Kingdom Brothers

"Kingdom Brothers are known to be one of St. Louis' best bands, and that's saying a lot in a city so rich with blues talent!" - East Side Slim

cover photo by Reed Radcliffe

Kingdom Brothers

Reviews

"Kingdom Brothers are known to be one of St. Louis’ top blues bands, and that’s saying a lot in a city so rich in blues talent. A 2015 semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, the combo focuses on spreading hopeful, positive messages all while tackling contemporary themes – yet solidly grounded in the classic blues sounds the band love so dearly. Kingdom Brothers purposely steer clear of the “same old” cover songs during their performances. This band composes much of their own exceptional music – featured on their 2016 release Times Hard, which was recorded by noted engineer/producer/musician Joe McMahan – as the band is gifted with multiple talented songwriters. Rich, earthy vocals? Check. Tasteful dual guitars with plenty of octane in the tank? Indeed. A rock-solid rhythm section that keeps the dance floor full & moving? Right here. Kingdom Brothers have all that and more!”
East Side Slim
88.1 KDHX’s Rhythm Highways: blues, soul, rock ‘n’ roll… jazz, swing and everything.
“Kingdom Brothers have brought new life to the St. Louis blues scene. The combined years of musical experience, quality song selection, and crafted original material have rewarded not only them, but the audiences around the country experiencing the music and positive message of Kingdom Brothers. I am a fan of both.”
John Michael May
Talent Coordinator & Special Events Manager BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups
photo by Carol Boss

Stage plot & input list

Kingdom Brothers Bio

“The Blues Don’t Have to Be Sad”

Kingdom Brothers, the red-hot electric blues band from St. Louis, MO credit their notable sound to the timeless influences of the great blues icons – Albert King, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Eric Clapton – to name a few, and the powerful spirit of gospel groups like The Blind Boys of Alabama and the Dixie Hummingbirds.

With the soulful vocal delivery of songwriter Chris Shepherd, a solid rhythm section, and some tastefully smokin’ guitar and keyboard magic, Kingdom Brothers create a memorable effect you’ll want to experience over and over again. Toss in that Ron Roskowske bottleneck slide, crank it to eleven, and you’ll be looking for tickets to their next show.

When blues veteran and Kingdom Brothers’ founder Bob Walther formed the group in 2005, he reached out to established area musicians who wanted to do something really different on the St. Louis music scene.

“What you will not hear in our set list are numbers like ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ and ‘Rock Me Baby’,” says Walther. “Both are fine songs but can be heard seven nights a week in every blues club in the area. Instead, we cover our favorite cuts by the blues greats.”  Also featured in Kingdom Brothers’ set list are traditional gospel/blues numbers and Kingdom Brothers’ original songs, including tracks from the band’s newest album Times Hard,  and their 2008 CD release Shine a Light.  Emphasizing a more hopeful message, Kingdom Brothers avoid tunes with offensive lyrics that romanticize decadence and defeat. The band demonstrates that, as the title of Shepherd’s latest offering states, “The Blues Don’t Have to Be Sad.”

This fresh approach was a bit risky but has paid huge dividends for the band, attracting a sizeable and devoted following in the St. Louis market. Kingdom Brothers were selected to represent the St. Louis Blues Society in the 2015 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, appearing in the semi-finals.  The band continues to win over fans at each performance.

Along with Walther on bass, Shepherd on lead vocal and rhythm guitar, and Roskowske on lead and slide guitar, the current Kingdom Brothers lineup includes drummer Joe Warmbrodt, and Stan Gill on keyboards.

Kingdom Brothers video

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"The Kingdoms sound is rooted in Albert King, Muddy Waters and Otis Rush, but infused with a strong dose of the gospel harmonies of the Dixie Hummingbirds and Blind Boys Of Alabama."