Mud Dog is an original roots-blues band/duo that has a rich contemporary sound infused with big harmony vocals, soaring harmonica, sparkling dobro & acoustic guitar. In March 2003, Mud Dog released its debut CD "Devil's Ride" at the Terry Fox Theatre to a house full of excited fans. "Devil's Ride" features eleven original songs written and produced by Sainas, as well as two traditional arrangements. The CD is receiving regular airplay coast to coast.

Five years later, Mud Dog released their second CD “River of My Soul” that features eleven new original acoustic songs written and produced by Sainas. Fans and reviewers describe “River of My Soul” as Mud Dog’s best CD so far. Mud Dog’s second CD, "River of My Soul" was nominated “Outstanding Blues Recording” at the 2008 Western Canadian Music Awards & 2008 TEMA Winner Best Blues CD.

Most recently, Mud Dog won best blues duo in British Columbia and represented BC and Canada at the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. While in Memphis, Mud Dog recorded ten songs at legendary Sun Studio that was released on July 8th, 2011 as a CD titled "Mud Dog “Sun”. These recordings capture the raw energy of the duo's live performances and will be made available on CD Baby and iTunes.

During their pub and cabaret shows, Mud Dog blends their memorable original songs with popular classic tunes that makes for a great evening of singing and dancing. For more info please visit http://muddog.ca/

Steve "Mud Dog" Sainas - Vocals, Dobro & Guitar

Steve "Mud Dog" Sainas has been a guitarist/singer/songwriter in Vancouver's cabarets and pubs for the past twenty years. During this time, he has developed a powerful blues guitar and singing style that is instantly recognized by his steadily growing audience. In 1997, Steve began to lay the groundwork for forming his powerful blues band Mud Dog. His vision was to pay tribute to blues masters such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker with a fiery contemporary blues sound. However, Sainas has evolved into an inspired songwriter and producer testifying his own life experiences through his songs that echo the sounds of the Mississippi Delta. His songs can be heard on his three Mud Dog CD releases, “Devil’s Ride”, “River of My Soul”, and “Sun”.

During the day, Steve is busy teaching Rock School and Recording Arts at Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, BC. He established these programs in 2000/2001 and has developed them into one of the most successful music programs in public education. In 2008/2009, the Terry Fox Secondary School Music program was recognized by CARAS/MusiCounts and received a $10,000.00 MusiCounts Grant.  

Christopher Allen - Harmonica & Harmony Vocals

Christopher has performed on television and in concert for Tina Turner, Burton Cummings, Foster & Lloyd, Ronny Hawkins, Riders of the Purple Sage and invited on stage by Jeff Healy. He has recorded albums with Canadian artists Terry Jacks, Susan Jacks, Rick Scott, Ed Molyski, and Rocky Swanson, produced by Nashville's Ralph Murphy. Christopher is also featured on Paul Hyde & The Payolas hit song "Stuck in the Rain", produced by the Juno and Grammy Award winner David Foster.

In 1989, 1990 and 1992, the British Columbia Country Music Association nominated Christopher Allen as Instrumentalist of the Year. He is the only harmonica player in Vancouver to have ever played the Canadian & American National Anthems (solo) at Nat Bailey Stadium.

In addition, he has taught the harmonica privately for years to students of all ages and continues to teach his (8-week) courses through the Vancouver School Board for which he wrote a beginner's manual titled "A Sure Way To Play Harmonica", so that anyone can learn to play and enjoy this instrument.

Rodney Koke - Bass & Vocals

Rodney Koke not only provides the pounding heartbeat of Mud Dog playing along side drummer Randy Adams, but with his bass guitar in hand Rodney Koke has accomplished many great musical journeys such as an extensive tour throughout North America where he had the prestigious experience of opening for Stevie Ray Vaughan & ZZ Top throughout a Southern States tour in the early 80's.

Mark Rosen

Mark Rosen is a veteran drummer who has performed with numerous bands over the years. Significantly influenced by SRV drummer, Chris Layton, Mark performed for more than a decade with one of the top Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute bands, Texas Flood. Now, Mark's rock solid fluent drumming provides Mud Dog with a pounding heartbeat during band performances.
 

Accolades

"River of My Soul", takes you on a gentler journey of the Blues, one which will leave you with a genuine feeling that you are listening to something refreshing and new… "River of My Soul" is a must have CD for any fan of the Blues.~ John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

“River of My Soul” ~ 2008 Western Canadian Music Awards Nominee for Outstanding Blues Recording

“River of My Soul” ~ 2008 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Award Winner for Best Canadian Blues CD/Album

Blues Underground Network Review of "River of my Soul"

Every now and then the essence of what really makes a good Blues Album rises to the top of the heap. Such is the case with Mud Dog's new release "River of My Soul". Based out of Vancouver, Canada, the four piece band that forms Mud Dog once again proves that this great country of ours truly has it's share of great musicians, especially when it comes to the Blues. With it's amazing vocals, harmony, and a more then generous helping of harmonica, "River of My Soul", takes you on a gentler journey of the Blues, one which will leave you with a genuine feeling that you are listening to something refreshing and new. From the title track "River of My Soul" to it's fitting finale "The Edge", this CD is guaranteed to make you a fan of Mud Dog if you have not previously been, and more of a fan if you have.

"River of My Soul" is a must have CD for any fan of the Blues .~ John Vermilyea (Blues Underground)

You know, I gotta tell you, I've always loved what I've heard coming out of Canada! Great stuff here with Devil's Ride. I'm definitely looking forward to including this in my set in the next few weeks.

Keep in mind, you are more then welcome to come by and check out my set. I spin every Wednesday night at either The Horizontal Boogie Bar, or at Toby's Juke Joint from 7pm till 9pm SLT. Feel free to drop me a note in world. All the best, and thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to highlight your music to the patrons of the blues in Second Life. All the best! - Sincerely,  Durzle Darkstone

Music

Music from 'River of My Soul'

Devil's Ride (2003)	River of My Soul (2008)	Sun 2011

Mud Dog Links