Our Story
RED HOUSE – BLUES AND BEYOND
WHO IS RED HOUSE?
Red House is a Seattle/Tacoma-based band comprised of Robin Crane, John Deely, Mike Jaap, Mark Noftsger and Jon Bayless. They are five of the baddest players/ singers in the Northwest, playing blues, R&B, soul & funk—mostly semi-obscure covers and original songs. They play what they want and do it Their Way.
BLUES AND BEYOND
Red House isn’t just a Blues band. They embrace many of the idioms that sprang from the Blues--R&B, Soul, Funk and even a little Jazz. And each musician brings to the table almost 50 years of experience and expertise. That’s one reason why Red House is the band other bands come to see. Their first recording, a 4 song EP, titled “Over Yonder”, was released in 2017. The cover art is an original painting by Tacoma’s own Little Bill Englehart (RIP) —one cover tune and 3 original songs. They are currently back in the studio recording a full length follow-up CD. If you haven’t heard Red House, check them out. You’ll be glad you did.
BIOS
Robin Crane - Drummer, Singer, Songwriter
Played with Tim and Mark in their first club band, Glory (see PNWBands.com, 70’s section). Robin also played with local bands of the era; Sluggo, Shirley Lorrene, Jeff Simmons (Frank Zappa), Epicentre and Clear Logic. In California, various original projects including session guitarist/producer Louie Shelton (Seals & Crofts); opening for Cold Blood, The Grass Roots and Larry Graham. Back in Seattle; blues/rock band Pale Men (nominated for ‘Best New Blues Band’) and the Dick Powell Band (winner of WBS ‘Best Keyboard & Harmonica’ nomination).
W. Michael Jaap/ Doctor Jop - Keyboardist, Singer
Doctor Jop, aka W Michael Jaap, has been known as the "musician's musician" around the Northwest where he was born and raised. Mike has worked in virtually every area in the music industry around the planet including studios, cruise lines, churches, concert/club venues, USO/DOD tours, etc. For the last 50 years Mike has performed and recorded, produced, composed, arranged for a plethora of Groups and Artists. His latest NW tenure includes teaching k-12 classrooms, college level jazz bands and improvisation, and private lessons. As a pianist, percussionist, bassist, and keyboard artist, his prowess is legendary. He has also played with such blues/R&B greats as B.B. King, James Brown, Al Jarreau, The Temptations and Elvin Bishop to mention a few, with a musical score so broad to include repeat engagements with jazz greats Bud Shank, George Benson, Ernie Watts, Larry Coryell, Eddie Harris, Stanley Turrentine, etc...
Mark Noftsger – Guitarist, Songwriter
Mark worked with Tim and Robin in their first pro band, Glory, then playing in Sluggo with Robin. He later moved to Hawaii and put together an R&B/Soul horn band, opening for Sea Wind and Tina Turner. Back in Seattle, Mark played in various local bands, including News and Transit. When Robin moved back to the Northwest, they formed Pale Men, which became the Dick Powell Band. They played various blues clubs and festivals, including Bumbershoot and were nominated for WBS Awards ‘Best New Blues Band’. Mark most recently played as featured soloist with the Curtis Hammond Band.
Jon Bayless – Bassist, Singer,
R&B/Gospel bassist in Minneapolis through most of the '80's, including TV performance with Gospel recording artist, J.D Steele, Glam Funk band, Sister Max. Moved to Seattle late '80's, played with cover acts including Orphan, Who Found Who, Boy Toy, Impact Records artist, Gregg Tripp. Member of Seattle funk powerhouse, Soul Kiss, Loosegroove Records artist, Elaine Summers. Joined Ann Wilson/Heart in 1995 for multiple tours through 1999, including live performances on VH1 and the Tonight Show. Joined Blues Society award-winning Blues/Americana band Toast in 1995. Movie soundtrack recording. Stillwater in the film Almost Famous. Founding member of Seattle urban funk/R&B dance band giants, 7 Deep and Chapter 5, jazz/funk circus, Dreamwreck. Regional shows with Americana original acts, Fretland and Luke Francis Martin.
John M. Deely - Harmonicas (Blues/Chromatic), Singer
Performing live in the greater Seattle’s club and festival scene from the early 1970’s. Returning to his native Texas, making music with notable musicians, at legendary music venues. Returning to the NW live music scene since the 80’s. In demand studio session harmonica player and live performance sideman, reunited with his Jr. High/High School mates and friends, Tim, Robin & Mark. Band affiliations include The Rocky Hill Band, Ivory Lee Semien, Neto’ Jet, Bonneville Streamliners, Western Electric Show, The Breakers, Bain Blues Band, Back Burner, and The Rent Collectors Blues Band. John has performed with national/international artists: Albert Collins, Rocky Hill, Rockin' Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters & Otis Taylor.
