Randall "Big Daddy" Webster

Big Daddy & Red Hot Java’s ministry of Worldbeat Blues is peppered with Soul, Jazz and life! They’ve taken their musical caravan across the Southeastern USA, and overseas with 54 tours to 28 countries. They have 3 band CD releases; The 24th Hour, Firebrewed, and Earthfire Blues Concert… and a soon to be released fourth live CD "Blood Moon Session" is on its way. 57 people have been in the lineup through the band’s 19 years making music. But Randall “Big Daddy” Webster has been at the hub since the beginning with his booming voice, pulsing rhythm guitar, and prolific songwriting. Bassist Michael Greif has performed with the band 15 of 19 years bringing nimble fretwork, compelling backup vocals, keen arrangement skills, and penning some of the tunes. Drummer Jake Pepple’ is Buddy Rich reincarnated and one of Florida State Jazz studies director Leon Anderson’s best protgs. Percussionist Cam Siegal studied in Africa and South/Central America before coming to Florida State University as a grad student. Cam brings the jelly to the groove. Lead guitarist Michelangelo Testagrossa scat picks like George Benson, attacks a tune’s DNA like Larry Carlton, and brings soul to the tunes like Chick Webb. Testagrossa is also studying Jazz at Florida State University. Together Big Daddy & Red Hot Java serves up a steaming hot gumbo of polyrhythmic Worldbeat Blues, Soul, Jazz and life… not to be missed!

Randall “Big Daddy” Webster (Tallahassee Florida USA) [Lead Vocals, Bass-line Rhythm Guitarist) is an accomplished singer-songwriter penning tunes both for himself and artists around the world. There’s an undeniable musical connection between Webster’s music and his audience. Says Big Daddy; “The tradition of playing music from the soul is much the same around the world as it is in America and people tap into that. The mission is to touch people’s primal core with my tunes… Ceol Dan Anum in Irish” Big Daddy has toured overseas fifty-five (55) times to 28 countries. The CHICAGO BLUES ANNUAL says, “Randall ‘Big Daddy’ Webster has lived and breathed the Blues for over 25 years; first soaking it in as a wild child while growing up in the shadow of the Windy City (Chicago) during the 1960’s and 70’s; later swimming the undercurrent of ‘Deep River Blues’ while jamming with Bluesmen at the confluence of the Mississippi and the Ohio waterways during the 80’s; and for the last twenty-five plus years he’s tread through the swamp Blues of Florida’s backwoods jook joints making the gators growl along the way. He’s a true champion of America’s great indigenous music. The influences cut sharp, the tunes run deep, and the spirit held high when Randall ‘Big Daddy’ Webster stirs up his spicy gumbo of original home cooked Blues. Trusting his four-octave voice, pulsing rhythm guitar, and beating foot makes it all simmer into a fine Blues brew!” Big Daddy has opened for and shared the stage with B.B. King, Robert Cray, Bobby Rush, Keb Mo, Sam Lay, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, and many other Blues legends; and he’s opened for Rock/Pop legends such as the Doobie Brothers, Huey Lewis & The News, and Kool & The Gang. Webster tours solo, duo and with his full 5-piece band “Big Daddy & Red Hot Java.” Big Daddy is an acclaimed Blues educator conducting seminars and workshops at Florida State University, Thomas University, College of DuPage, University College Cork Ireland, University of London Kingston (UK), and many other higher educational institutions. And as a board member of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition and founder of Blues For Humanity, Webster has helped raise money and awareness for humanitarian issues throughout the Florida Panhandle, the Southeastern USA, and overseas.

Big Daddy & Red Hot Java’s ministry of Worldbeat Blues is peppered with Soul, Jazz and life! They’ve taken their music caravan across the Southeastern USA and overseas with 55 tours to 28 countries. They have 3 band CD releases; The 24th Hour, Firebrewed, and Earthfire Blues Concert… and a soon to be released fourth live CD "Blood Moon Session" is on its way. 57 people have been in the lineup through the band’s 19 years making music. But Randall “Big Daddy” Webster has been at the hub since the beginning with his booming voice, pulsing rhythm guitar, and prolific songwriting. Bassist Michael Greif has performed in the band 15 of 19 years bringing nimble fretwork, compelling backup vocals, keen arrangement skills, and penning some tunes. Drummer Jake Pepple’ is Buddy Rich reincarnated and one of Florida State Jazz studies director Leon Anderson’s best protgs. Percussionist Cam Siegal studied in Africa and South/Central America before coming to Florida State University as a grad student. Cam brings the jelly to the groove. Lead guitarist Michelangelo Testagrossa scat picks like George Benson, attacks a tune’s DNA like Larry Carlton, and brings it soul Chick Webb. Testagrossa is also studying Jazz at Florida State University. Together Big Daddy & Red Hot Java serves up a steaming hot gumbo of polyrhythmic Worldbeat Blues, Soul, Jazz and life… not to be missed!