Band Pictures

The Citations are more than just another band, we are a "Family of Friends"

Paul Hurt
2008 - Present

Guitar - Lead Vocals
"Leader of the band & Driver of the Winnebago"

Paul has been playing since he was a kid growing up in the Napa Valley. After a succession of cover bands including "Vasco Jack" throughout the 80's & 90's, in 2000 Paul took time off to raise a family. During his time off he was able to write music that he felt was strong enough that he was proud to put his name on. In 2007 he started playing out again in the local music scene with "Oh So Blue". In 2008 Paul decided that he wanted to start performing some of the original songs that he had written. Paul then went on to form "The Citations". After an exhaustive search for a vocalist, he listened to others and started singing lead with his unique style.

Brad Sprague
2008 - Present

Bass - Background Vocals

Brad is a lifelong musician who got his start in classical and big band jazz at a young age. He played horns in many large swing orchestras throughout the country performing for dignitaries and statesmen on a regular basis. In 2007 Brad decided that the blues were calling him and he wasn't going to fight it. He bought a bass guitar, amp and started applying his music expertise to his new passion, practicing extensively until he felt comfortable with his new chosen instrument. Brad joined "Oh So Blue" where he met Paul and in 2008 they went on to form "The Citations".

Billy Vance
2008 - Present

Drums - Background Vocals

Billy is a veteran road-dog who has played everywhere you can think of. When he was still in school he went on his first tour across the states with a fusion trio called "Nameless" and then later on with hard rockers "Triple Threat". Realizing this was who he was he stayed involved in the industry when not touring himself by working as a drum tech, soundman and recording his and local bands. In the 80's he played with groups "Johnny Guitar" & "Pink Dot" and in the 90's "The Heresy", "Talez" & "Radio Friendly". In 2002 he took a break from touring while still recording and playing with local acts. He now enjoys performing with the "The Citations".


Since our formation in 2008 we have been blessed to play with some of the finest bluesmen around, and here are a few that hung around awhile

Steve Hanson
2011 - Current

B3 - Keyboards

Steve is one of the most dynamic keyboardists in Northern California. He is featured on the "You Can't Outrun The Blues" CD. He can be seen performing regularly with "BLU99", "The Play Things" & "Midnight Hour". He regularly performs with "The Citations".

Robert Aguirre
2011 - 2013

Harmonica

Robert has been spreading his unique styling around the world for many years. His harmonica is a blast from the past and can be heard on the "You Can't Outrun The Blues" CD. He regularly performs as a solo act. Robert is currently in the studio working on his CD "Dos Chihuahuas" a mix of clasic americana and originals.

Rob Pringle
2012 - 2013

Guitar - Lead & Background Vocals

Rob has been a consummate showman his entire life. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area he was performing and touring at a young age, playing with some the the biggest names in the business. Early on Rob moved to the east coast performing with mostly funk, rhythm & blues bands, learning how to make his dynamic guitar solos work within the great horn sections. In the mid 80's he moved back to the west coast and started playing in several top acts including "Pink Dot", "The Heresy" & "Mothers Milk" before taking time off to enjoy life. After sitting in with "The Citations" Rob was bit by the bug and enjoyed another season of performing.

Lee Noriega
2013

Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica & Background Vocals

Lee, the newest addition to the Citations although he has been tickling the ivories since he was old enough to climb up on a piano bench. Classically trained and influenced by a variety of music genres, Lee’s passion for the Blues can be heard in every single note he plays. Although it had always been a life-long dream to play professionally, he has spent years refining his skills, defining his style, and writing music. Lee joined “The Citations” in 2013 realizing “You’re never too old to live the dream.”

Jason Kinney
2011-2012

Rhythm Guitar

Jason is featured on the "You Can't Outrun The Blues" CD on most of the rhythm guitars. He is in very high demand as a session player and teaching guitar to some of the upcoming young talent. Jason is currently working on his solo projects.

Mark Varnes
2011

Rhythm Guitar - Background Vocals

Mark has been a main stay in the Marin County music scene for several years. His attention to detail can take you back to those memories of day's gone by. He is currently performing as a solo artist.

Larry Baines
2008 - 2010

Guitars - Background Vocals

Larry was a founding member of "The Citations" and is considered one of Contra Costa Counties favorite sons. He can be seen performing all over with his unique style at venues throughout the Bay Area with his band "Diversion".

Photos of Paul, Rob, Brad and Billy by Eddie Figueroa efigphotoanddesign.com

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