If you have been to any Philly area blues shows recently you have probably seen and been blown away by “Slim and the Perkolators” I know it’s a cliché but they are smokin’ hot. Their careers are taking off and the shows are electric. Recently they had a great showing at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis where they made it into the final rounds that started with 230 nationally ranked blues bands. They will be touring out of the area in New York and New England and have been booked for festivals in Florida, Delaware and Kentucky.

In his early 20’s Derek “Harmonica Slim” Matteson was given a harp as a gift. A gift that he has not put down since. He worked hard to hone his craft and diligently pursued work in the area. He was mentored by area great Mikey Junior in all things blues. He was introduced to traditional musicians and fell in love with Chicago and West Coast Blues sounds. After he met Tim Perks it all came together and a great band was born.

Tim Perks grew up outside of London in the 60’s listening to the blues infused British Rock n’ Roll of the time. His older brother brought home some Peter Green albums and Tim’s musical path was set. Fast forward to the early 80’s and Tim is living in Pennsylvania, obsessed with classic blues guitarists, but it wasn’t until eleven years ago that Tim started to truly put the time into the guitar. At first his only expectation was a few open mics, then maybe a bit of real gigging. That dream morphed into being a real band and now playing festivals around the country and becoming a full-fledged national artist. Tim’s song-writing is based on things in his life that tell a blues flavored story.

One of the things that keeps their shows interesting is that they don’t like to play the same groove twice in a row. They want you to dance but to feel each song differently and they like to “explore the spectrum” that is the blues. They have a very well received debut album “Slim and the Perkolators” that can be purchased at shows and on their website.

https://slimandtheperkolators.com/store

Derek “Harmonica Slim” Matteson- Harp, vocals

Tim Perks -Guitar, vocals

Mark A. Shewchuk-Drums

“Doghouse” Dave Young- Standup Bass

Check out his video

https://www.facebook.com/HarmonicaSlimandTimPerks/videos/597402187707080/?vh=e&d=n

And schedule

https://www.facebook.com/HarmonicaSlimandTimPerks/