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"It (The Old No. 5s) showcases what the band has been perfecting since its 2011 debut — fast and furious blues riffs aimed at filling up a dance floor. Guitarist and lead singer Brock Alexander is a formidable counterpart to the storm that bassist Derek Tucker and drummer Aaron Thomas kick up. Alexander's voice comes on like tornado: wild and destructive, leaving a mass of shaken souls behind. Celebrate the storm"
-The Pitch, Natalie Gallagher - Oct. 2015
"The Old No. 5s seem to take no greater pleasure than playing gritty, old-fashioned blues, particularly when it's accompanied by a beer and a shot."
- The Pitch, Dec. 2014
"...Steam is filled with truly fantastic music that taps into several genres. The songwriting and execution is top-notch. The expertise and use of each instrument, tempo changes, and drawn-out solos make it one of the most enjoyable local albums I've heard in some time. As the band continues to mature and distinguish itself, The Old No. 5s should become a force to be reckoned with—both locally and beyond."
- The Deli
The Old No. 5s are a powerful Blues / Rock / Roots trio from Kansas City. Brock Alexander (guitarist / lead vocals), Derek Tucker (bass / vocals), and Aaron Thomas (percussion / vocals) make a formidable sound with power as well as precision. Emerging in late 2011, the group has performed over 700 times in the past four years — forging a diverse sound and distinct style filled with nuances of Rock, Blues, Groove, and Soul.
The history of the two-time International Blues Challenge Semi-Finalists, dates back to 2005 when Alexander and Thomas performed together at a happenstance party in Lawrence, Kansas. They went on to form the blues/rock group ‘Cold Shot’ playing throughout Kansas and Missouri into 2008. “Aaron and I have probably played close to 1000 shows together,” states Alexander. “The better part of a decade really…minus a year or two in there. I moved to Los Angeles and worked at a recording studio; got to be a fly on the wall for some amazing experiences, but ultimately winds blew me back home.” The pair began playing shows again in 2012 as ‘The Old No. 5s.’ “We basically just fell back into jamming, playing shows together,” says Thomas, “we just took extended vacation.” The group’s lineup solidified in early 2013 with the addition of bassist Derek Tucker.
In the midst of a never-ending performance schedule, they released their self-produced debut album “SourMash” in June of 2013. An infectious mixture of original American music with hints of Rock, Soul, Americana and Blues. In January 2014 The Old No. 5s represented the Topeka Blues Society at the International Blues Competition in Memphis, TN – reaching the Semi-finals. After which they have taken the stage, both big and small, throughout the Midwest and beyond. Including The Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival, The Bonita Springs (FL) Blues Festival, The College World Series (2015 and 2016), Paxico Blues Festival, Norman Music Festival, The Chautauqua Blues Festival, and the Blue Springs Fall Festival (2015 and 2016).
In October of 2015 The Old No. 5s released their second full-length album Steam. “We’ve been through some stuff together,” says Alexander. “Played a ton, changed as humans, our music has changed, but ultimately we are still approaching it with the same passion and love for the sounds we create. As long as people hear that, the world will fall into place.”
In January 2017 The Old No. 5s reached the Semi-final round in the International Blues Challenge, representing Brock and Derek’s hometown of Wichita, KS. The band continues to perform week after week, reaching new audiences and building new fans with each performance.
