Big Ol'Boys Live Music Favourites

You can't beat the excitement of live music. We regularly enjoy the bands that can be found paying the pubs and clubs around the country. A favourite is Robin Chandler and the Howling Tomcats. A trio of guitar, bass and drums, with the harmonica thrown in for good luck. They play an style of blues that would not seem out of place in the sweaty nights of the Mississippi Delta or the bars of Chicago. Robin's guitar playing is a is sometimes sweet, like on the band's version of "It hurts me too" , but more often recreates the raw sound of artists such as Houndog Taylor. Their versions of "Crossroads" and the great Roy Buchanan's "Short Fuse" are guaranteed to get any bar on their feet. So if you enjoy the authentic sound of electrified blues then save the plane fare to Chicago, and get on the bus to Stony Stratford, the other home of the blues.

Our best wishes go out to Fred the bass player for his upcoming wedding, this should stop him growing old disgracefully. This is what the boys say about themselves

The Howling Tomcats specialise in straight ahead Chicago and Delta blues and boogie with an original approach to the styles established by Chicago greats such as Elmore James, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters. They also draw on earlier material from the repertoires of Delta and Country blues artists such as Robert Johnson, Son House, Joe Williams, Skip James and Blind Lemon Jefferson. The philosophy of the band is to play 'no-nonsense, house-rocking blues with no frills, effects or pretension.' If you like your blues played straight, down home with 100% commitment to the cause of good time blues and boogie, check them out.

Robin Chandler

Robin has over twenty years experience as a performing blues artist both with bands and as a solo performer. His main influences include Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Hound Dog Taylor as well as more modern artists such as Ronnie Earl, Jimmy Vaughan Roy Buchanan, Anson Funderburgh, Little Charlie, Omar Dykes and Sonny Landreth. He also draws inspiration from the Delta blues performers, particularly Skip James and Robert Johnson. Robin says "the strength of the blues lies in its sincerity, directness and total lack of pretention", and that every time he plays, he aims to give 100%.

Fred Williams

Fred has been a performing musician for more years than he cares to remember, and has been involved in most forms of music at some time. Originally a lead guitarist, he made the transition to bass after becoming inspired by the playing of Jack Bruce, Jaco Pastorius and Mark King amongst others, and has worked with artists such as Nigel Pegrum (Steeleye Span). As well as the traditional influences, he maintains a great interest in the more modern artists such as Mark King and Pino Paladino. Alongside the band's drummer, he provides a rock solid bass line over which Rob can work his guitar magic.

Dave Williams

Dave has over 25 years experience of drumming in professional and semi-professional bands. He is a rarity amongst drummers in that he understands the concept of 'less is more', and doesn't require a huge array of drums to provide a truly thunderous sound. His approach could be characterised as 'minimalist', combining elements of blues, jazz, swing and rockabilly. Dave's influences include Stuart Copeland, Bill Bruford and Ian Paice. He has worked with a wide range of established performers, including a spell with Don Snow of 'Squeeze' fame. Dave's sound is a direct throw-back to the classic 40's and 50's blues and rockabilly recordings of the 'Chess' and 'Sun' labels - and you can't get any better than that.

" We are currently recording our latest album (Don't Worry Cindy), and issuing a limited edition of our first album (A Night On The Tiles), both should be out by the end of the year (2002). We are also hoping to have a website up and running for 2003 " Robin, Fred, Dave.

They can be found at the following Pubs during the rest of 2002:

Thu 22/08/2002 The Horse & Trumpet - Wigston
Sat 24/08/2002 Woodbine W.M.C - Raunds
Sat 31/08/2002 The Crauford Arms - Wolverton
Sun 01/09/2002 The Grainstore - Oakham
Fri 06/09/2002 The Shoulder of Mutton - Calverton (M.Keynes)
Sat 07/09/2002 The Eight Belles (duo) - Bletchley
Sun 08/09/2002 The Vaults - Leicester
Mon 09/09/2002 The George - Lower Brailles
Wed 11/09/2002 The Wayfarer - Kettering
Fri 13/09/2002 The Wheatsheaf - Braunston
Sat 14/09/2002 The Black Dog - Oadby
Sun 29/09/2002 The White Lion (duo) - Baldock
Thu 03/10/2002 The Fox & Hounds - Stony Stratford
Fri 04/10/2002 The Nags Head - Wollaston
Sat 05/10/2002 The Eight Belles (duo) - Bletchley
Fri 11/10/2002 The Prince of Wales - Woodford (nr.Kettering)
Wed 16/10/2002 The Malt Shovel Tavern - Northampton
Sat 19/10/2002 The Noels Arms - Melton Mowbray
Sun 20/10/2002 The White Bear - Shipston on Stour
Fri 25/10/2002 The New Inn - Buckingham
Sat 26/10/2002 The Admiral Holland - Banbury
Fri 01/11/2002 The Plume of Feathers - Weedon
Sat 02/11/2002 The Eight Belles (duo) - Bletchley
Thu 07/11/2002 The Rose & Crown - Sandy
Fri 08/11/2002 "Blues on the Boat" Charters Bar - Peterboro'
Sat 09/11/2002 The Fox & Hounds - Stony Stratford
Fri 15/11/2002 The Green Dragon - Brigstock (nr.Corby)
Sat 16/11/2002 The Old Brewery Inn - Somerby (Leics)
Sat 23/11/2002 Woodbine W.M.C - Raunds
Sun 24/11/2002 Woughton Campus (duo) (1-3pm) - Milton Keynes
Sun 24/11/2002 The Crown - Weston
Fri 29/11/2002 The George - Roade
Sat 07/12/2002 The Eight Belles (duo) - Bletchley
Sun 08/12/2002 The Vaults - Leicester
Sat 14/12/2002 Shenley 'Clock Inn' - Milton Keynes
Sun 15/12/2002 The Romany - Northampton
Fri 20/12/2002 The Wheatsheaf - Braunston

For more info Email fred@wend13.freeserve.co.uk Go see them and enjoy

Now if you're old enough to have enjoyed the likes of Earth Wind and Fire, KC and the Sunshine Band or Kool and the Gang first time round then look out for Platform Soul. This is a fine 70's funk and soul band. Their public outings are rare so don't miss any opportunity to go along and see them. Where else can you see a 12 piece band strutting their stuff in a 70's style; Chevvy Paul still warbles on about their rare, but legendary, Fox and Hounds performances. Look out for them in the Milton Keynes/Aylesbury area, Stantonbury Leisure Centre and Aylesbury Civic centre are where you're most likely to see them. If you see groups of people dressed in flares and cat suits follow them, they could be on route to a gig.

On stage in Aylesbury

 

Back to top /