BATH: Chapel Arts Centre

SAT 21ST SEP, 2013 7.30pm

A stunning 7 piece band, playing traditional blues and swing with their own twist and groove. Featuring the superb guitar skills and vocals of Steve Roux, an outstanding rhythm section of Bernie Fox (drums), Rob Vick (bass), Cliff Chapman (keys) and horn section of Steve Grainger (alto sax), Jon Gooding (tenor sax) and Tom Edwards (trumpet) bringing a taste of big band blues with a modern edge.

Opening Chords
Back in 1993 blues guitarist and vocalist Steve Roux signed a solo recording contract with EMI/Virgins’ Pointblank Blues Label by John Wooler. Other blues artists on the prestigious label included: Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Pop Staples, John Lee Hooker, John Hammond, and Walter 'Wolfman' Washington. Steve recorded his all original album entitled 'Steve Roux' in Memphis USA at the legendary Kiva Recording Studios. The album was released in 1994 and received critical acclaim across Europe.

Gigs and radio sessions followed - a highlight being the Cologne Music Festival in Germany, where Steve was invited onstage by Albert Collins to join him for his encore along with Robben Ford. The trio played an extended version of Alberts instrumental 'Frosty' to an ecstatic crowd. The event was also broadcast live on national radio. Steve’s album is still receiving radio airplay in Australia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, France and the Netherlands.

The White Knuckle Blues Band
In 1997, Steve, along with Bernie Fox (drums) and Rob Vick (bass guitar) formed The White Knuckles Blues Band. This powerhouse band quickly built up a critically acclaimed reputation for playing tough uncompromising blues.

The White Knuckle Blues Band have recorded two albums 'Raw Knuckles' and 'Can’t Change the Time'. In 2003, during the recording of the second album 'Can’t Change the Time' the band contacted Procul Harum’s Hammond organ player Josh Philips. Josh had played in Steve’s live band from the early 90's and he contributed his distinctive sound to a number of the tracks on the CD. Over the following years Josh played on numerous gigs with The White Knuckle Blues Band and this inspired a master plan to put together an augmented line up of the band.

The Brass Knuckle Blues Band
During 2007 Rob and Steve were involved in the formation of another band ‘The Sensational Jonny Deps’ which included a marvellous horn section comprising of session player Steve Grainger on alto sax, Jon Gooding on tenor sax, and Tom Edwards on trumpet. It soon became clear that this horn section could expand the horizons of the band - and from this The Brass Knuckle Blues Band was formed.

The band quickly put together a new set of kicking and swinging blues songs and after putting their own twist and groove on them were ready to start gigging. The first warm up gig for the Brass Knuckles Blues Band was a slot at the Barking Spider Blues Club supporting Guy Tortora. Following on from this gig the Brass Knuckles Blues Band headlined the Boarhunt Blues May bank holiday festival. The band received a standing ovation from the sell out crowd. The band then supported the internationally renowned Sharrie Williams and the Wise Guys. An estimated crowd of 3000 people at the outdoor blues bandstand gig gave the Knuckles a superb reception. Supporting The Debra Bonham Band on the last night of the Southsea Roots & Blues Festival followed. Next up headlining the Boarhunt Blues Club Christmas Marquee special. As a direct result of this gig were confirmed as the headline act on the Saturday night at ‘Blues at Fort’. This was followed by being invited to play at the prestigious Blues on the Farm.

2012 saw the introduction of keyboard player Cliff Chapman into the band due to Josh's touring commitments with Procul Harem. Cliff's musical connections go back a long way with Bernie, Dr Gran, and Rob - having played in bands with them since the late 1970's.

Quotes.
"the big city blues of Albert King and Albert Collins"
(Blues in Britain)

"the horns and rhythm section added to the stupendous guitar work of Mr. Steve Roux"
(Blues Matters)

"Steve's guitar playing was a lesson in R&B excellence"
(Blues Matters)

www.bkblues.com/