Led by drummer Walter Shuffelsworth, the Dynatones are very much a group effort. The son of Travis Edmondson (of folksinging duo, Bud Travis), guitarist Steven Edmondson worked with James Cotton, Van Morrison, and Maria Muldaur, as well as with his father, with whom he shared an early-'80s duo. Bass player Bill Singletary previously played with Gladys Knight, Snooky Prior, Jimmy Rogers, James Cotton and Luther Tucker. Big Walter, who serves as the band's MC, previously toured with Big Joe Turner, Lightnin' Hopkins and Mary Wells' +Motown Revue Live at the Apollo.
The Dynatones' horn section remains their aural centerpiece. Trumpet player Mike Rose, previously worked with Buddy Ace, Bobby Womack, and Todd Rundgren, while trombone player Mike Rinta's résumé includes stints with Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Herbie Hancock. Tenor saxophonist Eric Bertraud is a former member of Sly the Family Stone.
Several ex-members of the Dynatones, including guitarist Tommy Castro, bass player Randy McDonald, and keyboards player Jimmy Pugh, have gone on to greater success since their departure. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi