The Mel-O-Tones Manitoba’s only Chicago and Jump blues with a touch of Roots/Rock Band is comprised of four veteran musicians, formed with the influence of harmonica player Mel Reimer (lead vocalist) has been in the Blues/Roots scene for four decades.

 

“Mel Reimer has been a mainstay in the local blues community for quite a spell now. His powerful and precise harp stylings add a unique dimension to the performances of any combo he works with.” - Blues News - Manitoba Blues Society

“Mel Reimer’s harmonica work is tremendous, and it’s nice to see it featured front and centre on songs traditionally ruled by the guitar” - Uptown Magazine

Mel has also been featured on Holger Petersen’s CBC Saturday Night Blues

Mel has formed, managed & performed with many bands, a few of which are:

Slidin' Clyde Roulette Band 2007 WINNER for “Let’s Take A Ride” "Best Blues Album" - Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards

2007 Nominations for “Let’s Take A Ride”

* Outstanding Aboriginal Recording Of The Year - Western Canadian Music Awards

* Best Blues CD" - Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards

* Best Blues Jazz Recording - Native American Music Awards

Double D and the Double Dare Devils (Vancouver) (Best Debut Blues CD “Belly Rubbin’ Music” by The Real Blues Magazine’s Real Blues Award)

Bad Weather ““Bad Weather has crafted a first-rate disc which is a wonderful reflection of the band’s live show and a genuine source of pride for this warm and devoted group of musicians.” – John Scoles (Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club).

“Great band, great depth, real crowd pleasers.” – Rick Penner (Windsor Hotel/Royal George Hotel).

Mel also plays harmonica on these recordings:

Pop artist, Katelyn Dawn (Canadian Idol top 16) “The Window”

Juno nominated Christian artist, Jon Buller “That’s What I’d Like”

Alternative/Indie artists, The Ripperz “self-titled

Mel has performed as sideman for Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Vancouver), Dutch Mason (Nova Scotia), Blind Mississippi Morris (Memphis TN), Russell Jackson (Vancouver), Wicked Grin (Ottawa), Little Howlin’ Wolf (Memphis TN), Big Dave McLean and Brent Parkin. He has also made numerous guest appearances with the likes of Louisiana Red, Phil Guy, Teddy Morgan, Lou Pride, J.W. Jones, Lamont Cranston, Mississippi Heat, Monkeyjunk, Anson Funderburgh, Hamilton Loomis, Eddy Shaw, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, The Twisters, John Campbelljohn, and many more. 

Darrell Sandmoen on guitar & vocals. Darrell is also a singer/song-writer with a love for Roots and Blues music and has played professionally for about 40 years. During his many years he has played in many different Pop/Rock bands throughout his earlier years but is best known for performing with Roots/Blues band Hillbilly Burlesque. Hillbilly Burlesque has performed at The Forks main stage and has also opened for Sue Foley. They performed at the Trout Music Festival and while there, also guested with Rita Chiarelli. Darrell has performed with Ken Pinchin and has organized and performed several guitar “slide” shows with local professional artists as the rhythm section, featuring Juno winners Big Dave McLean and Brent Parkin. 

Ray Buhr – a Juno nominee for his work with The Country Hearts, he is an exceptionally versatile and sensitive musician. Having done session work for Chantel Kreviazuk, and gigged with the likes of Brent Parkin, J.P. Lepage, and Big Dave McLean, Ray is clearly comfortable in any genre from traditional country to rock and roll to Chicago-style blues. An intelligent and able veteran, Ray brings the all-important and often understated skill of subtle but effective bass playing to the band. 

Julene Gravett has been creating rhythmic grooves on the drum kit for many talented artists and musicians throughout her career. She has recorded and performed with “Acoustically Inclined”, “The Wyrd Sisters”, “Hillbilly Burlesque”, Wally Landreth and “Oh Sparkle Tones”, to name a few. She believes music is its own language and is always excited to be part of the conversation.