Live Blues

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Black Smoke Revival brings a blues‑driven, guitar‑forward sound with a gritty, vintage edge. We play blues standards, but also take classic rock and modern favorites and run them through a raw, soulful blues filter, turning familiar songs into something deeper, groovier, and unmistakably our own. Every show leans into feel, dynamics, and musicianship — no two nights ever land the same way. It’s rootsy, groove-focused, and built for rooms that appreciate real players doing real music.

Band Bios

Learn more about the band members.

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Upcoming Events

Come check us out at these great venues!

Videos

Clips from recent gigs

Purple Rain

The music

Some of the artists we cover

The Allman Brothers
Jimi Hendrix
Gary Clark Jr
BB King
Eric Clapton
Freddie King
JJ Grey & Mofro
Chris Stapleton
Tab Benoit
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Los Lonely Boys
Robert Cray
Prince
Joe Cocker
The Nimmo Brothers
John Lee Hooker
Albert King
Marshall Tucker Band
JJ Cale
Blind Boys of Alabama
Bill Withers
Stevie Wonder
and more…

Merch

Band Tees are now available at upcoming gigs!

Black Shirt/Gold Logo

Warm Gray Shirt/Charcoal Logo

Contact the Band

Matt Rau

Vocals

Matt grew up in a music household. The youngest of 4, he was raised on KISS, Van Halen, AC/DC, Elvis and Johnny Cash. He was the kid wearing Ace Frehley t-shirts in kindergarten!As a kid he was awakened almost every Saturday and Sunday with music being played on their old RCA Console stereo. However, his biggest influence and push into singing was his oldest brother, Brent/Moe.Brent was an encyclopedia of musical knowledge and could sing with the best voices in the world. Seeing and hearing him sing motivated Matt into pursuing LIVE music.Good friends asked him to front a short-lived Modern Rock band, Soil Pipe, back in the early 2000s. That would be followed by another Modern Rock band, Stone Halo. Prior to Black Smoke Revival was a stint in Damaged Goods, in the early 2010s.In addition to singing, he has a nice vinyl collection he enjoys listening to.

Josh Grappy

Guitar | Slide Guitar | Harmonica

Josh has been playing guitar for nearly 32 years. His early influences began with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, which opened the door to blues legends like Hubert Sumlin and Buddy Guy. From there, his tastes expanded to players such as John Mayer, and more recently to modern torch‑bearers like Marcus King, Gary Clark Jr., and his absolute favorite, Derek Trucks.After taking a long break from band life, Josh is excited to be part of Black Smoke Revival, performing the music that feels most like home. He loves the freedom of improvising live, letting each performance breathe, stretch, and become something unique.When he’s not playing guitar (or searching for yet another guitar deal on Facebook Marketplace), he’s usually spending time with his family or traveling with his wife.

John Morreale

Bass | Vocals

John is a veteran bassist with four decades of experience performing across rock, country, blues, R&B, Motown, and light jazz. His career includes studio sessions in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, as well as live performances opening for national touring acts such as Grand Funk Railroad, Brantley Gilbert, Gloriana, Kelly Pickler, and Jared Niemann. Known for his solid pocket, musical versatility, and deep respect for the song, John brings both professionalism and soul to every band he supports.Currently, John is enjoying being part of the eclectic blues sound of Black Smoke Revival, where his seasoned approach and deep groove continue to anchor the band’s evolving sound.

Jim Szeremeta

Drummer

Jim first joined us in November 2025 as a last‑minute fill‑in for a birthday party gig — transitioning seamlessly from a fill-in performer to a permanent fixture.With 46 years of drumming experience, Jim brings deep musical roots to the stage, and is a powerhouse of precision and soul. After taking a 25‑year break to focus on raising his family, he returned to the music scene and stage with unmatched reliability, signature precision for live performance, and a renewed passion.Over the years, Jim has filled in for numerous bands throughout the area, earning a reputation for reliability, versatility, and a positive easy going attitude. His strong "pro-level" work ethic and easygoing personality make him an incredible addition to the group, both on and off the stage.We’re lucky to have his talent, his work ethic, and his "easy going veteran" vibes on our stage. Help us welcome Jim to the family!In addition to his work with us, Jim serves as the full-time drummer for Wicked Mourning.

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