With over 28 years of experience in the audio engineering field, Tom
got his start by doing live recordings of bands and solo artists
at nightclubs, concerts and festivals for the 1973-74 WVWR-FM Public
Radio program "Up And Coming". He has engineered, produced and/or played on
over 250 album and CD projects, most them at Flat Five Press & Recording
Co.'s studios, which he founded in 1982. Over the years he has worked on
projects from such artists as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Buster B. Jones,
Zakiyah, The Agents Of Good Roots and The Dave Matthews Band (including the
latter's Gold and Platinum-selling CD "Remember Two Things"). Tom is
also the author of four critically-aclaimed guitar and mandolin instruction
books, including "Music Theory For Modern Mandolin" and "Music Theory For Modern
Guitar". As a musician he has recorded several albums as a member of various
bands and under his own name.
Tom is currently the chief engineer at Flat Five and is also
president of the company.
John's musical canvas has been a broad swath of musical styles and
genres. Touring throughout the 90"s with jam band "Red Weather", John
was the lead singer and rythym guitarist. "Red Weather" had 3 CD's to
their credit before coming off the road.Until helping form "BLUE MULE" in
early 2004, John switched to bass and played with several bands
including "Carter, Noland, & McBroom". The group released 2 CD's.
John also recorded "Patterns & Lines", a solo project with a
uniquely Americana feel.
John teaches music & math at Commuinity High School when he is not following one of his many musical adventures .
JOHN
McBROOM
BASS
VOCALS
TIM RHODES
BANJO
“I've been playing around with
stringed instruments since about 1972 and got my first banjo in '74. My
initial
influence was my brother Terry's guitar playing. My cousin Michael got
me
interested in Irish music. He gave me an early 1900s penny whistle book
that I
proceeded to learn on the banjo. I love 6/8 Irish tunes. Another twist
of
influence came from my friend Robert, who is an accomplished
organist. From him, I played around with classical and baroque
music. Yes indeed, Bach on the banjo. "
"In the late 80s, I joined Homebrew, a
Bluegrass band with a strong jazz influence, led
by Tom. During the Homebrew days, I met Eli and have since enjoyed playing Eli
tunes.Eli's
Christmas projects over the
years pushed my efforts for writing tunes and working with other folk's
great
original music. Most recently "Blue Mule" has been a wonderful
experience.From
this, I met John, who is a wonderful musician/singer and one of the
best bassits that I've had the opportunity to play with. "Blue Mule" is a
mix of all our styles, interests, and influences. My playing has been
blended from
several styles and associations with great musicians.I thank the Lord for the gift of music.Not only the music I play, but every note that I hear.”
"It
all got started I guess when my grandmother bought me a guitar from the
Sears catalouge. She wanted me to learn how to play some Glen
Campbell songs for her." Listening to Southern & Country Rock in
the 70's, Eli's influence shifted when he heard "Manzanita" by Tony
Rice. "Wow...the intro to 'Blue Railroad Train' blew my mind."
After performing with local Bluegrass bands, Eli joined "Hombrew" in
the early 90's. It was in "Hombrew" that Eli met Tom Ohmsen & Tim
Rhodes. The years in the group introduced him to New Grass & Jazz,
and also gave Eli an opportunity begin singing. After "Homebrew", Eli
helped form the group "The Cattales" and "The Gnarly Mountain Boys"
which furthered his playing and vocal skills. Most recently playing in
a Christian Rock band also has broadened the musical influences.
"When
Tom called me in February 2004, I was excited to form something new with
Him & Timmy again. And meeting John has been an added bonus to my
life. Being a part of 'Blue Mule'
has been the culmination of all the musical styles I have played over
the years. I look forward to riding the 'Mule Train' for a long time to
come. I give God full credit for the gift of music; I hope he is
pleased with what I do with it. And I thank my lovely bride for
allowing me to follow my dreams. I am truly blessed."