“It’s all about the music.”

Joe Lowry and fellow musicians Bacco the Bassman and Gregory Nash, members of the Joe Lowry Second Mile Blues Band all agree.  In between rehearsals and playing gigs, members shared a little about the band and their upcoming projects.

According to Lowry, the band has evolved since 2002…with a new member and answers the question of their name: “…our second go around.”

“Our friend Paul was our last bass player, and he stays involved and is supportive,” said Lowry.  “Bacco joined up with us a while back an .both he and Greg have years of playing in other bands, and on their own, and add to the experience.”

Years ago Lowry and Nash had the opportunity to work with Jeanne Marie French (now with the Fabulous Blues Machine touring Europe) who they both thank for teaching them some important steps in performing music.

“She taught us a lot, said Lowry.  She taught me how to front a band, how to chose the songs that would entertain the crowd.”

Bacco the bassman adds a variety of experience in his 43 years of playing and is serious about the ‘brotherhood’ connection to other musicians and the art itself.

“We come from diverse influences and three different directions, but respect each other and it works,” said Bacco.  “We all add our personal passion and love of music.”

Nash and the other members agree it takes mutual respect and communication to make a band last for the long haul.

“We have some good originals we have been playing,” added Nash.  “I think we are different, and not going to put you to sleep… we do our best to engage the crowd that we have, and are flexible.”

Whether it is a tune by Slim Harpo or Little Milton…the band does a variety of blues and add their own interpretation.  “We put our personal stamp on it,” Lowry added.  “We play originals, we add a little Stones, a little Hendrix… We may start out with a play list but depending on the crowd, we may change it up a bit.”

But all three band members say it takes a lot of good people to make them fly.   Whether it be flexible work schedules, supportive families, or the fans that follow them.

The band has been busy.  Recent events include playing at a recent “Ribbin and Blues” event at Pauly’s Hotel, and are one of the contestants in the first annual CRBN Blues Band Showdown, which will be held at the Linda on July 14th.  They were one of three winners of the City of Albany and Downtown Albany Business Improvement District contest and will perform at Alive @5 on July 5th.  Later in the summer, they have slated a couple of gigs where Lowry’s 11 year old son and his band will open for them.

Patrick Ravida has been doing PR for close to three years for the band.

“When I first met Joe we met at the gym,” said Ravida.  “I do what I can to promote them, but these guys do the work so it is a pleasure.”  He added.  “They put their heart and soul into their music, and they follow through and do everything they can to sound good… and they are a great band to watch.”

“We are excited for the future,” Lowry added.  “Seeing good things happening.  Being in front of an audience there is a lot of give and take, and there is nothing like it.  There is a lot of trust between the three of us and trust is a huge thing when you are out there in front of people.  Having that frees me up to plug in and play, and most importantly, to have fun and we can all be ourselves. We can enjoy the energy of the moment and give everything we have got to our listeners…there is no holding back.”