JEFF ADAMS: guitarist/vocals songwriter and performer
Jeff Adams is currently co-founder and guitarist of The Blue Genies
Described as a "masterful Lead Guitarist," he is characterized as skillfully providing essential melodic components, solos, intros, outros, and adding his signature sound to The Blue Genies', David Bowie tribute, presentation.
He has been featured in Guitar Player and Guitar World Magazines, and was inducted into Maryland's Entertainment Hall of Fame (MEHOF) in 2017.
A native of the Washington DC area, Adams' career was launched through the band Face Dancer (Capitol/EMI), with two successful albums recorded in LA and London.
Jeff has toured and shared lead guitar duties with notable artists, including Kim Simmons/Savoy Brown (Decca Records), Les Dudek (CBS Records). He achieved personal success writing, producing, and performing all instrumentation on his solo album "Death by 1000 Lics" (for KJ Productions), as well as several other album projects.
"If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.
- DAVID BOWIE
JOHN WEST – Lead vocalist, songwriter and performer
Co-founder of The Blue Genies
Inducted in the Maryland Hall of fame
Originally from Philadelphia, John West is a dynamic vocalist currently performing in Baltimore, Maryland, and Southwest Florida.
With a captivating voice and commanding stage presence, John brings energy and authenticity to every performance. Now, he is thrilled to celebrate the iconic music of David Bowie, delivering powerful renditions that honor Bowie’s legendary catalog.
Throughout his career, John has had the privilege of sharing the stage with an incredible lineup of legendary artists, including Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), Ronnie Montrose, Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), The New York Dolls, Cheap Trick, Brian Auger, Manfred Mann, Savoy Brown, Nils Lofgren, Jeff Golub (Billy Squier/Rod Stewart), The Producers, and many more. He has also been a part of several renowned East Coast regional bands, including Vanessa, Voices, and Vision.
Whether performing for longtime fans or new audiences, John’s passion for music ensures an unforgettable experience.
DON JACKOWSKI-keyboards/vocals
Don is a musical product of the 60’s, having grown up in the Renaissance era of popular music and electronics. His initial training through one of his piano teachers has a tutorial heritage that can be traced back to Franz Liszt, the virtuoso pianist of the Romantic period of the 1800’s. He has performed onstage as an electronic music specialist for over 50 years. He has been an award recipient from Billboard Magazine, and will soon be a featured artist on the internationally renowned Youtube presentation of 'BACKSTAGE WITH GIG PERFORMER,' during which his sound design and stage performance with The Blue Genies will be covered in detail to provide insight for other artists throughout the world. He looks forward to bringing the sonic complexities of David Bowie’s music to live audience.
BOWIES MUSIC CAREER (wikapedia)
GLENN POEHLMANN – Keyboardist, Vocalist,
Arcadia University in PA. MA, Education - Music concentration Composer & Arranger
A versatile musician, composer, arranger, and educator with a career spanning over three decades. He is particularly recognized for his innovative arrangements for vocal and instrumental ensembles and has contributed extensively to schools, churches, and community groups. Many of his arrangements include accompanying rehearsal and sound files, reflecting his dedication to accessible and high-quality music. Glenn began his career as an instrumental music director at Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown, PACurrently based in The Villages, Florida, Glenn performs as a keyboardist and vocalist both as a solo artist and with bands, including The Blue Genies – Bowie Re-imagined. His exceptional musicianship, strong vocals, and creative arrangements bring energy, depth, and sophistication to every performance, delighting audiences wherever he plays.
JOHN KNOBLER- Bass/Vocals
John is a native of the Philadelphia area. He started playing in bands in
the late 60s. In the early 70s John formed a prog rock band called Egdon Heath. The band had a long run and great success for many years, playing in the tri state areas of Pa, New Jersey and Delaware. After joining up with lead vocalist John West in the early 90s, and played together in Egdon Heath until 2008. With many recording credits along the way, later in 2017, John joined a touring country band ensemble
backing up for several new up and coming country recording artists,
which lead to more touring, writing , and the recording and songwriting credits on 3 albums in Nashville with The Jess Zimmerman Band. In 2024 John joined the Blue Genies adding his bass and vocal talents to this exciting new band.
TERRY FRITTS - Saxophone, Flute, Keyboards
Terry Fritts is a seasoned musician with an extensive career spanning over three decades, showcasing his exceptional skills on a variety of instruments, including the
saxophone, flute, and keyboards. His musical journey has taken him through numerous genres, such as jazz, rock, progressive funk, and Motown, allowing him to develop a versatile and dynamic sound. One of Terry’s most notable recent experiences was being part of a band called The Regular Guys. This band had the incredible opportunity to open for several iconic major artists, including The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Leon Russell, Buddy Guy, and Johnny Winter, providing Terry with invaluable stage experience and exposure to a diverse audience.
In addition to his work with The Regular Guys, Terry has also performed as a solo feature artist at the renowned Busch Gardens Tampa, where he captivated audiences with his captivating performances. His talent and commitment to music have led him to collaborate with other talented artists, most notably through his current involvement with Jeff Adams’ original project, ‘Brake Fail’. Terry’s enthusiasm for music is evident as he now joins The Blue Genies, where he brings his rich experience and unique musical style to complement the already talented group of musicians and singers, further enhancing the band’s sound and appeal.
JOHN BARRETT - Drums, Vocal
John's musical and drumming journey is a remarkable testament to the power and magic of great grooves. From his early days, John has been deeply committed to crafting grooves that are irresistibly compelling,
making you want to move and groove along. He has consistently maintained a steady heartbeat and a strong backbeat, which are essential elements in his drumming style.
Drawing inspiration from the rhythmic masters of Omar Hakim, Kenny Aronoff, Woody Woodmansey, Steve Gadd, Ash Soan, and Steve Ferrone, John has honed his skills and developed a unique sound that pays homage to these legendary drummers. His dedication to their influence is evident in his performances, where he seamlessly blends their techniques with his own creative flair.
Throughout his career, John has had the incredible opportunity to share the opening stages with some of the most iconic figures in the music industry. He has performed alongside legends such as Cheap Trick, Billy Idol, Styx, Jason Isbell, Yellowmann, and Ziggy Marley, each experience enriching his musical journey and broadening his horizons. These performances have not only showcased his talent but have also allowed him to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest musicians of his time.
In addition to his work with these iconic artists, John has been the drumming cornerstone of several notable bands. He has been a key member of The Jay Matthes Band, The Zach Pietrini Band, In Black ’n White Reggae, and The US Project, contributing significantly to their sound and success. His ability to adapt to different musical styles and genres has made him a versatile and sought-after drummer in the industry.
Currently, John is channeling his passion and energy into his work with The Blue Genies, where he and his bandmates are honoring the greatness of David Bowie. This project is a labor of love, allowing John to express his admiration for Bowie’s music and legacy while enjoying the creative process and the camaraderie of his bandmates. The Blue Genies’ performances are a celebration of Bowie’s influence, and John’s drumming is at the heart of their tribute, driving the music forward and captivating audiences with its infectious energy.