PAST PERFORMANCES
17th & 23rd Annual Mt. Baker R&B Festival 2012, 2018 – Bellingham, WA.
Sunbanks Festival - Spring 2015, Summer 2017, Summer 2023 - Banks Lake, WA.
10th Annual Porterhouse Brewfest - Mt. Vernon, WA. (headliners)
Mt. Vernon Blues & Brews – Mt. Vernon, WA.
The North Bend Blues Walk 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 – North Bend, WA.
Lincoln Theater w/ Coco Montoya – Mt. Vernon, WA.
Snohomish Taste of Music – Snohomish, WA.
International Blues Challenge Finals 2014 – Snohomish, WA.
Gig Harbor Rockin R&B Fest 2017 w/ Kal David - Gig Harbor, WA.
Old Town Tacoma Blues Festival 2016 - Tacoma, WA.
Proctor Arts Festival 2016 – Tacoma, WA.
Summer Blues Party 2016, 2017, 2018 - Parkland, WA.
WBS Blues Bash 2018 @ Collector's Choice - Snohomish, WA.
WBS Blues Bash 2017 @ Capp's Club - Kenmore, WA.
WBS Blues Bash 2016 @ Sound Check – Lynnwood, WA.
WBS Blues Bash 2013 @ Red Crane – Shoreline, WA.
Indigenous Cultures Day @ EMP Museum– Seattle, WA.
RainCityBlues - Great Hall @ Green Lake– Seattle, WA.
Spark n Blues @ SPARK: Museum of Electrical Invention - Bellingham, WA.
Mercer Island Community Center (Private Event) 2011, 2012 – Mercer Is, WA.
Willie Green’s Organic Farm (Private Event) – Monroe, WA.
Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers Annual Picnic 2015-16-17 - Kirkland, WA.
KNKX 88.5 Benefit @ Columbia Theater - Columbia City, WA.
Benefit For Phenyx @ Rocko's Fireside Bar & Grill - Everett, WA.
Fat James Benefit @ New Scarlet Tree Restaurant & Lounge - Seattle, WA.
WBS "Dinnner & A Show" @ Capp's Club - Kenmore, WA.
Michael Kinder Remembrance @ Temple Theater - Tacoma, WA.
Ron Meek Remembrance @ Everett Historical Theater - Everett, WA.
Highway 99 Blues Club – Seattle, WA.
Aurora Borealis - Shoreline, WA.
Salmon Bay Eagles Club - Ballard/Seattle, WA.
Pono Ranch - Ballard/Seattle, WA.
The Central Saloon – Pioneer Square/Seattle, WA.
J&M Café & Cardroom – Pioneer Square/Seattle, WA.
New Orleans Restaurant – Pioneer Square/Seattle, WA.
Grinders Hot Sands - Shoreline, WA.
Easy Monkey Taphouse - North City, WA.
Capp's Club - Kenmore, WA.
The Royal Room – Columbia City/ Seattle, WA.
88 Keys – Seattle, WA.
Feedback Lounge – West Seattle, WA.
Mel’s Old Village Pub – Lynnwood, WA.
The Jet Bar & Grill – Mill Creek, WA.
The Yuppie Pawn & Tavern – Kirkland, WA.
Top Shelf Broiler – Kirkland, WA.
Liquid Lime – Kirkland, WA.
The Lime - Kirkland, WA.
The Madison Pub – Everett, WA.
Norm’s Place - Everett, WA.
Rocko's Fireside Bar & Grill – Everett, WA.
The Wild Hare Bar & Grill – Everett, WA.
The New Wild Hare Bar & Grill - Marysville, WA.
Doc's Riverside Taphouse - Machias/Snohomish, WA.
The Oxford Saloon & Eatery – Snohomish, WA.
Stewart’s Place/ Stewart's Place Re-Established – Snohomish, WA.
Eddie’s Trackside – Monroe, WA.
Pete’s Club Grill – Carnation, WA.
Cyndy’s Broiler – Stanwood, WA.
The Rockfish – Anacortes, WA.
H2O – Anacortes, WA.
The Spar - Tacoma, WA.
Dawson's Bar & Grill - Tacoma, WA.
Uncle Thurm's Finger Lickin' Chicken & Ribs - Tacoma, WA.