RJ organized this blues band in the summer of 2014 around the talents a guitarist/vocalist Carlton Washington. Dubbed RJ's gang by the owner of Mike's on the Water, RJ sometimes changes it to RJ's Blues Gang or RJ's Detroit Blues Gang. In Carlton Washington RJ had found a talented and eager young bluesman in the making, ready to work. Sometimes they add the talents of pianist/singer Jarrod Champion or gut-bucket trombonist/singer T-bone Paxton, both bring a great New Orleans R&B component. On bass they use either Gwen MacPhee, Endea Owens or RJ's old buddy Chris Rumel. This tight little band has proven to be road worthy and ready to entertain.