Liz Springer - Lead and back up vocals



Liz is a relative newcomer to the local music scene.  She sang in the shower for many years to what are now "classic rock" favorites.  Once getting past some initial stage fright at a couple of parties, Liz fell in love with the camaraderie of working with other musicians in a band setting.  In the 1990s, Liz sang briefly with a blues & R&B flavored band called “Problem Child” based in Northern Virginia.  That venture ended & performing took a bit of a back seat as other life priorities took over.  Since about 2007, Liz got back into the local scene by attending open mics and meeting musicians who encouraged her along the way.  Great local artists such as Bobby Manriquez, Bad Influence, and James Mabry (and others) reaffirmed her love for the Blues.  Liz continued to try to find just the right mix of talent and personalities to make her blues influenced band idea come to fruition, and Built 4 Comfort is the direct result. 

Some of Liz’s vocal influences include Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Lou Ann Barton, Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Susan Tedeschi, Eva Cassidy, Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Melissa Etheridge....not to mention many old time blues greats/musicians she continues to learn about. 

When not out at local blues jams hanging with her buddy and band mate, Carl Jasper, Liz is either working one of her jobs (Exec Assist to the CEO of a local high tech firm or as a Real Estate Agent in the Maryland area) or spending time with her husband Charles and their menagerie of four-legged "children"....their horses, dogs & cats - at their farmette in Howard County.


Carl Jasper - Guitar, lead and back up vocals



Carl Jasper brings a range of musical talent to the stage. He has been playing guitar since the age of eight and found his vocal ability about 10 years ago. Together, they make blues and classic rock songs come alive. He had his first gig in high school and after a long hiatus, got back into the performing aspect about 11 years ago. He spent years playing what is now called “classic rock” and discovered his passion for the blues about five or six years ago. Some of his influences are Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Eric Clapton and Robben Ford. Built For Comfort is a fulfillment of a desire to be a bluesman.

Carl owns two PRS guitars but finds that his Stratocaster speaks to his “blues muse.”


Bernie Hromek - Bass




Bernie has been groovin’ since he was nine years old. Over the years he has played keyboards and sax in a number of bands but now focuses primarily on keeping down the low-end on bass. He enjoys diverse musical styles including jazz fusion, smooth jazz, reggae, funk, soul, R&B, classic rock, and, of course, the blues. His playing has been influenced by many artists such as Tower of Power, the Doobie Brothers, Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Organized Confusion, Herbie Hancock, Francis “Rocco” Prestia, The Texas Chainsaw Horns, The Crusaders, Edgar Winter, Bob Marley, The Buoys, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Price, and many more. When he’s not making music, Bernie goes to work as a software engineering consultant and enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and two great children.


Mark Deyton - Drums



Mark comes from a musical family and started playing drums at the young age of 8.  One of his biggest influences is  John Bonham.  He is also a big fan of guitarist & vocalist Joe Bonamassa.  When not playing the drums or hanging with his wife and daughter, Mark can often be found racing outlaw drag radials (race cars!).  Mark has been frequenting jams lately where he is in big demand as the drummer with "finesse."  

Jeff Jolbitado - Guitar



Initially schooled as a saxophonist in Elementary and Junior High school, Jeff dropped out of music and focused on fine arts until High School and was permanently bitten by the guitar.  Since then Jeff has been a blues fan and player continually trying to learn and play as much as he can.

Jeff has been playing in local Blues bands since the late 80s.  Some of his favorite musicians are Freddie King, Albert King, BB King (of course), John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, Duane Allman, Robert Cray, Lowell George, Billy Gibbons, Glenn Campbell, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding.

Jeff prefers the tones of vintage guitars and a good tube amplifier.  He plays several different guitars but prefers his customized Stratocaster and Les Paul through a Mesa F-50 amp or Fender Vibrolux Reverb. Jeff rarely uses effects pedals but sometimes uses a Dunlop Crybaby or a Tube Screamer. 


Honorary Members

Doug Thiel - Keys

Doug has been playing keyboards since his early 20's. He has played the old standards, pop, rock and started seriously playing the blues about a year ago. Along with the organ and piano he also plays the upright bass with Bluegrass Bands. He draws his keyboard influences from Steve Winwood, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joey De Francesco and the legendary Jimmy Smith. Doug has been in the music business both retail and wholesale for 34 years. He loves to attend the local jams in Frederick and DC and enjoys working with all the talented musicians.   Doug has temporarily re-located to Florida but when he is in town, he is always invited to sit in with the band.  We miss you Doug-E-Fresh!