at Durty Nellies
The Blood on the Tracks band was a project started in 2007 by Ron Cohler when he realized that he not only loved the music of Bob Dylan, but people told him he could sing just like Bob. He soon enlisted Mark Mickey on bass. Mark was a life long Dylan fan and added a wealth of Dylan passion and knowledge. Jim Cone was playing with Mark at the time and so was enlisted in the project. The band added guitarist Chris West and keyboardist Ray Kirstner to complete the earliest version of the band. When Ray and Chris left the band and after a few notable guitarists helped with a few gigs, George Kolmar joined to form the band that is now Blood on the Tracks. Then in 2012, Robert Braband joined us on keys. When we lost Mark to a heart attack, Robert’s daughter Rachel joined us on bass to complete the finest Rockin’ Bob Dylan tribute band in Chicago. We thank Mark Mickey (founding father, brother, friend and Bass), Vicki Mickey (vocals), Craig Mickey (guitars), Brian Mickey (drums, percussion), Ray Kirschner, (keyboards), Eli Orfanos (guitars), Glenn McHenry (Bass), Chris West (guitars, vocals), Greg West (harmonicas), and Steve Kostelny (harmonicas) for all their help and inputs along the way. Thanks also to Ann the Fan (Mickey) and Paulette Kolmar and to all our families and friends for their support.
Blood on the Tracks Band
Ron Cohler – Vocals, Guitars, and Harmonicas
Ron began playing guitar just about the time Blood on the Tracks was released and quickly discovered he not only loved these songs, but could play and sing them with a noticeable resemblance to Dylan himself. Over the years, few people ever heard him until recently when the Blood on the Tracks band became a reality. Other favorites include Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Adrian Belew, and The Counting Crows.
George Kolmar – Guitars and Vocals
George began playing guitar at 13 years old and had major influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, Steve Morse, Leslie West, Martin Barre, Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, and Pete Townsend. He has played in several Chicago based bands covering Rock, Blues, Reggae, and R&B.
Robert Braband – Keyboards and Vocals (not so much)
Robert took organ lessons from his father, and grew up in the organ loft of Riverview Roller Skating Rink on Belmont Ave. He’s grateful to be launching today into “Jokerman” and “Idiot Wind” instead of “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.” That would be ugly. His influences include anybody who can pull a sweet riff out of a B-3. And whoever figured our how to get a nice Leslie sound out of a motherboard instead of a 150 pound cabinet. Please don’t ever tell him the next song is “All Skate.”
Rachel Braband – Bass Guitar
Our newest member is Rachel, who took on the bass guitar duties in 2017.
Jim Cone – Drums and Vocals
Jim has been drumming since he was 12 years old and started playing in his first band at age 14. He enjoys all music that is performed well. Favorites include Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Yes, Little Feat, Dixie Dregs, Peter Gabriel, Bob Marley, and of course, Mr. Bob Dylan.
Mark Mickey – Bass Guitar
Mark was a lifelong Dylan fan, with many more musical influences such as Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Patti Smith, Brian Eno, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, The Who, Counting Crows, Steve Earle, Chicago Blues Artists, U2, Kracker, Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin and many, many more.
Mark, our brother, we miss you!