Whoah!!......If you ever thought that the Blues is gloomy business – think again! These guys have a repertoire of kick-ass numbers that is guaranteed to lighten any load. A motley bunch of some of the finest blues and rock artists in the country. With an average 10 to12 gigs a month these guys are spreading the blues gospel and you better listen up and get ready to rock out because 'snot en trane' is not what they are about. Tight, well oiled and a unit of international quality. They have been busy entertaining fans all over at festivals like:
Back Of The Mountain Festival, Somerset West Bloemendal Wine Estate, Sauvignon Blanc Festival Bloemendal's Champagne & Oyster Festival, Durbanville Delvera Wine Festival, 2004 and 2005 Durban International Blues Festival, Sun Coast Casino First Jam Rock Festival, Ladismith 2004 and 2005 Franschoek Festival, 2005 Go Green Festival, CTICC, 2007. Harley Davidson International Rally, Colesburg, 2006 and 2007 Harley Davidson International Rally, Graaff Reinet, 2007 Hermanus Whale Festival from 2000 to 2006 Kirstenbosch Summer Concert Festival, 2004 and 2005. Kirstenbosch Winter Sessoions, Silver Tree Restaurnt, 2005, 2007, 2008 KKNK Festival Oudtshoorn 2001 to 2003 and 2006 Marimba's, 48 Hour Blues Festival, 2004 Milnerton Carnival 2004 and 2005 Mykonos Beer Festival 2005, 2006 Oppikoppie 'The Way of The Dassie' Festival, 2007 Robertson Rock Festival 2005 and 2006 Rock The Daisies Festival, Darling, 2007 Savanah Up The Creek 2003, 2004 and 2005, 2008 Simonsvlei Winter Concert, Paarl, 2005 Table Mountain Blues Summit, 2006 and 2007 Wingerdstok, Theewaterskloof, 2003 Windhoek Warehouse Blues Festival 2008
Boulevard Blues are:
Dr John Mostert Lead Vocals Richard Pryor Guitar and Backing vocals Greg Smith Blues Harp, percussion and Backing vocals Robbie Stemmett Bass guitar Tim Rankin Drums
Fronted by the infamous Doctor John the man who went round the block and then went round again just because he knew he could. He is the real deal Blues veteren……he doesn’t just sing the blues ……..he lives the blues….. With Blue blood pumping through his veins they once opened him up to see if he really was the real deal and after finding whiskey dust flowing through his veins they proclaimed him 'Doctor of the Blues' The all-inspiring “Dr John” has become a Blues icon in the Mother City. This Durban veteran still sports the trademark dark shades and hat, but besides his eccentricity still maintains the same gravelly vocals that have the ability to rattle the rafters, inspre the soul and linger long after the show has ended.
With some Blistering lead guitar from Richard 'Pebbleman' Pryor the action doesn’t stop…… Without a doubt one of the top guitarists this country has ever seen ....he’s been fine tuning his blues skills with high octane rock induced solos and a great passion for setting the blues world on fire…. A very interesting mix of Blues, Rock, Metal and Jazz guitar techniques he will keep you guessing until the final pinched harmonic squeals into glorious feedback. Watch him at your own risk...... Checkout his solo rock project over here...... www.pebbleman.co.za and www.myspace.com/pebblemanproject
Greg 'Turkey Neck' Smith completes the frontal assualt with intricately woven harp solos and some percussive skills of note.A real character of the band.......One look at Greg and you know you got the Blues. When the Blues Cake arrives Greg knows exactly how to decorate it with singing vocal-like Blues solos and an array of delicate percussive techniques that only a man with a giant heart, one kidney and a huge turkey neck to boot can achieve.
Robbie 'Bassline' Stemmett on bass guitar covers the backline with warm funk induced catatonia…… A true master of the bass frequencies .... he is the glue that binds us all together. He tells a story with his bass guitar and it's not for the feint hearted. From the very first note he weaves until the last note is spun, his grooves will unfold and they will tell a tale of mystery and energy that will keep even the most jaded individual out of their seat and rockin to the rhythm.
Backing them up and in great form is the young gun Tim 'Shadeport' Rankin on Drums. A surfer by day and a drummer at night ... he knows how to lay down the rhythm late into the evening. And when he lays it down....It stays laid for a long time to come....... A drummer from the top drawer in SA and engine room for the Blues/Rock potjie. Bring on those dancing shoes as Tim invokes the Rhythm and Blues.
Boulevard Blues' New CD and their just released DVD 'Railhouse Tracks' will be on sale at all their gigs....So If you want to see, hear, meet and even get to smell a world class blues band...................Checkout their gig guide and come see them iat a venue near you.
