Little Memphis Blues Orchestra (LMBO) was founded in 2006 by members of the Taylor Hicks Band after Hicks auditioned for and subsequently won American Idol. Performing an infectious mix of original music and covers, LMBO quickly gained a large following, both in the South and their home city of Birmingham, AL, and across the nation, as they toured the country in 2006-2007. Musically and creatively, the band is inspired by a wide range of artists, ranging from The Meters and Booker T and the M G's to The Allman Brothers Band, and Jimi Hendrix.LMBO’s collective appeal and chemistry is created by the unique style and talent that each member brings to the band. Brian Less (piano,organ,vocals) draws his rock-a-billy blues style from his Memphis,TN,roots. Sam Gunderson (guitar,vocals) hails from the DC area where he picked up his blues and rock riffs. On the bass, Mitch Jones brings a solid backbone from years of touring from his Enterprise home in Alabama's deep South. Zippy Dieterich (drums,percussion,vocals) combines his formal drum line training with years of touring experience, keeping true to his native north Alabama.The band plays regularly in the South and has also performed at a notable list of national venues, including The Viper Room in Hollywood, CA; Antone’s in Austin, TX; The Cutting Room, NYC; and even The Superdome in New Orleans, LA. Impressive in their own right, the band has also backed artists such as Taylor Hicks and Elliott Yamin and has shared the stage with musical legends and powerhouses like Al Green, Journey, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Styx, and Blues Legend Buddy Guy.
