Added Jun 2011

DR A's RHYTHM & GROOVES

The current Dr. A's' band is the culmination of various bands from Blues Consortium in the 1960's and 2000's through Two Old Gits with some Rock Covers bands thrown in. We have carried on the tradition and have a mix of originals and arrangements of other material from the likes of: Peter Green, T-Bone Walker, Robert Johnson, Bill Dicey, JJ Cale, King Rollo, Chris Youlden, Chuck Berry, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Boy etc. What we ain't, is a covers band. Rhythm & Grooves' styles range from Swing to Jazz, from Mellow to Down & Dirty with a few curve balls thrown in for good measure. In short, sommat for everyone.

This is our contribution to the hip replacement industry by keeping the hips swaying and well oiled. A great way to keep fit and mobile.

As some friends and fans said after a recent gig: "This is the best line up you've ever brought us. Don't change it!" So who are we?

Laura Claire: 5 String Bass & Vocals. Ex. Area 54 and Vitriol with signings and tours of Japan under her belt. Everywhere we play Laura's lyrical and exquisite playing is singled out for praise. She not only provides (with Pete) the drive, grunt and groove of the band, but she will always surprise and delight with rich deft touches, which are her trademark.

Pete McClelland: Drums. Started in 1969, played with Oak, a four piece classic rock band in Birmingham and still does occasional gigs with them. Has backed Ruby Turner and supported The Alabama 3 (of Sopranos fame), Dee Barnes Sax (Hazel O'Connor). Spent a period in The Army. Currently is part of The Lexie Green Band. Solid as a Rock with some lovely bouts of flair and subtlety and with Laura forms the band's engine room(which has been likened to a finely tuned Ferrari).

David Astell (Dr. A): Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals. Ex. The Circle, RSV, The Peter White Arrangement & Blues Consortium in the 60's. More recently: Montage, Tamer & The Andy Fraser Quartet, Blues Consortium, The Hinge, Two Old Gits (play the blues) with King Rollo and "Blues After Midnight".

So we're back and raring to shake some trees, plough the road, serenade the weary, shock the complacent and have some serious fun. In this age of doom and gloom you need a shot of R & G to cheer us all up!! There is something here for everyone, including the purists and those who like their music bluesed, grooved, rocked, swung or jazzed.

For in depth biogs, sounds and gig guides please visit

www.myspace.com/drasrhythmandgrooves

E-Mail: david@astelltech.co.uk Tel: 07711 217987. Oh Yes! If you think Blues and Rhythm & Grooves is an aid to contemplating suicide, then GET REAL! Coz you ain't seen nothin' 'til you see and hear us play.

To quote Motor City Josh: "If you ain't having a good time, then it's your own damn fault"

Reviews

The Band:

"Raw, unadulterated, pure Blues & Grooves. If it ain't blues, it's damned good with an engine as sweet a nut, this one's a Ferrari." Blues Matters

The Album, 3 of 9:

"Who do I send the bill to for a new CD player, I've worn this one out? Mood music for the inner soul." Blues Unlimited.

"Tickling of the ivories is too much for just music; it moves the soul to another dimension." Tony Nightingale of Lincoln City Radio.

A general summing up is:

"Soul Movin', Hip Swinging & Dimension Bending." Blues Matters (pending)