Larry Vann has made an impressive mark on the Bay Area music scene over the years, and one listen to his latest CD, "The Rhythm and Roots of Larry Vann" (Rusty Key Records) clearly demonstrates why he has been in such huge demand for sessions and tours with the likes of Elvin Bishop and Merl Saunders. His top-notch drumming and percussion has garnered him popular and critical success throughout the United States and Europe, but Vann has also wowed critics and crowds alike with his sultry singing voice, buoyed by his melodic, inventive songwriting. A professional performer since age 15, Vann draws from a deep well of musical influence, including gospel, blues, funk, jazz and soul. These various genres have collectively shaped his unique sound, which is in full display on this CD. Vann's resume reads like a "Who's Who" list, having toured and recorded with those musicians listed above, as well as The Whispers, Martha Reeves, The Marvalettes, Charles Brown, Buffy Saint-Marie, Randy Crawford, and many more. His work with the popular Bay Area blues group Ron Thompson and the Resistors contributed to the band earning two Bay Area Music Awards. His impressive career also includes a motion picture role as a night club band member in the Academy Award-nominated Peggy Sue Got Married. World tours with jazz pianist Brian Auger and blues harp legend Charlie Musselwhite round out a phenomenal career of music-making. He is also honored to serve as a Governor on the govering board of the San Francisco chapter of The Recording Academy®.