written by: Moony Mann I
PULSE / Local Musician Spotlight
recently had a chance to sit down with one of our most dynamic lo- cal LIVE music artists, Ryan Bladen, aka “Little Eddie” of the popu- lar blues and blues rock band Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers. It’s
been a few years since Pulse Magazine SWFL last interviewed Bladen, so a follow-up piece was in order. I met the singer/guitar-playing front man at OSETRA Champagne Caviar Bar on 5th Ave. South in Naples. During this interview, Bladen was helping with the construction of the hip downtown venue that promises to be, among other things, the new- est hot spot for LIVE local music. Bladen says he is excited about the opening of OSETRA because not only will he be performing at the new venue, but because he has become close friends with the owners and wants to see the concept succeed. Over a cup of coffee, I asked Bladen what he and his band mates
have been up to since the last Pulse interview. If you’re familiar with the history of the band, you’ll know that its original configuration included only three pieces: harmonica, guitar and drums. Bladen ex- plains that there’ve been a few changes in the lineup since then. “These days we have drums, bass, piano, and me on lead vocals and guitar, and every now and then, someone sits in on a horn or something. We’ve been playing regularly at area venues and experimenting with differ- ent songs, in addition to recording in different studios. Information about our albums can be found online. Also, I’ve been performing a few solo gigs and doing some traveling.” His favorite artists are Robert Johnson, Ray Charles and Little Wal-
ter, and he added that his grandfather played lap steel and was a major inspiration. When asked about his start in music and he replies, “I was rehabbing a wrist injury and the therapist suggested that I play guitar as a strengthening exercise, so I just sat around with an old guitar. At first I didn’t realize how much satisfaction I got out of playing guitar, but it didn’t take long before I knew this was what I was born to do.” What does Bladen enjoy doing when he isn’t performing? Paint-
ing. He told me about his experiences at art school, and his hope to someday have a large studio not only for painting, but also for wood- working and metal crafting. Bladen is very talented with wood-working, and showed me a guitar that he had made – a lap steel guitar that you can hear at a Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers performance. The name Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers originated from Blad-
en’s childhood nickname – his father’s name is Ed so Little Eddie just came naturally. “The Fat Fingers part came from our first gig before we had a name. I had just cut one of my fingers very badly, my hand was swollen and all of my fingers were, well, fat. One of the guys made a comment over the mic about my fingers being fat, and the crowd re- sponded with laughter. The guys in the band liked the name, so we’ve kept it.”
After some pressing, Bladen reveals what he likes most about
Little Eddie
performing, saying, “I’ve worked long and hard to get to my skill level... it didn’t just happen overnight. So I enjoy performing for people who really know music and can appreciate a job well done.” I then asked what he thinks about the current state of the local LIVE music scene to which Bladen answers, “It’s pretty thin. There are too many “backing- track” performers in this market, and I just don’t understand how peo- ple put up with some cheesy act that involves simply pushing a button on a laptop and singing along – it’s just lame. I’d like to see more places locally hiring LIVE music artists.” Anything else you’d like to add? Without hesitation, Bladen re-
plies, “SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSICIAN!” For those of you who remember the original Bayshore Coffee
House, you’ll be pleased to learn that Little Eddie’s new album was re- corded there LIVE several years ago, and has been sitting in a vault at a local recording studio – now coming soon! You can catch Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers performing at Fred’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Freddy Rebel’s, Mercato First Friday’s, OSETRA Champagne & Caviar Bar and PURE Urban Oasis. For more info about the band, please visit them on Facebook or email
LittleEddieandtheFatFingers@gmail.com.
Pulse Magazine SWFL | 49
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