Apple Tree Synergy: Music to blow you away in Auckland

Sunday 28 August 2011

Music to blow you away in Auckland

The Flaming Mudcats
- the blues artists that make your feet dance feverishly;
- that makes the passion flow through your veins,
- that makes you want to stay and burn the midnight oil...
- Iconic is not an overstatement and is without a doubt the word that emblemises these boys.
.
ARTIST SUMMARY
GENRE - BLUES
ARTIST BIO: ' The flaming Mudcats are a band that swings, shuffles and gets low-down
in their devotion to the sounds of the Blues,
R&B and Rock 'n' Roll. Anyone who argues that good blues is getting hard to find has never heard of these guys...chances are you couldn't find a tighter goodtime band.
This four piece band swings, playing great grooves fused with burning harp and smoking guitar: this is no-frills party music. A firm favourite in Auckland's Blues scene, this band is well versed on what it takes to please a crowd, exhibiting levels of professionalism and musicianship that makes it easy to become a dedicated fan. {I just did}. It's plain to see right away that these guys love the music they make together. Not surprising, their loyal fan base continues to grow every month as a result. The Flaming Mudcats are available for festivals, pub gigs, corporate events and private parties.
For bookings or enquiries please contact the band.

MORE ABOUT THE FLAMING MUDCATS:-

Craig Bracken - Vocals & Harmonica
Craig has a harmonica style and grace that is the envy of other harp
players. Whether blowing that penetrating single hole note, hanging out
back or tearing the roof off…any which way, you can't resist his feel and tone.
He is also blessed with a great Blues voice, making him the ideal front man.
His career includes playing harp for the Darcy Perry Band and the Blue Devils,
LOS Diablos and earlier fronting Guava Groove back in the 1980's.
In 2006 he co-founded the record label Roots Music Aotearoa with Darcy Perry
AND PAUL Merriott.
Harmonica Masters of New Zealand, marks Bracken's first effort as a producer,
"AN IN-depth knowledge of the New Zealand roots music scene
and a life-long love of the instrument made him perfect for the role.”
“The equal of any top international player (past or present) that you would CARE TO NAME" MIKE BUTLER (BLUES NEWS)

Doug Bygrave - Guitar
Influenced primarily by the music of Lightning Slim, Magic Sam, Jimmie Vaughan and Johnny Guitar Watson, Doug was in a number of blues bands bursting out of the Bay of Plenty in the late 80’s-early 90’s, including Austin Texas, Jigsaw Blues and the Gurus of Groove.
He retired from playing in the mid-90’s, until a chance meeting with drummer Ian in early 2009 inspired him to haul out his strat again and replace its rusted strings.
If you come along hoping to hear screaming solos and hot licks processed through umpteen pedals, you’re gonna be disappointed – Doug’s sound is all about space and tone.

Ian Thomson - Drums
Hearing those early Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed and Bill Black numbers way back when, Ian was hooked forever on those great feels and back beats.
This has lead to a on going drumming career playing with many bands including, The Dark Ages, Underdogs, The Brew, Sonny Day, Mumbo Gumbo, The Lonely Ones, Red McKelvie, Al Hunter, Glen Moffatt, Gary Harvey…..now the Flaming Mudcats.
“For me, musically, it’s only about two things……the groove and the Blues.”

Sean McCarthy - Bass
Sean is a blues bass player.
He's not a Jazz player or a Rock player who doesn't know better, and
he's pretty sure there's a difference.
Yep, Sean is a blues bass player.'