Frankie's Blues Mission

“Frankie Lee” Robinson — Guitar, Vocals Native to South Georgia, He has 20 plus years experience performing regionally with and sharing the stage with blues and gospel performers such as Detroit Junior, “Chicago” Bob Nelson, Luther “Houserocker” Johnson, Robert Lee Coleman, Eddie Tigner, Chick Willis, Saxophonist Sil Austin, Robin Brown, and many others.In 2006-2007, Robinson was awarded a coveted grant from the Georgia Council of the Arts to continue to preserve the legacy and tradition of Georgia Roots Music As a founding member of Frankie Lee and the Solid Senders, he performed many festivals such as the WRFG Labor Day Blues Bash Festival. As a member of Frankie’s Blues Mission, Frankie has participated in The Augusta Blues Festival, Chick Willis’ Mid-Georgia Blues Festival and The Atlanta Montreux Festival. As part of the Blues Mission, He held down second house band duties at Blind Willie’s in Atlanta for two years. He was also a founding member of the blues band, Native Sons and a member of the Athens-based blues quartet, The Healers. Robinson also contributes his talents regularly to charitable efforts such as Atlanta Northside Tavern’s “Chicken Raid” festivals and other efforts to benefit organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross. He also performs regularly as the resident guitarist for the Providence Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Ensemble in Atlanta. Frankie, an authentic and soulful blues player, draws from many influences. Guitarists such as Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Roy Lee Johnson, B.B. King, Magic Sam, “Pops” Staples, Charlie Christian, Freddie King, Albert King, Kenny Burrell and T-bone Walker have left their mark on his performances. He walks the walk and talks the talk. Kurt McManus – Bass Guitar Hailing from Fayetteville, North Carolina, a young Kurt Mcmanus was drawn to and learned how to play the string bass in his high school orchestra. This would the lauching pad and the foundation for Mcmanus’ musical career. In church, as part of his local church’s ensemble, Kurt started to learn electric bass and incorporate this into his musical arsenal. Mcmanus would continue to expand his musical horizons at Fayetteville State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and English and Music. Kurt’s influences are many, ranging from classic gospel, blues, old school R&B, neo-soul, alternative rock, jazz and even country. As one of the Atlanta’s most requested bass players, Mcmanus has played with numerous local blues, neo-soul, rock, R&B and gospel bands in North Carolina and Atlanta. He has shared the stage with the likes of Theodis Ealey, Billy Boy Arnold, Afroblue, Whild Peach, the Chilton's Music Project, Kill The Messenger and many others. Holding down the bottom for the band, Mcmanus brings to the musical table the ability to find the “funk” in anything that comes his way. He has a willingness to take on many genres with soul and in an authentic way. He's currently having more fun than he's ever had in his life playing with Frankie’s Blues Mission. Rod Breland– Drums Many drummers play shows, but no one does it as much as Rod Breland. With inspirations such as Kevin Brunson and Marvin Mcquitty -RIP, Rod has led a life full of inspiration and knowledge to the drum community. Rod credits his father, Mickey Breland, for inspiring him to become a drummer. Rod’s ability to reach people and communicate, mixed with his sense of humor, provides him with an ability to reach every person from any style. Rod Breland, has been a professional drummer since the age of 12 and his achievements as a drummer transcend his teachings. Young Rod started drumming early in his life with his father. He used to have jam sessions with his father on Alto Saxophone in the living room. He always had an outgoing personality and was a team player, which made him an easy musician to work with. He knew right away that he would be a drummer. Breland, starting as early as he could, took drum lessons from many professionals. These include lessons from drum masters like Fred Houge, Jody Dunwoody, and Ed Fierris. He spent many years studying drum rudiments, theory, gospel and other techniques from these drumming greats. In the year of 1996, Breland attended Mississippi Valley State University where he furthered his drumming knowledge under the direction of many drumming instructors. Rod Breland is best known for his work as a performer. Early in his career, he performed with the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Choir in Gulfport, MS. His popularity grew as a drummer as he played at his church, First Missionary Baptist Church in Hansboro (Gulfport, MS), and at Harrison Central High School in Lyman, MS. Breland also performed with the Concert Band at Mississippi Valley State University, Mean Green Machine Marching Band, Mississippi Valley State Jazz Band, Choir, Steel Drum Band, and Percussion Ensemble. This is just a small sample of the many shows he has played. Breland has performed in Atlanta, GA on several stages. He is the current drummer of Frankie’s Blues Mission (Atlanta, GA). He has performed with Willie Hill, and shared the stage with Fantasia, Keith Sweat, Lil G, and many others. As the name implies, these gentlemen are on a mission: Their purpose is to present the blues, jazz, R&B and zydeco in the best of the African-American tradition with all the energy they can muster. www.frankiesbluesmission.com