THE CRATEDIGGERS/ PAUL STACEY
For more than 5 years the Tommy Blaize Band (TBB), comprised of musicians from the hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing, performed on the last Monday of each month, shows permitting. Sadly that residency has now come to an end, but its replacement, the CrateDiggers, featuring the singer guitarist from TBB Andy Caine and TBB drummer Ian Thomas, has proven an instant success and it is with great pleasure we welcome this relatively new band to the Club's schedule. However, although the band itself may be new its members, Paul Stacey-guitar, Sean Hargreaves-keyboard, Chris Dodd bass and Pete Eckford-percussion are all very old friends of the Club who between them have been performing here for between 15 and 35 years! It's a really fun band, very ably fronted by Andy, who perform a mix of Groove and R&B from the likes of Gil Scott Heron, Steely Dan, Curtis Mayfield, Bowie and James Brown. It really is rewarding for us to have so many 606 "friends" appearing with this band and it seemed the perfect way to celebrate Monday nights as part of our Festival Celebrations.
And appearing for the later part of the evening will be a band led by guitarist Paul Stacey which has, I think it's fair to say, established legendary status amongst 606 regulars. Also featuring Paul's twin brother and 606 stalwart Jeremy Stacey (Sheryl Crow, Noel Gallagher, King Crimson) this Rock/Blues band is without question something quite special. I first met Paul (and Jeremy) in the mid 80’s when, as identical twins, they appeared on the doorstep of the old Club looking for somewhere to play. Their immense talent was obvious from very early on and they soon became an integral part of the scene that was burgeoning at that time. An impressive guitarist Paul showed his versatility early on when he combined work with the likes of Jazz vocalist Claire Martin (Sun 27th) with appearances with the likes of Oasis, working with Noel Gallagher on various projects both as a musician and producer as well as playing guitar with the Black Crowes, Chris Robinson and the Finn Brothers. These days a well respected producer and recording engineer as well as a master guitarist Paul (along with his equally illustrious brother Jeremy) is considered to be one of the UK's leading musicians. As well as Jeremy the band tonight will feature Robert Hart (Bad Company, Manfred Mann's Earth Band)-vocals, Dave Catlin-Birch (World Party)-bass, and James Hallawell (The Waterboys)-keyboard. Probably one of the loudest bands we have here(!) it is also one of the most exciting. The gig tonight is dedicated to the memory of the band’s former bass player and friend of the Club, Mark Smith.
"…the vocals of Andy Caine...uplifting...deep and soulful" Turntable Lab; “Stacey’s…brilliant guitar work” Concertlivewire