls of those there to witness it. It’s an experience that leaves an indelible mark and an insatiable lust for more. Which makes the name of the band absolutely perfect. Because when Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure take the stage, you can be certain that absolute pleasure is just ahead.
Formerly known as The Dan Sanchez Band, the current incarnation was formed in 2001 with a passionate fervor for producing music that makes people move. While the musical genre of this illustrious quartet is commonly referred to as West Coast Jump, Uptown Blues, and Memphis Blues, its own uniquely swinging style is guaranteed to captivate an audience from the moment it takes the stage. Just don’t expect the magic to wane; once in the presence of Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure, this is an intangible journey you won’t want to miss.
The influences on the band are unmistakable. The sounds of legendary Jazz and Blues artists such as B.B. King, Hollywood Fats Band, T-Bone Walker, Little Walter, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, West Montgomery, and Duke Robillard are seamlessly woven into each masterful performance. Because of such inspiration, the music created is consistently both gratifying and electrifying. Covering such classics as “The Thrill Is Gone,” “You Upset Me Baby,” and “Get My Mojo Working,” Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure have a way of putting their unique stamp on old favorites while initiating a new listening experience. And what pleasure indeed.
Yet not content to rest of the laurels of the masters, Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure press forward in making their own mark as well. Original material from the group can be humorous, introspective, and even somber. Yet the band never fails to please and has become noted for its diverse presentation of swingin’, yet crowd-pleasing numbers. After all, with these cats, it’s all about the groove and how it gets folks moving.
However, those they play for aren’t the only ones on the move. In fact, none may be moving quicker than Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure. Crowned Best Emerging Artist at the 2005 Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, the band has been making undeniable waves amidst the premiere blues players from coast to coast. And while garnering the spotlight in one of the largest and most prestigious blues festivals in North America, the group also took First Runner-Up honors at the Sonny Boy Blues Society “Battle of the Bands” in Helena, Arkansas. And in March of 2006, while in Los Angeles, B.B. King's offered the band a house gig. There can be no doubt that theirs is a star on the rise.
While maintaining ongoing production of new music, Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure make their home on the road. Whether opening for acts such as Kid Ramos in Los Angeles, California, or lighting up a club tour throughout the United States, the band’s emphasis is on the energy of the show and keeping the masses moving. Always jumpin’ and ready to swing, this is one band that’s here to stay.
Originally from the West Coast, Dan Sanchez is the quintessential blues man, handling both vocals and lead guitar. And while Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure initially operated under his name alone, he felt that the rhythm section deserved a name of its own. Following one night’s spectacular performance, Sanchez dubbed the surrounding combo “the kings of pleasure” and it was the dawn of a new day for this singularly sensational operation in swing. Not just a brotherhood on a mission, they became a force to be reckoned with.
The kings consist of Jason Ball, Rick Willis, Ryan Ramos, and John Hoffman. The Kings of Pleasure have augmented over the years. But the decision to follow their passion and make great music has been the goal since 2001. The evolvement of the band over the years has made them a powerhouse of music on the blues scence. Rick and John's percussion fill out the rhythmic backbone of the kings, sealing a sound that is both mesmerizing and energizing. They call it "Louisiana Jump Blues".
Simply put, Sanchez and The Kings are unforgettable—an unforgettable blues ensemble guaranteed to deliver unimaginable pleasure. Call it what you will . . . amazing . . . spectacular . . . impressive . . . spirited . . . soulful. Just get it. Get in the groove and on the move as you jump and swing into the truest of pleasure zones. And that’s wherever you’re lucky enough to find Dan Sanchez and the Kings of Pleasure.
Cathi Cox
Crossroads Music & Media
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