I have always been fascinated by the concept of an
eternal flame. An idea that survives the test of time fed
by the passion of those who believe. Keeping the flame
alive. The sons and daughters of legendary bluesmen
and women carry on a tradition that their parents started
many years ago. That flame burns brightly today
because of those "Flamekeepers". - George Thomas
eternal flame. An idea that survives the test of time fed
by the passion of those who believe. Keeping the flame
alive. The sons and daughters of legendary bluesmen
and women carry on a tradition that their parents started
many years ago. That flame burns brightly today
because of those "Flamekeepers". - George Thomas
George Thomas: guitar vocals
George formed The Flamekeepers to back up Arizona
Blues Legend Chico Chism. The Flamekeepers
continue to play songs from Chico's catalog. "We have
a ball playing songs that Chico wrote as well as a long
list of standards that Chico had a way of reinventing."
The Flamekeepers are developing their own unique
sound inspired by their mentor Chico Chism.
Blues Legend Chico Chism. The Flamekeepers
continue to play songs from Chico's catalog. "We have
a ball playing songs that Chico wrote as well as a long
list of standards that Chico had a way of reinventing."
The Flamekeepers are developing their own unique
sound inspired by their mentor Chico Chism.
The Flamekeeper Name
About the Flamekeepers
upcoming shows
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| Rikk Nielsen: Bass, Vocals |
Photo by Randy Lowrey
from Chico's Collection
from Chico's Collection
George Thomas &
| In memory of our friend the legendary Chico Chism 1927-2007 |
| The Flamekeepers |
| Pete Rottman: Guitar |
www.theflamekeepers.com
| Bob Estrada: Bass & Vocals |
| Michael Bova: Drums |
Mike Bova was born into a very
musical family, he started
playing drums at the tender age
of 5. "I guess you could say its in
my blood. I am very proud to say
I was Chico Chism's last
drummer...a badge I wear
proudly. I have learned a lot from
Chico, Bobby Whiteshoes, Chip
Ritter many other cats here in
town."
musical family, he started
playing drums at the tender age
of 5. "I guess you could say its in
my blood. I am very proud to say
I was Chico Chism's last
drummer...a badge I wear
proudly. I have learned a lot from
Chico, Bobby Whiteshoes, Chip
Ritter many other cats here in
town."
Bob Estrada began playing bass
in high school garage bands
with an old bass his drafted
brother left behind. Bob became
a full time musician playing 7
nights a week all over the
Phoenix area. Later Bob moved
to New Mexico to help run a
recording studio and stayed for
14 years, eventually moving back
to Phoenix. George Thomas
says "We are lucky to have two of
the best bass players in town.
Bob is a total pro!."
in high school garage bands
with an old bass his drafted
brother left behind. Bob became
a full time musician playing 7
nights a week all over the
Phoenix area. Later Bob moved
to New Mexico to help run a
recording studio and stayed for
14 years, eventually moving back
to Phoenix. George Thomas
says "We are lucky to have two of
the best bass players in town.
Bob is a total pro!."
Rikk Neilsen was born in
California and moved to Arizona
in the early sixties. After a year on
the drums Rikk switched to
bass. In 1991 Rikk was the first
local player to utilize the six string
contra bass. When you want a
bass player that can do it all,
Rikk's the man.
California and moved to Arizona
in the early sixties. After a year on
the drums Rikk switched to
bass. In 1991 Rikk was the first
local player to utilize the six string
contra bass. When you want a
bass player that can do it all,
Rikk's the man.
Pete Rottman played guitar and
bass in several rock bands in
his home state of Illinois. He
regained his mojo at the local
blues jams. Pete earned the
nickname "Bulldog" for his
tenacious guitar play. Pete
maintains that the secret to tone
is all in the hands,and very
expensive and hard to find
boutique and vintage gear. His
advice to young guitarists, more
Mel Bay and less EBay!!!.
bass in several rock bands in
his home state of Illinois. He
regained his mojo at the local
blues jams. Pete earned the
nickname "Bulldog" for his
tenacious guitar play. Pete
maintains that the secret to tone
is all in the hands,and very
expensive and hard to find
boutique and vintage gear. His
advice to young guitarists, more
Mel Bay and less EBay!!!.
FRIDAY MAY 23RD
The Flamekeepers join with Big
Nick and the Gila Monsters at
the Rhythm Room to celebrate
Chico's Birthday!!!
The Flamekeepers join with Big
Nick and the Gila Monsters at
the Rhythm Room to celebrate
Chico's Birthday!!!