Dr. Buck and the Blues Bangers were formed in early 2004. Recently the band has downsized from 5 members to 3 core members. Front man Dr. Buck (Ray) has re-invented himself moving from rhythm guitar and vocals, becoming the main guitarist with a shared spot on the vocals. In the fall of 2012 Roman joined the group bringing to the table third lead vocal complimenting lead vocals from the Bukovy Brothers. Roman’s versatility on the keyboards plus harmonica and recording skills are a welcome addition. The band is now well rounded … swapping vocals and harmonies, lead guitar and keyboard solos, plus the flexibility of having either Roman or Ray playing harmonica parts where ever they are needed. The Bluesbangers have recently released their 1st CD "Bluesbanged" on CDBABY and itunes some songs have been already “groove approved” by recent performances. Yes the band is well back on track building a solid fan base of blues-banged enthusiasts.
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Ray "Dr. Buck" Bukovy: Guitar, Vocals and Harmonica
Ray has been playing guitar since the age of 12. In the late 60's Ray was lead singer for several local rock bands including, Purple Haze, White Light and 2009. Ray's musical career came to a standstill from the early 70's to the early 90's when raising a family became a priority. The blues has always been a large part of Rays' love of music. Blues artists such as John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page have been an influence on Ray's musical direction. Scott Holt and Joe Bonamassa are a couple of his current favourite blues artists. Ray returned to blues guitar in the mid 90's. In early 2004 Ray was able to host several jam sessions that ended up in the formation of Dr. Buck and the Blues Bangers.
Kevin Bukovy: Drums and Vocals
Kevin started singing and playing the drums at an early age and played in several local rock bands. Kevin continued his musical interest after moving to Vancouver, where he learned guitar and keyboards and began composing and recording his own music. Upon his return to Thunder Bay and because of his life long interest in the blues, Kevin joined Dr. Buck and the Blues Bangers as drummer and vocalist.
Joe Levanto: Bass guitar
Joe started playing bass guitar in the late 60s and played with several local bands throughout the 70s and 80s. Joe like many other musicians took a hiatus from music to spend time raising a family. Joe's love of the blues influenced his decision to join Dr. Buck in May 2005.
Roman Picco: Keyboards , Vocals , Harmonica , Recording Engineer
Roman is the newest member of the Bluesbangers he has had an extensive musical history both in his hometown of Windsor Ontario as well as Thunder bay were he has resided since 1985. His involvement in the local scene is like a who's-who of the most elite Thunderbay musicians.
EX members:
Gary Hare: Vocals and Keyboards