 Anthony " Tony " Palmer, Guitar
Anthony Palmer is an impassioned guitarist who was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago when the blues was red-hot. He was inspired hearing the fierce, soulful music that sparked his imagination and talent as it poured from the taverns, echoing into the streets. Joining the Jimmy Burns Band in 2003, Palmer brings his prodigious guitar chops, versatility and skill to complement Jimmy’s unique blend of blues, soul and R&B.
Palmer began playing when he was 14. Guitarist Johnny Dollar gave him his first break at the legendary Majestic Tavern on the West Side. In 1970 he formed an R&B band called Communication that played throughout the city and the Midwest. Communication stayed together for 10 years. They spent a year and a half backing Bobby Rush, recording a session with him for the famed Philadelphia International Records.
Palmer began playing the north side in the early ‘80s. His first gig was with harp wizard Sugar Blue. Shortly thereafter, he joined the band Nightflight, led by singer Gloria Hardiman. In 1985 Nightflight re-formed as Professor’s Blues Review. A highly sought after group, they played the 1986 Chicago Blues Festival. Otis Rush chose the band to tour with him in Europe, and would request them as his opening act when he played Chicago’s Kingston Mines. During that European tour, Palmer was part of an all-star jam at the Montreux Jazz Festival that included Rush, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and the late Luther Allison. A DVD/CD set of that historic concert was released in May 2006.
Palmer was a featured performer at the 1988 Chicago Blues Festival as part of the Youngbloods Guitar Set. He won rave reviews for his solo spot on the Crossroads Stage. In a festival that featured the world’s top blues guitarists such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert King, and Sons Seals, the Chicago Tribune wrote of Palmer’s performance, ‘his solos were some of the most distinctive and soulful to be heard the entire weekend.”
Palmer joined the Joanna Connor Band in 1990. He stayed for 12 years, recording eight albums, and traveling extensively throughout the world. In 1997 he made a solo appearance at the Gibson Guitars Crossroad stage leading a four-piece band, and playing an unplugged set at the Juke Joint stage. In 2001, he was the guitar player of choice for a recording by Chicago blues and soul vocalist Johnny Drummer, for which he received widespread critical acclaim. Palmer recently ventured into acting, appearing with Katherine Davis, and band mate E.G. McDaniel in Davis' musical The History of Chicago Blues From 1890 to 1945, in 2005 and her autobiographical “bluesical”, I Dream In Blues in 2006 at Chicago’s Vittum Theatre.
Palmer is a highly sought after session man who can be heard on upcoming CD/DVD releases by deep blues guitarist/vocalist Lurrie Bell, and legendary axman/vocalist Byther Smith, and Eddie Taylor Jr.
 Greg "E.G." McDaniel, Bass
E.G. McDaniel has a musical pedigree. He is the son of legendary Chicago Blues guitarist Floyd McDaniel, (nicknamed “Butter” by Billie Holiday) and singer/pianist Bessie Jackson, and he's Bo Diddley's cousin. E.G. began his musical career at the age of seven, appearing onstage alongside his famous father. As he grew to adulthood and his talent developed E.G. made forays into rock and jazz, but at Floyd's urging returned to the blues.
"Thanks to my Dad," Greg says, "I was able to launch my own career when he introduced me to Byther Smith." After touring and recording with Byther for a number of years, E.G. did a stint with Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater. When not traveling with Clearwater, he lent his solid bass chops to variety of jazz and blues artists from Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, and Hubert Sumlin to jazzy blues diva Katherine Davis. E.G. added acting to his resume in 2005, when he appeared in Ms. Davis' production, The History of Chicago Blues From 1890 to 1945 and in her 2006 "bluesical,” I Dream In Blues at Chicago's Vittum Theatre. He has also done some modeling, appearing on billboards and in magazines advertising Commonwealth Edison.
E.G. joined the Jimmy Burns Band over a year ago. He has become an integral part in shaping the sound of this super tight unit. Giving credit to his father, E.G. says, "My Dad used to say, 'The Blues is about a feeling.' If I can get into the head and the heart of what my fellow performers are feeling, then I can back them up with the kind of bass playing they need." E.G. has learned his lesson well.
E.G. lends his prodigious bass chops to Byther Smith's upcoming DVD for Delmark Records.
For more information on E.G. visit his website at
http://users.rcn.com/eg123
 James Carter, Drums
James Carter is a passionate drummer who was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago. At the tender age of six, with his mother's guidance, he began playing drums in the church band. James says "I can't remember being without sticks in my hands."
James' uncle Oliver Davis owned the famed Delta Fish Market on the West Side. As a youngster, James watched many famous musicians play the Fish Market, dreaming of the day when he would be playing there himself.
During the early 80s, James attended music school at Franks' Drum Shop under the leadership of Marshall Thompson. James played in the jazz band at Orr High School. While still in high school, he joined his first R&B band Public Announcement. His biggest influences, besides his mother, were Max Roach, Dennis Chambers, Buddy Rich, and Elvin Jones.
James also has a musical pedigree. The nephew of W.C. Handy award winner, and beloved bandleader Willie Kent, he traveled extensively as a member of Willie Kent and the Gents. Prior to bringing his formidable talent to the Jimmy Burns Band, James played with a host of Chicago musicians including Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Littlejohn, Boston Blackie, Shirley Johnson, Melvin Taylor, Nora Jean Bruso, Mike Wheeler, Rob Blaine, Vance Kelly, and Joe Barr. When not playing with Jimmy he can be seen with Willie Davis and the All-Stars. He is also featured, along with band mates Anthony and E.G., on Byther Smith's upcoming live DVD release for Delmark Records.
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