Living on the road and playing clubs from "Austin to Boston", the Bel Airs are carrying on the tradition of American Rhythm and Blues.  Their signature "big guitar" sound and howling vocals over soulful rhythm playing make this trio a powerhouse.

The band is fronted by brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt on bass and electric guitars.  Growing up on country-soul and rock'n'roll, the Pruitt brothers have developed a harmony vocal style all their own. They have been performing together for more than 15 years, wowing audiences nightly with their unique brand of music--leading one reviewer to refer to them as the "Everly Brothers of Blues".

Drummer Michael Cherry hails from the music scene in Indianapolis. A veteran of the Paladins and the James Harman Band, Michael is well known for his powerful groove.

Now based in Columbia, Missouri, the Bel Airs are easily one of the hottest and most entertaining blues bands in the country.  These veterans of the club scene have won over audiences from Southern California to the DC Metro area and all parts in between.  They are perennial favorites in the US and British Virgin Islands and recently began building a following in Europe with performances in France, Luxembourg and the UK.  Their musical approach and superbly crafted showmanship make for a more than memorable concert wherever they appear.

The Bel Airs have released three recordings. Their newest CD 'HooDoo Party' was released on the Blueberry Hill label in the spring of 1999. 'Dangerous Curves' was released on Borrowed Records in 1991. Their first recording 'Need Me A Car' was released on the Blind Pig label in 1984.

 'Dangerous Curves' and 'HooDoo Party' are available off the bandstand at any Bel Airs gig, or via mail order.

The Bel Airs are also featured on many releases by other artists.  To name a few:

BLUE HAND JOHNNIE (PUL 1002) on Pulsar Records showcases the rockin' 88s of Johnnie Johnson, longtime pianist for Chuck Berry.

NOTHIN, BUT... (P-104) on Powerhouse Records is rough, tough R&B from harmonica virtuoso Mark Wenner of the Washington D.C.-based Nighthawks.

SIDEMAN (BU 9601) on BellyUp Records is the debut solo album for Jonny Viau, the widely regarded West Coast saxophonist.

What the reviewers are saying about the Bel Airs:

"One of the best undiscovered musical treasures in the country." St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The BelAirs deliver killer dance grooves, seamless medleys, and a contagious, unpretentious party spirit."  Twin Cities Reader

"Kings of the modern juke-joint."  Madison Isthmus

"The BelAirs' upbeat blues boogie makes for as fun a club night as it gets." Toronto "NOW"

"A knockout blend of excellent musicianship, solid vocals and pure showmanship whenever the BelAirs take the stage."  Kansas City Times

"The blues at its best: blues drenched guitar riffs ride on a rhythm that is tight and soulful."   Spotlight Magazine

"Ideal for the supposed renaissance in American roots music."  Boston Globe

"The BelAirs work as a unit with tight chops and slick harmony-the very best."  San Antonio Express-News

"Howlin' good time."   Wichita Eagle-Beacon

Read a review of the Bel Airs April 28, 2002 show at The Rockin' Fifties in Paris, France here or check out the original review in French in the blues webzine www.gazettegreenwood.net , numero 43, tome 2.
Read an interview with the Bel Airs or a review of HooDoo Party from All About Town magazine.
Visit our friends the Nace Brothers at www.nacebros.com
Bel Airs screensaver available at www.vbmedia.com.

Bel Airs® is a registered trademark.
Contact the Bel Airs at 573.499.3822 or write to:
905 Red Oak Lane, Columbia MO  65203