The Bessie Blues Band

Evan Leake - Guitar
From Memphis, Evan formed the rock group, Target in 1974. He then joined Alex Chilton in Big Star. In 1977 he rejoined Target with Jimi Jamison and toured as the opening act for Johnny Winter, Robin Trower, Rick Derringer, J. Giles and others. After Jimi joined the group Survivor, Evan hooked up with Willie Cobb and joined the Memphis Outpatients, recording with Bobby Whitlock at Sun Studios. Evan has finesse - from his rock blues to the slide sounds of the Delta to the exotic world beats of Latin America and Africa.

Frankie Marlar - Guitar, organ, piano, vocals
Frankie comes from Corinth, Mississippi and brings to this band his wide range of musical ability. As a player and vocalist, Frankie has toured and recorded with acts such as Travis Womack, Sonny Burgess and for the last 4 years, Frankie has performed with the Blues All Star Band for the Helena, AR King Biscuit Blues Festival. Frankie brings charm and talent to every performance. A favorite with the audience, Frankie always gives 150%.

Ken Carpenter - Bass, backing vocals
Ken comes from Bonneville, Mississippi and has worked with various groups all over the South, including singer/songwriter Mac McAnally. In the 80's while working in Memphis at the Vapor's Club and Hernandos Hideaway, he had the pleasure of working with legendary rocker Jerry Lee Lewis.  He has played the King Biscuit Blues Festival for 2 years with Sterling Billingsley and the Sonny Boys Blues Band. He and Frankie Marlar were also the opening act for Steppenwolf at the Hog Wild Festival in Helena, Arkansas. Ken’s rock steady groove and spot-on backup vocals round out the sound for the band.

Jack Tipton - Drums
An "in the pocket" drummer who has played with James Govan and the Boogie Blues Band on Beale Street; also backing Bo Diddly, Billy Preston and the late, great Rufus Thomas. Jack is a great addition to the band and the glue that holds the rhythm section tight.

Lori Tipton - Sometime backup vocalist
Voted the best female vocalist by the Memphis Blues Society in 1997, Lori sang with Don McMinn and the Rum Boogie Band on Beale, worked with the Memphis Horns, Rufus Thomas and Eddie Floyd. Although Lori is not a "guaranteed" member of every show, she lends great texture with her vocals when she sings with Frankie and Ken.