Lee O'Nell Blues Gang, it is the project of the Vosges guitarist Lionel WERNERT accompanied by his singer and companion Gipsy BACUET.
Lionel is, as they say, “a child of rock”. Self-taught, it is with surprising ease that he takes you into his universe. And he has it under his feet to do battle with the genre! We find there the legendary groups that influenced his adolescence: Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Rainbow, Thin Lizzy … . Connoisseurs will also recognize the masters of the Blues; those who brought the foundations: Peter Green, Albert King Eric Clapton among others .. On the playing side, we talk about fluidity, dexterity, a velvety sound when needed. A skilful mix between vintage and modernity, the right balance between catchy riffs and hard-hitting solos that a flawless technique serves with delight.
A perfect mix to accompany and highlight Gipsy's personality and voice. Leaving classical piano lessons at the Troyes Conservatory quite early (11 years old), she nevertheless returned 10 years later to join the Jazz class led by Ludovic de Pressac. What remains of his various and numerous musical experiences is a soulful, deep, warm, powerful voice. Gipsy also knows her instrument, and knows how to be soft, sensual, sometimes fragile and delicate, but also powerful and rocky.
It was in 2012 and after having played together and separately in many groups and accompanied various artists (all styles combined) that Lionel and Gipsy decided to work as a duo on a Blues repertoire paying homage to those they particularly love: Gary Moore , BB. King, Fred Chapellier, Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart, Etta James…
February 2019: Lionel and Gipsy are invited by Fred Chapellier to share a stage with him in order to play together some of his own titles.
For the record, Lionel and Fred Chapellier are childhood friends! Lionel was only 4 years old when Fred, at the age of 7, took him under his wing and has since considered him his little brother. They grew up together, listened to the same vinyls, worked the guitar side by side too long years because life has decided so... And then, reunion in 2017 and for the two "brothers" time has for once not done its work, it is as if they had never left each other.
It is therefore on stage alongside Fred (as before, but 30 years later!) that the desire to form a group again germinates very quickly in the creative and overflowing spirit of Lionel._cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b -136bad5cf58d_
May 2019: He then, in turn, brings together the best musicians in the region to form Lee O'Nell Blues Gang...
Philippe DANDRIMONT (Bass) is self-taught and has accompanied numerous bluesmen on different European stages since 1984 : Gerry Joe Weise, Fred Chapelier, Lorenzo Sanchez, Chris Bergson, Ellis Hooks, Mike Greene…
Pierre-Alain DELAUNOY (Drums), graduated from CMCN Nancy with special mention and congratulations from the jury, he studied with Alain Lecocq (Nino Ferrer), André Charlier, Franck Aghulon (Biréli Lagrène). He recorded and accompanied Fred Chapellier during the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee.
François BARISAUX (keyboards), graduated from the Reims Conservatory, he composes for various media at the international level. He creates various shows (Jim Morisson, Billy Holiday) and is also an accompanist for silent films. His album “A tribute do Deep Purple” which he recorded with Air Jazz Quartet obtained recognition from Roger Glover.
Summer 2019: Gipsy then writes very quickly 10 texts refined by another talented artist friend, the Texan Neal Black. looming album…
After a dizzying, rich and prolific week in the studio; surrounded and accompanied by 3 Guests: Fred Chapellier, Neal Black and Leadfoot Rivet, Lionel and Gipsy finally have their project come true between their ears... «_cc781905- 5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ Different Shades of Love” was born.
Official release: September 2020