Finis Tasby

Although his first nationally distributed album appeared only recently, Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Finis Tasby already possessed extensive experience within the blues community. Years of performances in the Los Angeles clubs had followed an earlier period of activity in Dallas. Born in Dallas, Texas in 1940, Tasby assembled the Thunderbirds there in 1962. While serving as bassist and backup vocalist with that group, he supported legendary blues singer-songwriter Z.Z. Hill. After Hill obtained a recording contract, replacement frontman Joe Simon likewise secured one. Tasby assumed leadership of the band from the mid-1960s forward, supplying lead vocals and bass. The Thunderbirds also backed Clarence Carter, Lowell Fulson, and Freddie King on regional tours through Texas and Oklahoma whenever they were not headlining under their own name.

Tasby relocated to Los Angeles in 1973 and soon established himself on that city’s blues-club circuit. He organized a fresh ensemble that opened for B.B. King, Percy Mayfield, and Big Mama Thornton. Singles followed in the 1970s and 1980s, among them the 1978 track “Get Drunk and Be Somebody” and the 1985 Ace Records release “Blues Mechanic.” An acting part in Burt Reynolds’ film Sharkey’s Machine came during the same stretch, even as the Finis Tasby Band continued regular appearances at Los Angeles venues. Three songs from his 1995 Shanachie debut, People Don't Care, later surfaced in the mid-1990s film The Babysitter. Although the earlier singles have become collectors’ items, the Shanachie album remains readily obtainable. Lowell Fulson, Elvin Bishop, Mick Taylor, and former Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid joined Tasby on that recording. Some selections lean toward urban contemporary pop-blues and prove less distinctive, yet other tracks display Tasby’s authentic Texas blues roots.

A prolific songwriter, Tasby keeps many additional strong albums in his notebooks. Circumstances permitting, further recordings and tours outside Los Angeles would be welcome.