Bio

After picking up his first guitar 31 years ago, Travis has keyed into his own sound as an American blues rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Over the years he has honed his style by playing in a variety of bands and solo projects but always found his home planted deep in the roots of the blues and retro music genres.

Some of the vast variety of venues and events he’s performed at through his career include Pinnacle Bank Arena, Zoo Bar, Orpheum Theater, Surf Ballroom Summer Concert Series, Omaha Blues Cruise, Omaha Songwriters Festival, Hope Blues Festival, Iowa State Fair, Nebraska State Fair, Fort Cody Concert Series and the Omaha Summer Arts Festival to name a few.

Travis has been fortunate enough during his early years to share the stage with a variety of blues legends including Magic Slim, Nick Holt, Duke Robillard, and Shemekia Copeland.  Although Travis now spends more time in the studio than the stage, he continues to emerge as a solo recording artist with new releases always on the horizon.

"Awesome guitar tone and old school, no-nonsense sound."

- Don's Tunes - USA 

"Excellent blues, get to know the talent of this musician. Simply sensational." 

- Roadie Music - Brazil

"A friend that listened to the album with me said it sounded like some of Ronnie Earl’s early material. Certainly, a reasonable comparison. I can dig it."

- Blues Blast Magazine - USA 

“Fans of instrumental guitar-slingers, rejoice!  Travis Koester has crafted a gem of a new album filled with tasty hot licks for music lovers, bringing this 

too-seldom-heard style of guitar prowess into the 21st century.”

- Marty Scarbrough KASU Arkansas Roots Radio - USA

"This blues track is a real find for lovers of high quality and authentic sound.  His voice conveys the whole essence of the blues.  The guitar riffs and solo are woven into the music, creating a genuine, nostalgic atmosphere."

- Nagamag Music Magazine - Sri Lanka

 "Weary Blues is an acoustic instrumental, this slide blues has some lovely licks. You can feel the weariness through his touch and tone."

- BluesBlues - United Kingdom