Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion was an American three-piece rock band from New York City, formed in 1991. The group consisted of Judah Bauer on guitar, backing vocals, harmonica and occasional lead vocals, Russell Simins on drums and Jon Spencer on vocals, guitar and theremin. Their musical style is largely rooted in rock and roll although it draws influences from punk, blues, garage, rockabilly, soul, noise rock, rhythm and blues and hip hop.
Jon Spencer performing with Blues Explosion in 2006
Jon Spencer in a Heavy Trash performance in São Paulo, Brazil, on April 23, 2009. Photo by Ariel Martini
R. L. Burnside was an American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. He played music for much of his life but received little recognition before the early 1990s. In the latter half of that decade, Burnside recorded and toured with Jon Spencer, garnering crossover appeal and introducing his music to a new fan base in the punk and garage rock scenes.
Burnside performing at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee
Burnside at the Liri Blues Festival, Italy, in 1992
Burnside at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte, N.C., in 1998
Burnside performing at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon, in January 2001