INTRODUCING TONIGHTS BAND

“BUILT FOR COMFORT”

Built For Comfort emerged from the ashes of Swindon based “The Hot Tamales” in July 2002. Founder members Alec Adams and Bill Jones were joined by Phil Tait on drums, John Ingleson on guitar and Chris Goddard on bass. There were a couple of personnel changes during 2005 with Dave Miller replacing Chris Goddard and Barry Archer joining on keyboards bringing the band up to a six piece.

Bill and Alec had met in the year 2000 when Alec was seeking harmonica lessons. Bill knew Chris from playing together in The Vindaloo Brothers, Phil was a chance encounter from working with a TV leasing company and John answered a local advert by the boys for a guitarist. By the summer of 2004 the band had played over 65 gigs together, averaging about one a week.
Built For Comfort have created a reputation as a lively and entertaining act, playing their particular brand of blues, and rhythm and blues.

Local band Mango Crow were last at the BBC on a very warm night in August 2006, when they were very enthusiastically received by the members. Through the course of the night the boys gave us their versions of songs by John Lee Hooker, BB King, John Mayall, Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter, Jimi Hendrix and many others.

As is usual in the Borough Blues Club the band is not allowed to leave without at least one encore. Well, no need to worry with this band they gave us four!

Mango Crow during their 2006 gig

I am sure they will live up to the high standard set on their previous visit to the club so look forward to a great night from a great local band. Get your tickets during the interval.

Dates for your Diary

We have pushed the boat out a bit for May’s gig, we have managed to secure international artist Mick Pini.

Eric Clapton called him the “legitimate successor to Peter Green”.

Catch Mick live and you are guaranteed the real deal; no pedals, no effects, just a 54 Strat played by a bluesmeister. Oh and how he makes it plead, bleed, sing, scream, cry – and smoke! With a lifetime in music you’ll hear echoes and influences from the whole tradition of the blues in Mick’s playing. Distinctive raw, attacking riffs and

phrases, often reminiscent of such legendary names as Freddie King, Albert Collins or T-Bone Walker hit you with aggression not unlike a ton of bricks, then in a moment, he’ll melt your heart with a sweeping phrase of pure beauty.

These are the hallmarks of Mick Pini: to encounter him live is an opportunity not to be missed - it’s a blues master class – so to avoid disappointment get your tickets early (Tickets on sale during the interval at the NEXT gig, Mango Crow on 5th April… Don’t forget WHEN THEY’RE GONE THEY’RE GONE!)

The Fugitives - Gig Review

2nd Feb 2008   by Tony Smith

The Fugitives are a very competent group of musicians, all the more so for the addition of Steve Johnson late of TS Blues Band.

Big Steve Williams - sometimes looking like he needs a larger guitar - acts as their MC and has a gentle humour that belies his size and slightly wild bearded look. Frontman Justin Holly is Mr Cool personified and has a winning way with a harp as well as lead vocals.  He is a master of his craft. With another “J” in the band – Jason Beuschel on bass - our MC, Dave Leek, had some small trouble with the names. Gary Davies keeps them all on the straight and narrow on drums.

Before the gig I asked Steve Williams if he had a set list to save me noting the numbers as they played them. “Yes, see me afterwards and I’ll give you a copy” says he. So I didn’t make any notes. He gave me the list but said “Yeah but we didn’t stick to it!” It’s a bit trying for the reviewer but it just shows that the Fugitives

love what they do and play - their enthusiasm and commitment shows in their powerful performance. My overall impression was that the room thoroughly enjoyed their evening and were royally entertained by The Fugitives.

Club News

THE NEW MEMBERSHIP YEAR starts 1st April 2008. The cost will be the same as last year, £5 per person or £8 per couple.

Memberships benefits include reduced ticket prices on club Gig Nights, a regular newsletter, trips, (which we’re hoping to increase this year) and access to the club’s Blues Workshops – of which we have some great new ideas to work with for this year.

A.G.M. Monday 17th March 2008 at New Panteg RFC

The Annual General Meeting is where you, the members, can have your say, it is YOUR CLUB, and the direction you wish it to take lies in your hands.

Nominations for committee must be in the hands of the secretary by 25th February 2008. Three current committee members will be standing down from the committee, and they will be submitting their names for re-election to this year’s committee (as per the two year rule) they are: - David Lewis, Keith Barwood, and Adrian Powell. They will of course be hoping for your continued support.

Following the close of the AGM, we will be holding a shortened Workshop – those who are interested, please bring your gear!

 
That’s all folks!