When Bill Malone was offered a position in Root Doctor, a Lansing-based blues band, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I came to Lansing, and Root Doctor was ‘the name,’” he said. “It’s always been synonymous with the best.”
Blues band looks to release ‘Joy’
Lansing-based blues band Root Doctor, which released its fifth CD, “Joy,” in September, is known for its energetic and soulful sound.
At the time, Malone was a member of another act, but he was eager to quit after receiving an offer from Root Doctor.
Now, about 20 years later, the band is celebrating the release of its fifth CD, “Joy,” which debuted Sept. 17.
The band has played shows throughout the country and has shared a stage with some major names in the industry, including Ray Charles and Buddy Guy.
Band members described their sound as high energy and soulful.
“We’re labeled as a blues band, but we’re not the sad, down-and-out type of blues band,” Malone said.
Keyboardist Mike Skory said since its formation, the band has seen many members come and go.
“There were … a lot of different lineups, but every single one of them was quality,” he said.
Lead vocalist Freddie Cunningham, who has been with the band since it was formed, said remaining active in the band was a way for him to keep busy and out of trouble.
“I’m one of those guys where if I don’t have something to do, I’ll find something to do, (and) sometimes it’s not something I should be doing,” he said. “So (the band) kept me grounded, and it kept me focused.”
Currently, the band is working to appeal to a younger audience by producing a more contemporary sound, while still maintaining its current audience.
“We’re putting a little bit more 2011 in the music,” Malone said.
The first of the band’s two CD release parties took place from 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 15 on the boat Michigan Princess, which docks on the west side of Lansing. The second release party will take place at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Green Door Blues Bar and Grill, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., in Lansing.
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“We’re going to provide all the joy that we can,” Malone said.
“Joy” includes contributions from all of Root Doctor’s five band members, as well as some collaboration with family members.
“When we put our minds together great things come out — joyous things come out,” Cunningham said.
Band members largely attribute their success to the constant support of their friends and family.
“We have a network of people who help us out,” Cunningham said. “We couldn’t just do all this by ourselves.”
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