The Pilots, New Mexico Music Award winners, specialize in soulful renditions of danceable R & B tunes including originals and vintage favorites. The Pilots, based in Santa Fe, are one of the longest-running bands in New Mexico. The group has appeared at all the major blues festivals in the region as well as appearing locally at Music on the Hill, Santa Fe Bandstand, and the Aid and Comfort Gala. The Pilots recently had the pleasure of opening for Grammy-nominated Shamekia Copeland at Blues Night as part of the New Mexico Jazz Festival on the Albuquerque Civic Plaza. The band can be seen every year at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The Five Players:

Fred Spencer – Guitar and Vocals

Fred’s dynamic and creative guitar playing has excited audiences for years and is only surpassed by his powerfully soulful and bluesy vocals. In New Mexico, Fred has played with the Emergency Blues Band, The Kingpins, Big Step, The Range Busters and the Soul Deacons.

David Phillips – Keyboards and Vocals

David’s rich vocals, Rhythm & Blues piano and organ style grounds the band to its blues roots. He was a founding member of the touring Foggy Bottom Blues Band in the ‘60’s. In New Mexico, David has played with the Bumpers, The Arroyo Kings, The Soul Deacons, and Freddy Fender.

Terry Bluhm – Standup and Electric bass, Vocals

Terry’s strong tone-filled bass playing gives the band and the listener a key to the groove, funk, and swing of the Pilots. Terry has been a long-time player in the New Mexico music scene with many bands, including Thunderama, Jasper, Bayo Seco, and Felix y Los Gatos.

Melvin Crisp – Drums and Vocals

Melvin radiates joy while his solid and funky drumming powers the Pilots. A mainstay in the Chicago blues scene, Melvin has performed with Junior Wells, Koko Taylor, Bo Diddley, Pinetop Perkins, Otis Rush, Big Twist, and many others.

Lee Taylor – Saxophones

Lee is one of the most sought-after horn players in New Mexico. Lee has performed with many of the top names in the music business, including The Temptations, The Four Tops, Johnny Mathis, The Fifth Dimension, and Bernadette Peters. Lee’s jazz credits include Toshika Akioyoshi, Eddie Daniels, John Lewis, the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra, and New Mexico Music Award winning Entourage.