Draft:Kid Davis & The Bullets

Introduction
‘’Kid Davis & The Bullets’’ is an American rock, Americana, roots, and rockabilly band from Wilmington, Delaware, formed in 1981. The band's lineup consists of Michael "Kid" Davis (vocals and guitar), Bobby Bloomingdale (upright bassist and vocals), Pat Kane (guitar and vocals), and Paul Ramsey (drums).

History
Kid Davis and the Bullets are a music band formed in 1981 in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. The band's origins trace back to an encounter at the Yesteryear Tavern in Prospect Park (Kid Davis’s hometown), where musicians Bobby Bloomingdale and Davis first played together in “The Black Hawk Spring Band.” The collaboration between Bloomingdale and Davis led to the formation of Kid Davis & the Bullets, with Davis transitioning from Dobro to guitar.

After the dissolution of The Black Hawk Spring Band.. , Bloomingdale and Davis formed “The Swingston Trio,” which included Greg Troiano on harmonica. The duo began frequenting open-mic nights in Newark, Delaware, and became aware of a vibrant music scene at the University of Delaware. They later added drummer Mark Walls to the group, officially forming The Bullets. It was at during this time the Bullets recorded and released their first full-length album, Long After Midnight in 1984.

Following a year of performances, Davis replaced Tommy Conwell as guitarist in the seminal Delaware blues band, Rocket 88, fronted by Mark Kenneally, also known as "Dr. Harmonica." Although Davis's tenure with the band lasted a short while, it opened doors for The Bullets.

Upon returning to The Bullets, the band saw several changes in its lineup, including the addition of drummer Johnny Digiovani and bassist Brian Hayes. As the band expanded its touring range from New York to Virginia, Eddie Everett replaced Digiovani as drummer, and bassist Dave Indivero and bassist Andy Shemeta also joined the band.

The band's growth included playing in venues like the Irish Brigade in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and the Rongovian Embassy in Trumansburg, New York. In the late 1980s, Everett returned to the band, and bassist C. Bradley Jacobs joined in 1990, contributing to the band's success. The band recorded and released its second full-length album, Like Cowboys Do in 1991.

For several years, the band performed full-time under the moniker, Kid Davis & the Kowpokes, a name usually reserved for when they were joined by a guest pedal steel guitar player. During this time, the band released two more albums, studio album, Get Used to It in 1993 (recorded in Fredericksburg, VA ) and Live at the Irish Brigade in 1994.

In 1995, Davis moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a songwriting career. He returned to Delaware in 2000 to reform as Kid Davis & The Bullets with Everett on drums. The band sought to expand its audience, reconnecting with Bloomingdale and inviting him back to play upright bass while Brad shifted to guitar, forming a new iteration on the historic band. The band released a second live album, Live at Murph's in 2005.

Over the years, the Bullets shared the stage with renowned artists such as Brian Setzer, David Bromberg, Dick Dale, Robert White Johnson, and Johnny Winter. When long-time drummer Eddie Everett left to perform with Rockabilly artists The Rockats, Wanda Jackson, and Delco Nightingale, Walter Epting joined as drummer in 2006. With Epting, the Bullets released their sixth and seventh albums, "Let's See Where This Goes" in 2008 and "Blue Side of the Moon" in 2017

The band continued to perform throughout the East Coast, maintaining a dedicated following during their long-running Wilmington, Delaware Thursday night residencies at the Blue Parrot, Oddity Bar, and then the infamous Jackson Inn in Wilmington, Delaware.

In recent years, the band added guitarist and vocalist Pat Kane, who first performed with the group at the age of fifteen. Kane’s influence brought new energy to The Bullets, expanding their musical style and audience reach.

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused venues to shutdown, The Bullets adapted and engaged their fans for several months through live streamed house concerts. Also during the pandemic, the band explored Frank Sinatra's music and, inspired by their patron Dave Cantera, released their studio album "Sinatra for Cantera" in 2021. The album features ten style-adapted Sinatra songs.

Walter Epting amicably left The Bullets in 2021 to join the indie group Palm Ghosts in Nashville. He was replaced by Brian “Octie” Bruce, a versatile drummer, who later departed the band in late 2023. Paul Ramsey, formerly of progressive band echolyn, and alternative band Grey Eye Glances, then filled the drummer position, upholding the band's tradition of a strong rhythm section.

The Bullets have continued to evolve their sound, exploring Americana and other styles while maintaining their roots in rockabilly. The band remains active in the music scene, continuing their renowned Thursday night residency at Galuccio's in Wilmington, Delaware, and performances at various venues across the mid-Atlantic region.

Kid Davis & the Bullets were inducted into the Delaware Rock and Roll Society's Hall of Fame in 2024

Musical style and influences
Kid Davis & the Bullets pride themselves on playing original music in styles characterized as Americana, roots, and rockabilly.

Current members

 * Michael “Kid” Davis – Guitar / Lead Vocals
 * Pat Kane – Guitar / Vocals
 * Bobby Bloomingdale – Upright Bass
 * Paul Ramsey – Drums

Additional musicians

 * Pete Cogan – Harmonica
 * Alan Yandziak - Saxophone

Past members

 * Mark Walls,  Drums
 * Johnny DiGiovanni, Drums
 * Eddie Everett,  Drums
 * Brian Hayes, Bass
 * Dave Indivero,  Drums
 * Andy Shemeta, Bass
 * C. Bradley Jacobs,  Bass / Guitar
 * Tommy Epps, Steel Guitar
 * Walter Epting, Drums
 * Brian “Octie” Bruce,  Drums

Discography

 * Long After Midnight (1984)
 * Like Cowboys Do (1991)
 * Get Used to It (Kid Davis & the Kowpokes) (1993)
 * Live at the Irish Brigade (Kid Davis and the Kowpokes) (1994)
 * Live at the Buggy (2005)
 * Let's See Where this Goes (2008)
 * Blue Side of the Moon (2017)
 * Sinatra for Cantera (2021)