Enough of this trickery and deception!

One of the Midwest's best kept secrets are the Blues Notions. They have represented Kansas City at the annual International Blues Challenge in 1988, 1991 and 2004. They were recently awarded a commendation from the City of Kansas City, Kansas, celebrating the band's 18th anniversary and their long contribution to live music in KC.

Founded in 1987, the Notions blend urban, traditional and original blues, jump, and R&B with a definite lean toward what is known as the "Kansas City Style" , exhibited by such greats as Count Basie, Jay McShann, Big Joe Turner, Bennie Moten and others. Today, the Notions are made up of Tom "Trashmouth" Baker, vocals and harp,   David "The Professor" Creighton  on Hammond organ, Someone special, no doubt  on guitar, Cardy Quintero   on bass, and Who Knows?  on drums.

The Notions have appeared at well known national venues such as The Grand Emporium and the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Nebraska, and are also playing regionally in Columbia, Missouri, Wichita, Kansas, Omaha, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa. They are regulars at area festivals, including the 2001 Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival, and, in 1997 and 1998, the Spirit Fest, the River Valley Festival, the Gladstone Blues Fest as well as an appearance in 1994 at the Omaha Blues Festival. The band has also performed as opening act for national stars such as Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Denise Lasalle, the Nighthawks, Koko Taylor, Valerie Wellington, Chris Cain, Little Charlie and the Night Cats, have toured as Little Frankie Lee's band and played a memorable New Year's gig backing the late, great Johnny Adams.

"They like us, they like us!"

"'This Is It!' is a really good album, with good production values, a nice ambient feel, some strong playing and writing and lots of personality. The playing was tasteful and really bluesy. A pretty outstanding album, and the best songs were as good as anything I've heard in a long time. It was more fun than 99% of what I've listened to as 'audition' material in the last few months."
Bruce Iglauer, president Alligator Records

"Harp-playing vocalist Tom Baker leads Kansas City's "Gentlemen of Jump" through a set of strong originals
that cover a wide range of blues bases."
Blues Access magazine, summer 1998

"Swanky horns and cool, gruff vocals push a juke-swing tip on 'This Is It!' This is roadhouse blues, hearty and tough."
Ed Ivey in Blues Revue, September 1998

"Gruff-throated Tom Baker scores with a nice line in wry humor, especially on the existential 'When U Die, U Dead."
England's Juke Blues, number 43

Mr. Natural sez, "Whaddya want, sport?"

You'se guys wanna see some pictures of these bums? Click on "Biographical Swill" in the menu to the left. Wanna be hip and groovy? Join our email list. No spam, we promise, just hi-grade BS! Click the icon on the left. What about a CD or maybe an official Notions pocket T? Buy it today, because there might not be a tomorrow! Click on "Buy Now!" below. Or how 'bout the aforementioned mags? Click on their names over there for subscription info.

Here's an MP3 for your enjoyment!

That Won't Get You Very Far

You can also buy our bassist Mr. Cardy's solo CD!

This Blues Ring site is managed by Tim "Buzz" Osburn.

...and darn proud of it.