BLUES FABRICATION
Working Class Jones is the brainchild of Christopher Ferguson (bass) and Todd Zimberg (drums). Together, they have worked off and on as the bass and drum foundation for numerous musical projects. First meeting in the 1980's in a theatre rock act and as also as members of the blues band, “Shakey Jake”, a popular Northwest blues group. They have performed for international rhythm and blues festivals, local blues shows, jazz performances and concerts galore.
The joint leadership of this talented rhythm section lends a unique take to the music, "building from the bottom up." Working Class Jones evoke the great blues traditions as well as a fascination with a unique time and place in history, a music that eventually ignited a new generation to learn to play guitar. This common denominator is felt in their approach to popular hits from yesterday, while new originals offer a contemporary spin on it all with high-intensity fire, infectious grooves, and a splash of humor.
Hello, Working Class Jones !
GUEST ARTIST JASON LOLLAR
Guitars, Vocals
Jason Lollar is known as a guitar player in search of tone. His company, Lollar Pickups produce the finest vintage tone pickups in the world that are revered by serious guitar players. His pursuit of tone and feel give his music the distinction of a timeless quality that is personal. It is what makes great music. His guitar work with Working Class Jones carries that intensity forward and delivers an awesome sound and feel.
CHRIS FERGUSON
Bass, Vocals
Chris Ferguson has worked as a bass player in the 1980’s Hollywood music scene, the 1990’s Seattle music scene, and the 2000’s Alabama music scene. He completed studies at Musician’s Institute as a professional bass player and has studied with many well known musicians, including Chuck Rainey, Abraham Laboriel Sr., Bob Magnusson, Tim Bogert and others while studying at MI.
MAGGIE LAIRD
Piano & Melodica, Vocals
Maggie Laird is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter. Her varied professional life began as an actress with companies in Chicago and in Seattle. She currently performs in the Pacific Northwest as a soloist and with numerous notable combos and Big Bands. Recent highlights include a publishing deal with Fervor Records and winning an award for "Best Jazz Song" at the West Coast Songwriters' competition.
TODD ZIMBERG
Drums & Percussion, Vocals
Todd Zimberg has been playing in the blues scene in Seattle since the mid eighties. Early engagements include years with Isaac Scott, Tom McFarland and Duffy Bishop. In other genres Zimberg has played with Sam Andrew, Big Brother and the Holding Co., Bo Diddley, Fenton Robinson and more. Todd currently plays dates with Chris Stevens, Publish The Quest, and Maggie Laird. He also leads his own trio and the Federal Way Symphony Big Band.
MIKE NICHOLS
Harmonica, Vocals
Mike Nichols is an award winning harmonica player that has been featured at major venues and worked with many blues and country bands in the Pacific Northwest. Mike was honored to represent the Washington Blues Society in Memphis, TN for the International Blues Challenge in 2023. He brings his rocking style to the Working Class Jones release “Rob A Bank”.