Baker-McClaren Band: Bio
Max Baker - Guitar, Vocals
Max Baker, guitarist and vocalist, is best known to St. Louisans as a member of Mama’s Pride. He’s recognized for his work on their Atlantic Records albums recorded in the 70’s. A 1987 reunion concert was standing room only, and in May of 2003 the band had not one, but two sold out reunion concerts at the Pageant - St. Louis's premier showcase club. Clearly, Max’s emotion packed solos and can’t-be-duplicated rhythm work have timeless appeal. Max originally hails from Shreveport, LA.
Jim McClaren - Harmonica, Vocals
On harmonica and vocals, Jim McClaren is well recognized. A founding member of the Soulard Blues Band in 1978, Jim continued to develop his talents over the next 23 years. During those years he added his unique sound to the band’s three LP’s and three CD’s, and played several European tours. For ten years, the band was voted “Best St. Louis Blues Band” in the Riverfront Times music poll. Jim’s picture and bio were seen as “Mr. November” in the 1986 Hohner Harmonica artists calendar. Also, he designs and builds the "Ann Amp" line of amplifiers for guitar and harmonica.
Bill Murphy - Keyboards, Bass, Vocals
Keyboardist Bill Murphy is an instrumentalist and vocalist in a variety of formats and has performed throughout St. Louis since the 1960’s. Aside from his performances with The Geyer Street Sheiks, he has recorded with Sandy Weltman, Beth Tuttle, Pat Liston and assisted with many other studio recordings. You can hear Bill play jazz with the Bill Murphy Trio and has played rock-n-roll with the Ron Furr “Elvis Tribute” show. His mastery of both genres drives the Baker-McClaren Band.
Benet Schaeffer - Drums
Benet Schaeffer has been playing drums for 30 years. In the 80’s, he began to explore roots, blues and R&B music while working with Billy Gayles (Ike Turner Revue) a master of blues drumming styles. Gayles took the roll of mentor and showed him the subtleties of shuffle and swing rhythms. “Rock is where I started but Billy took me deep into the world of Blues, Soul, Funk,and Jazz”, explains Benet. In 1994 Benet was voted best drummer in St. Louis by the readers of The Riverfront Times.