BIO
Just Who Are These Guys?
If you have been to a SonicSoul show, then you know these three guys are monster musicians who love playing music and deliver an inspired musical experience. SonicSoul is an independent, avante-guard blues band that pays homage to the past while creating a sound that is uniquely their own. The SonicSoul Band combines elements of rock, jazz, soul, and reggae to serve up a musical gumbo that is mighty tasty and nothing but a good time!
John Bruhnke, the front man and founder of SonicSoul, believes in surrounding himself with musicians who are as passionate as he is about creating music in the moment. SonicSoul has established itself as a premier Chicago blues rock act and headlines top-tier Chicago venues such as Buddy Guy's Legends and Rosa's Lounge.
E.G. McDaniel
Bass
The bassist for SonicSoul is E.G. McDaniel. E.G. is an inductee of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. As the son of Chicago blues icon, guitarist Floyd McDaniel, and the nephew of Bo Diddley, the blues music runs deep within E.G. E.G. has shared the stage with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Sonny Seals, A.C. Reed, Carl Weathersby, John Primer and countless others. Outside of SonicSoul, E.G. continues to work with top blues artists such as Jimmy Burns and Mud Morganfield.
Brady Williams
Drums
SonicSoul's drummer Brady Williams is regarded by Chicago musicians as one of the best drummers in the city--or anywhere for that matter! Brady has worked with the best of the best for decades, including Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Carlos Johnson, Sugar Blue, Junior Wells and many more.
Brady played his first paying professional gig at the age of 12. Outside of SonicSoul, Brady maintains a busy schedule working with the top talent in Chicago.
John Bruhnke, Singer, Guitarist, and Songwriter
SonicSoul is fronted by John Bruhnke (last name rhymes with Funky!). Bruhnke can lay down a wild, Buddy Guy inspired house rockin' Chicago blues and the next minute launch into a classic Santana, Rolling Stones, or Stevie Wonder tune to get the crowd dancing. Having studied jazz with guitar great, Bobby Broom, Bruhnke also has the chops to play some serious jazz infused music by past greats like Grant Green or modern-day masters like Derek Trucks. SonicSoul's song selection for any given night depends on the venue and the vibe of the crowd. Whether it's straight blues or a venue that supports an eclectic mix of material, The SonicSoul Band knows how to connect with the audience and take them for a ride!
John's Early Years...
John started learning guitar at the age of 9 and has played professionally since he was old enough to get into bars. His first gigs were on the streets of Chicago before he was hired by LV Banks (pic below) to work six nights a week in south side Chicago clubs. It was in these clubs that Bruhnke honed his guitar style, performing for an older clientele that knew blues music and wanted to hear it done right. Bruhnke was next hired by The Professor Eddie Lusk who gave him his first opportunity to play Chicago's north side blues clubs, headline the Chicago Bluesfest and go on the road.
