Biography
The Barrelhouse Band is an American rock/blues band formed in Orange County, California in 2020. It consists of six musicians: Walter Quinlan (bass guitar), Beven McWilliams (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Dash Drummel (drums), Mike Chieffo (lead guitar, vocals), Rob Cooper (saxophone) and Joe Fisher (piano/keys).
The Barrelhouse Band combines elements of rock, blues and R&B sound. Our song choices are influenced by such musicians as Bonamassa, John Mayer, Johnny Lang, Coco Montoya, Ruthy Foster, Beth Heart, Clapton, Steve Ray Vaughn, Johnny Winters, Tommy Castro, ZZ Top, Wild Cherry and many others.
During the time of the COVID-19 epidemic, Barrelhouse did not sit still. Unlike most out of work musicians of that period, we continued working at our music studio to develop a tight, full and unique sound that stood out from the rest. The unusual combination of different music that the band wanted to play, contributed to the Barrelhouse’ individual and unique style that stands out from the crowd and grabs you by the gut. Punchy bass lines played by Walter Quinlan are complemented by the tight drum grooves of Dash Drummel and truly epic and unexpected guitar lines of Mike Chieffo. Steady piano and key melodies set the stage for charismatic sax lines of Rob Cooper creating a great and irresistible dance mood. Beven McWilliams’ powerful, sultry and at the same time haunting and hypnotic voice, carries the band over the top, making audiences forget everything around them.