harpbreakers

Formed 20 years ago The Harpbreakers have kept fresh the bouncy blues and energy of the Chess artists of the 50’s and 60’s, pumping new life into it with superbly sculptured originals. Compared on many levels with the modern day west coast swing of Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza and James Harman these guys know how to rock the house. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................ The Harpbreakers first got together in The Red Lion pub in Stockport and discussed the idea of playing real Chicago blues as all the other bands in the area were playing rock blues. They played a few local gigs and then got a booking at the first Burnley Blues festival. They were booked to play for an hour at the end of the night and had such a good reception that Gary Hood the promoter of the festival asked them to carry on for a while. After a further hour and a half the set was finished. Thus began their reputation for giving their audience good value for money. Photos abound of two members of the band playing on tables whilst all around them danced. This has been the scene on many occasions since. Through out the years the band have had a reputation for somersaults off the stage, jumping out of balconies and off PA stacks, swinging from ceilings and lighting rigs etc. This madness and eccentricity linked with a true mastering of their instruments and chosen genre led to 3 nominations for best British blues band by Blueprint magazine and 3 nominations for best harmonica player for N.J.Duke. If you go to a show don't expect to be sat having dinner or a bottle of wine by candle light. It's just not that kind of blues. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ...............................The band consists of Anthony Roach, guitars and backing vocals, N.J. (the Duke) Dunne, harmonica and lead vocals, Big Vern, drums and backing vocals and Andy Big Bass Sykes, you guessed it, double bass and occasional backing vocals. Together they weave a blend of blues rarely heard from a British band. Even the Americans state this and have described on many occasions that the band as the real deal. Taj Mahal, James Harman, our own Paul Jones and many of the American artists they have appeared along side have all agreed. Over the years the band have been the backing band for American Blues artists Phil Guy, Angela Brown, Mojo Buford, Guitar Shorty, James Wheeler, Jimmy Burns, Johnny Mars, Chic Willis, and many more.They have truly learned their trade from the masters. They have also played support to the likes of Taj Mahal, James Harman, Otis Grand, Dr. Feelgood, Eugine 'Hideaway' Bridges and others. The Duke even had personal invites to play with Albert Collins and Little Jimmy Rogers. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................They released a trilogy of live albums recorded at the legendary Band on the Wall club in Manchester where they were a regular feature. They also had two studio albums recorded one of which is yet to be released but, with each update, will be down-loadable from this site only. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................ The The Harpbreakers have appeared on many of the main stages at blues festivals over the years and are renowned for their exciting and energetic stage performances as much as their music. Press reviews have always highlighting the skill, energy and sophistication of their shows. After a sabbatical of 3 years + they are back with the original line up and twice the enthusiasm. Catch them soon. You won’t be disappointed. To contact The Harpbreakers email [email protected]