Artist Spotlight: Vancouver's The Mojo Stars

Formed almost ten years ago, Vancouver’s The Mojo Stars wasted no time establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the local blues scene. With deep roots in blues and soul, combined with a rock driven edge, this multi-talented band has been collecting a large following starting from their debut performance at Vancouver International Jazz Festival to their upcoming tour of 2017. Comprised of front man Randy Clarke, guitarist Mark Rankin, and later including local heavyweights, drummer Loren Etkin (Long John Baldry) and bassist Lee Oliphant, the band’s first year saw them playing at local clubs, pubs, casinos and private events. In 2009, they recorded their first CD, Devil’s Advocate, a collection of ten original songs penned by Clarke and Rankin. The album received extensive airplay and was featured on blues radio programs in Canada, the US and Europe. The end of 2010 saw the group on hiatus, but two years later they returned reinvigorated, adding new members, B3 player Kenny Boychuck (long time Jerry Doucette collaborator) and sax man Tom Gould to the lineup. Playing their return gig at the newly- opened Columbia in New Westminster, The Mojo Stars sold out the 500-seat-room and treated both old and new fans to the freshly written material. Now, The Mojo Stars have released their new album Under The Influence (February 17, 2017). The 11-track recording features six live cuts and is laden with catchy, heavy riffs, Stax-like grooves and soulful vocals. The Mojo Stars will be performing locally to celebrate the release and heading out on tour later in 2017.  themojostars.com “Under The Influence is feel good blues, a lively mixture of 5 studio and 6 live cuts, and the energy of the performances is infectious… The band is tight, the performances are solid and occasionally inspirational.  Under The Influence is capable of heavy lifting if you’re feeling down and your soul needs a boost… what could be better than that?” – Gonzo Online/The Rock Doctor “Their music is adorned with a powerful and effective combination of  dynamic rock, funk, soul and blues, and such fusion guarantees above all a great and inspired musical story.” – Blues Corner / Soundguardian Learn more:  themojostars.com www.facebook.com/themojostars  soundcloud.com/themojostars/under-the-influence