Powerhouse, a blues-boogie band originated in D.C. with a nucleus of Tom Principato (guitar), Jim Thackery (guitar), and Pierre Beauregard (harmonica). Thackery went on to the Nighthawks and the band moved to the New England area. They added George Leh (vocals), Dave Birkin (tenor sax), Ben Kay (piano), Steve Jacobs (bass), and Richard Murray (drums). Murray was later replaced with Steve Brown.
The group developed quite a following throughout the East Coast blues club circuit. In 1975 they released a self-titled album on Billy Hancock’s Aladdin Records and returned the D.C./Baltimore area clubs. Recordings of the songs “My Babe”, and “Fever” were included on the D.C. compilation album “Direct Current” in 1977.
Principato continued to be a popular roots-rock performer and recording artist in the area. Jacobs later joined the Catfish Hodge Band. Leh formed the Thrillers in the late ‘70s. George Leh & the Thrillers could be seen at the Cellar Door in D.C., and No Fish Today in Fell’s Point.
197*(LP) Aladdin Night Life
198*(LP) Powerhouse 100 Night Life (1980s reissue of Aladdin LP)
1988(LP) Powerhouse 102 Lovin’ Machine
