Jeff Pitchell first made a name for himself at the youthful age of 15 after winning a 1981 Ovation Guitars contest for "Best Guitarist in Connecticut." Having been greatly influenced by "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King, Pitchell became more adept at his instrument with each passing year. Performing in front of any crowd he could find, Pitchell honed his craft and was heavily influenced by guitarists such as Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. By age 28, he was voted "Best Blues Guitarist" in Metro Magazine, a regional publication. In 1996, Pitchell formed his own band. Named after a Stevie Ray Vaughan tune, Jeff Pitchell & the Texas Flood appeared at the 1997 Bluestock in Memphis. That same year the band released its debut effort, Fat Cigars, on Premier Records. In 1999, the band released One Day Away which was soon followed by Face to Face. Pitchell and his band played with or opened for B.B. King, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Cocker, and Johnny Winter. In 2002, Pitchell signed to EMI and dropped the "Texas Flood" from his moniker. In August 2002, a collection of previous songs and three new tunes were released as Heavy Hitter. Pitchell has also conducted blues and rock seminars both in the New England states as well as in Texas. ~ Jason MacNeil