Since jumping into the Chicago music scene in 1997, Pauline York has been putting her personal spin on American Roots & Blues Music. York, lead guitar and vocals, and her band deliver pure, honest, from-the-heart music. No pedals, guitar tricks, or frills here, just real music for real people. At age 14, Pauline was exposed to the driving “Texas Sound,” which inspired her to explore the roots of that music. Rather than becoming another “Power Blues” copycat, she dug deeper, into the music of Freddie King and Jimmy Reed. York then went stylistically from Texas to Louisiana, where she fell in love with the Cajun sound, and to Memphis for some of that Stax Soul. The result is a fresh new sound…a style all her own.

BLACKBERRY WINE (2001), Pauline’s critically acclaimed debut CD is a blend of her many influences, coming from folk-rock, blues, and Cajun music. Her 2004 follow-up MUDDY WATER takes her unique style one step further after building chops and confidence on the road between records. Aside from York’s own club dates and headline gigs, the band has also warmed up the stage for a variety of Blues artists. From the Chicago styling of Lonnie Brooks, to the traditional Mississippi delta Blues of Paul Wine Jones, to the swampy Louisiana sounds of Tab Benoit, Pauline’s gigs are as diverse as they are impressive. As an innovator of contemporary Roots music, Pauline blends the traditional and the modern aspects of Blues with a love of all types of music, daring the listener to pigeonhole her.

From club dates, to festivals, to stages both large and small, York, her trio, and her “less is more” philosophy are finally getting the exposure they deserve. Catch her on the way up.

“Tight yet casual, she walks the wire between blistering blues belter and edgy singer/songwriter with remarkable aplomb.”
-Blues Revue

“The young lady sings (and plays!) the blues with gumption.”
-Guitar One

“Call her an old blues soul trapped in a young white girl’s body.”
- The Daily Times, Maryville, TN

“Pauline York stands higher than most of her colleagues, male or female. She should rank, without any doubt, among the discoveries of the year in Europe.”
-Bluesnews

“The young guitarist proves to be a fiery performer…”
-Living Blues

Lead Vocals & Guitar:
Pauline York

Bass:
Jim Billmeier

Drums:
Jeff Ruffin