The Griswold's

When asked where The Griswold's are from, Art Griswold breaks in to his trademark grin and says, "The biggest saw in the world!" And then adds quickly - "Arkansas!"

Originally from Pine Bluff Arkansas, Art arrived up north in 1957 in Toledo, Ohio for what was to be a short visit. Looking for work he quickly found a gig playing guitar with Little Walter Mitchell. One thing soon led to another and within a couple years, Art's brother Roman arrived on the scene, recently having completed a hitch in the Army. Soon the two of them were heading up a the house band with Roman on the Hammond organ at the legendary Hines Farm, near Delta, Ohio. The list of blues legends who passed through this famous juke joint of the 60's is impressive: John Lee Hooker, BB King, Little Milton, Freddie King and many others all shared the stage with the Griswold's during Hines Farm heyday.

The 60's also found Art and Roman in the studio, recording with the legendary Fortune label such blues hits as "Main Street" and "What The Judge Did To Me". Collectors turn up at gigs even today with these old 45's for Art and Roman to sign. Art and Roman hit the road in the 70's and early 80's, with long stints in Texas and New Orleans, honing their sound and paying their dues...over and over.

A return to Toledo Ohio in the late 70's landed them another long time house band gig, this time at Theo's Taverna, a sleepy neighborhood watering hole that Art and Roman soon had packed to the gills and rockin' to their real and gritty brand of blues. Several albums were recorded during this time period, including a live session on the Highball label (now a collectors item), the seminal "Reel Deal" and their first international release on JSP Records from London England, "All The Way Down". This led to several European tour dates and some personnel changes.

The Griswold's current lineup consists of drummer and producer Scott Derkin, Guitarist and Harp player Dave Kuntz, as well as sometimes sidemen Terry Finneran (Alto sax, harp, piano), Tim Hoffman (Tenor sax) and Ray Scott (Bass).

The latest release on the bands own label, Tout Blue Records is a benchmark recording for the band. There is a distinctive maturity to the bands sound, with out the loss of any of the excitement and looseness that characterizes their live appearances. The band continues to gig and tour; recent appearances include blues festivals in Charleston, South Carolina, Carleton, Quebec and club dates all over the East and Midwest. For a complete itinerary click on GIGS.