Big Daddy & Red Hot Java

“Big Daddy & Red Hot Java belts out a unique type of blues that ranks right up there with some of the most famous musical legends of all time. The members’ diverse backgrounds may contribute to the band’s original sound… “Big Daddy” Webster, born and raised in Wheaton, Ill., he used to sneak in to some of Chicago’s most notorious blues clubs as a child, getting his first taste of the blues style from artists like Otis Span, Muddy Waters and Junior Wells… Big Daddy & Red Hot Java’s sound is almost like the Allman Brothers instrumentally. The vocals (Big Daddy’s four octave vocal range), on the other hand, make the band's style totally unique.” http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/ENT05/60116016/1061

“Randall “Big Daddy” Webster (Lead Vocals - Rhythm Guitar) - Founder, Lead Vocalist and Rhythm Guitarist; “has lived and breathed the Blues for over twenty-five (25) years; first soaking it in as a wild child while growing up in the shadow of the “Windy City” (Chicago) during the 1960’s and 70’s; later swimming the undercurrent of “Deep River Blues” while he jammed with Bluesmen at the confluence of the Mississippi and the Ohio waterways during the 80’s (that’s when I first met him); and for the last twenty-plus years he’s tread barefoot through the swamp Blues of Florida’s backwoods jook joints making the gators growl along the way. He’s a true champion of America’s great indigenous music. The influences cut sharp, the tunes run deep, and the spirit held high when Randall “Big Daddy” Webster stirs up his spicy gumbo of original home cooked Blues peppered with Soul, Jazz, R&B, and Funk; trusting his four-octave voice, pulsing rhythm guitar, and beating foot makes it all simmer into a fine brew!” - Lincoln “Chicago Beau” Beauchamp - Chicago Blues Annual

Joël C. Johnson (Lead Guitar) has an alter ego; by day he is a mild mannered university professor and doctoral student in the areas of music industry, music technology, and music education. By night, he becomes an intense Blues, Jazz, Rock and Funk guitarist for various regional, national, and international artists, including: Big Daddy & Red Hot Java, Fred Wesley, Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, and Kenny Garrett. Although this Florida native has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe, he is never is too proud or busy to share his love for music and people. He has shared this love through Big Daddy & Red Hot Java for over two years. For more information on Joël C. Johnson visit his web site at: http://joelcjohnson.com/.

Michael Greif (Bassist) was the founding Bass player for Big Daddy & Red Hot Java and can be heard on our first two recordings (Live at Dave's CC, and The 24th Hour). Michael's superb bass playing and skillful arrangement skills helped develop the band's early sound for the first four years. His discipline in rehearsal and performance set the standard every night out. After a four year hiatus from the group, Grief returned to Big Daddy & Red Hot Java in 2004. In the interim Michael started his own Rock group "Go" and still performs with them periodically.

Jake Pepple (Drummer, Percussion, Backup Vocals); Jake got his chops in the field. A brilliant drummer and percussionist - Larry joins Big Daddy & Red Hot Java as drummer number 28. But he can handle it. Jake graduated from Florida State University's Jazz Studies program and has put down his roots in Tallahassee.