An electrifying mix of Blues, R&B, and funky rock — a modern, hard-driving electric blues band.
Come experience THE GROOVE.
Vern Fowler — Vocalist and Drummer
Known as "Papa Groove," Vern Fowler got his first drum set in 1968 and began playing in small bands in Washington State. The Pacific Northwest was a rich melting pot of musical styles, and Vern grew up surrounded by musicians like Bobby Murray and Robert Cray, where rockin' blues became a lifelong passion.
After spending 23 years performing in Juneau, Alaska, Vern eventually relocated to Virginia, where he launched his latest project — The Vern Fowler Band (VFB). Today he continues doing what he loves most: laying down the groove and keeping the blues alive.
Ralph Edwards — Bass and Vocals
Ralph Edwards has been holding down the low end for over 35 years. Along the way he has played blues, rock, jazz, country, and bluegrass across Virginia and Tennessee.
Growing up musically in Roanoke, Virginia, Ralph cut his teeth playing the bar circuit and working in recording studios. He believes deeply that music is an expression of the individual spirit — but that everything starts with the groove.
He also firmly believes in the long-standing superiority of the Fender Precision Bass.
Scott Morese — Guitar
Guitarist Scott Morese has spent years performing up and down the East Coast, from South Florida to Washington D.C. and New England.
Scott honed his blues chops in Chicago, Richmond, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., and has shared the stage with blues greats including: Jimmy Johnson, James Cotton, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Kansas City Red, Tommy McCracken.
Inspired by the vibrant Richmond blues scene, Scott has returned home to do what he loves — playing the blues.
Ernest Gunaratnam — Keys
Ernest Gunaratnam brings the band its worldly influence.
Born in Sri Lanka, Ernest began playing piano at age four and gave his first recital at six. He later earned several diplomas from the Royal Schools of Music in London.
While still in Sri Lanka he performed guitar and keyboards in local bands before moving to the United States in 1986. Since then he has played with bands in Tulsa, Boston, and Albany, eventually falling in love with the blues after meeting Albany blues legend Ernie Williams.
