Steamin' Stan will blow you away with his harmonica sound

By Laurie Morrisey

Being relatively new to the Portland Blues scene, you may not have heard of Steamin’ Stan Ruffo and his harmonica skills, but you will. Stan is a native Californian, but he left that land in search of a more healthy lifestyle in 2009. “I wanted cleaner air, less crime, more music, and to be a little closer to nature. So far, so good!” Stan says. Their loss is our gain.

But growing up in Southern California is where he was when he became interested in singing and playing music. He says he was about ten when he started taking sax lessons. Shortly thereafter he was playing clarinet in the school orchestra. “Though I didn't expect I would play professionally, I always wanted to play music.”

“I got involved in music in school, and I got in a couple of garage bands during that time. My first paying gig, (I consider getting paid as putting one in the window of professionalism), was a girl's 16^th birthday party in 1986. My little blues band played for a couple of hours, (and we had the time of our life). Then the Dad came over and gave me a wad of money...My very first thought was YES...I need to do this again, and again, and again...Well, here it is 2012, and I'm still blessed with the opportunity to play music,” Stan said.

Since that time he has spent most of his life working in the music industry. “I’ve shared ticket billing with B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Eddie Money, and done pre-concert parties for Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. I've played in just about every kind of setting imaginable—from Popsicle stands and department stores, to festivals and concert stages.”

“Back in '93, I met and began playing with guitarist, Martin Pugh. Prior to our meeting, Martin played with Carl Douglas, (Kung-Fu Fighting), and Rod Stewart well before that. Martin also formed a band, Steamhammer, with Keith Relf, (of The Yardbirds). Once Martin and I began playing together, we played, recorded, and toured for the next ten plus years, both as a duo, and with the band, The Instigators.” Other Instigators included former William Clarke drummer, Bob “Pacemaker” Newham, and former John Mayall bassist, Hank Van Sickle.

Nowadays, Stan takes every opportunity he can to play music. Many times that will include stops at two of his favorite jams, which are hosted by either Kevin Selfe or Phil Wagner. “I'm also the lead singer, harp and sax player for Pulled Pork—a band comprised of band leader and guitarist David Ward, bassist Chris Bourdoiseau, and drummer Charles Pike. The band's ‘credo’...Blues, Swing, and Surf, Served Sauced and Greazy!“

In addition to performing, Stan also is involved in mastering recordings, booking gigs, writing music for film and television, distribution and development of his own catalog, and so on. “I've been a BMI affiliate for about 20 years and have somewhere around 25 songs to my credit registered with them,” he said.

When asked about musical influences, Stan said, “Since most people know me as a harmonica player, I'll say that Little Walter and George Smith would be two harp players from the ‘old school’ who influenced my playing. Add a few more players, such as Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza, and William Clarke, shake all five in a bag, add myself to the mix, and that's what I think I sound like.”

“As for sax players, I LOVE Clifford Scott. He is best known for his playing on Bill Doggett's Honky Tonk, and maybe for his time with Ray Charles. The sax player that influenced my playing most lives right here in Portland...Brad Ulrich. He has a vocabulary on sax that just won't quit...Always full of fresh ideas...Always an inspiration. And he is a real nice fellow.“

Vocal influences include Ray Charles, Al Green, and Rick Estrin. “Now, on guitar...if I could ever learn how to play it right, I could start looking for someone to influence me,” Stan said.

He calls his music “modern blues with reverence for tradition. My favorite style and era is midwest jump blues from back in the late 40's and 50's. Performers like, Big Joe Turner, T-Bone Walker, and Louis Jordan come to mind. That's my favorite stuff.”

As far as training is concerned, Stan started playing harmonica when he was barely thirty and is completely self-taught. “I went to the Clara Joyce Sherman School of Music in Hollywood, where I took sax lessons for a couple of years, many, many, years ago. Between that and what I learned in school band and orchestra that makes up most of my formal training.”

When discussing his recordings, Stan says his first CD, Live At The Bastille, was recorded in '93 is now out of print. Blues On Tap – Volume One recorded with The Instigators in '97 is available, and No Pork Tonight recorded with Martin Pugh in '06 is also available. Both of the latest CDs contain all original material. Singles from each of these are available online at places like iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Rhapsody, Napster, etc.

“I hope to start recording another CD soon. They are great to have on hand for fans at live performances,” he said.

Stan shared his thoughts on the local Blues scene. “The Northwest has long been rich with musical talent, especially in the world of blues. That, combined with the network of blues supporters, and fans, also contribute substantially to the ongoing tradition that has given blues music longevity here.”

“The Cascade Blues Association, in my opinion, does a fabulous job of holding it all together. I am blessed to have received such a warm welcome into the community and appreciate each and every one of you that support the music we all love. I love meeting new people, and hope that you'll take the opportunity to say ‘Hi’ to me when you're out and about. In the meantime, be good to each other, and good blues to you.”

For information where you can catch Stan performing, visit his website at www.ruffo.com.

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