The Velvet Dukes formed in 2006 as a three-piece line-up consisting of Vocalist Dave Roberts, jazz guitarist and tutor Will Barnes and Virtuoso jazz violinist Sarah Smith (String Thing, Ida Red). The Trio began creating quite a stir with their acoustic blend of Jazz, Funk and Roots music to an ever-growing fan base.
With crowd and venue sizes increasing rapidly it wasn’t long until the ‘Dukes decided to augment the band with the addition of a tight, punchy Rhythm section. The first element of which was found in bassist and musician Chris Clark. His funky grooves and keen sense of harmony added a depth that only proved to increase the bands following and in the summer of 2008 the Velvet Dukes decided to go the whole hog and audition a string of drummers. With no one really fitting the bill it was by pure chance that the Dukes stumbled across ex session musician George Jackson (Roy Harper, Rumbajax) playing with local band Back Road Home. With some careful poaching they secured their sticks man and with this now complete line-up the band continued to sell-out shows and festivals across the U.K.
To date the Velvet Dukes have recorded and released their self titled debut album, Two mini EP’s and made numerous Radio appearances as well as gaining a reputation as one of the top acts to come out of Shropshire and the Borders. With plans to record their second Album this summer and a string of live dates including many of the up coming festivals and events across the country, the Velvet Dukes look set to continue in their success throughout 2009.
Buy the Velvet Dukes debut album now! for £10 +p&p
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