​Bold rock & blues: Bolder Shades of Blue at Speck’s Bar

Jamestown-based Bolder Shades of Blue make their Fargo premiere at Speck’s Bar November 25 and 26, playing what lead vocalist Tamara Dallman describes as “energetic blues with a classic rock twist.”

Donald Klontz is an avid fan of live music, particularly blues, and follows many bands and local jam sessions. He describes Bolder Shades of Blue as having “a very good, tight sound as a unit” and he appreciates their repertoire mostly focusing on blues styles. Donald adds, “And Ken their lead guitarist is the real deal.”

Bolder Shades of Blue are Ken Gilbertson on guitar, Tamara Dallman providing lead vocals, Paul Salo on bass, and Jim Elmer and Randy Shrenk on drums. Although the band has only been together about a year, the performance history among the band members is impressive. Tamara says, “We always joke that between all of us, we have over 100 years of experience.”

Tamara has been singing with various bands since she was 20. Ken describes Tamara as having a very “strong performance personality” and is “a very strong vocalist.”

Ken has been playing guitar with groups since the late 1970s including, Warped Melon and Double Take, and describes himself as “a self-taught musician.”

Paul has a lengthy musical background and might be recognized for his work with The Back Behind the Barn Boys.

Jim on drums has been a part of the Night Rider Band and even got to sit in with the legendary Robert Cray.

Ken describes the band: “Our sound is energetic. I have very talented players surrounding me.”

HPR was able to go more in depth with lead vocalist Tamara Dallmann and lead guitarist Ken Gilbertson, in preparation for their Fargo debut. We first spoke with Tamara.

High Plains Reader: What is your background?

Tamara Dallman: I am originally from Jamestown and am currently living in the Fargo-Moorhead area. I moved to F-M out of high school and started singing with various bands when I was 20. One of the most notable in the area was doing background vocals with the Shufflecats and recording on their CD. I have sung with the Sky Blues Band, The Flying Rock Show, and back in the day, was part of the Wednesday jams at the Empire.

In Minneapolis, I was a member of Niobium and sang on a project CD by Sunplugged. I am also a sufi dancer with the Whirling, Swirling, Surreal Surfing, Sufi Circus of Wonder.

I moved to Minneapolis after leaving the F-M area and explored various styles of music and performance art. I learned the art of fire dancing when I was introduced to Wookie Foot and became a member of Make Believe, a collective of artists who were known to be “resident fairies” at Harmony Park and a welcoming committee who encouraged play and dance. Through my connections with musicians, I was introduced to Corey Stevens and had the honor of singing with him and learned a great deal going on the road.

HPR: What do you enjoy the most about being in Bolder Shades of Blue?

Tamara: What I like most about being the lead singer of Bolder Shades of Blue is the support from my bandmates and the permission to explore various styles. I love that the band believes so much in my abilities and the quality of musicianship within the band, that I can pick and choose what I want to sing and these fellas can definitely play it.

HPR: Do you play any instruments?

Tamara: As much as I am a singer/vocalist, I love percussion and do play various percussion instruments while performing.HPR: What are your influences?

Tamara: I am constantly influenced by new sounds, new genres and overall fantastic musicians. I call myself, a “singer’s singer.” I have always loved blues and jazz. As a female singer with a lower range, the blues called my name and it was when I heard Etta James that I knew blues was it for me. I grew up in a house with everything from blues, jazz, and classical, to bluegrass. I am a self-taught musician and hear rhythms in everything that give me ideas and inspire me to create beyond my comfort zones.

HPR: How did you become a part of the band?

Tamara: I met Ken Gilbertson while in Jamestown and sat in to sing with a house band he was in. Basically, after that I was invited to be part of the band. I joke that it took me 20 years to become a lead singer. I am grateful that I never gave in to fear, that the great musicians, who I call my brothers, believe in me and encourage me to go for it. I am also grateful that out of my opportunities, I have the ability to mentor other female musicians.

Ken, the lead guitarist, had a few things to say.

HPR: What is your background?

Ken Gilbertson: I have lived in Jamestown, North Dakota; Aroura, Colorado; and Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. I am a self-taught musician. I have been involved with many groups from the late 70s to early 80s, such as White Mt. Grand out of Jamestown. We played B-side cover songs and originals. Double Take was a very good group that played mostly covers. I was also involved with The Ditch Rats and Warped Melon Blues Band out of Moorhead. With The Ringers, we did a very fine studio recording of original music--very blues-oriented.

HPR: What are your influences?

Ken: I have been very strongly influenced by Johnny Winters, Eric Clapton, Jo Jo Gunne, Spirit and many others.

HPR: Talk about your upcoming show at Speck’s.

Ken: Our Speck’s performance is our first Fargo appearance. I have played at Speck’s as part of many other groups and it is always a fun bar to play at. We are looking forward to playing Speck’s and would like to thank them for giving us our first appearance in Fargo. Rock on!

In closing, Tamara says, “All of us really enjoy playing music together and exploring how far we can take this. We are so looking forward to our gig at Speck’s on Friday and Saturday night, November 25 and 26 from 9:00 - 1:00 with no cover charge.”

Bolder Shades of Blue’s next gig is The Labor Club in Valley City, ND on December 9. 

IF YOU GO 

Bolder Shades of Blue

November 25 & 26, 9pm-1am. 

Free. No cover. 

Speck’s Bar, 2611 Main Avenue, Fargo