So far in 2004, the Heather Combs Band has recorded and released a critically acclaimed live record, played over 75 shows and been voted "Best Band of the Bay Area" by San Francisco Magazine. Not too shabby.
"The Heather Combs Band: Live at the Little Fox" was recorded in front of a sold out crowd (300) in April and released in June. It's already sold 700 copies at shows alone. They have almost 2000 people on their West Coast mailing list. They have opened for the Go-Go's, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Los Lobos, Joan Osborne, The Who, Steve Earle, Kasey Chambers, Todd Snider, Joan Jett and those are just to name a few. Loyal followers know that the HCB loves to play 4+ hour shows and won't quit until last call. They get sweaty on stage. They make fun of themselves. They drink beer. They pour their hearts into every word, every note, every song. They are 6 members strong. That is the Heather Combs Band.
Heather Combs, a Gainesville, Florida native now living in California, is a powerhouse on stage. She is fiery, funny, intense and not afraid to take risks. She thrives on connecting with the audience. Heather's voice is sweet and then rough, strong and then vulnerable, but always honest and true. She plays guitar with reckless abandon and isn't afraid to show the listener who she really is. Give her a chance, and she'll win your heart with her words, her songs, her voice.
Jeff Bordes grew up in Northern California. He doesn't surf or say dude but he sure plays a mean trumpet. From distorted solos, to gently-crafted parts, Jeff's ability to draw the listener in is far beyond that of a dime a dozen lead guitar player. He does it differently and differently is so good. Jeff studied at Berklee School of Music in Boston before returning to Cal to play with Heather.
James Greenfield started playing percussion in the dance studios of New York City. He would haul his congas back and forth on the subway, up and down flights of stairs, just because the rhythm was in his blood. He just had to play. He's been a truck driver, a graphic designer, a nightly news cameraman, but he is and will always be a musician. If hearts could play drums, they would sound like James.
Paul Everett had a tough choice in high school - to slap, or not to slap. Every bass player goes through the right of passage where they choose what type of bass player they will be when they grow up. Thank goodness Paul chose to throw slapping to the wind. He is the kind of bass player every drummer wants to play with. Paul is rock solid. He's also just happens to be really freaking funny.
Bob Tatum met his wife over the Internet. He grew up in California. He rode skateboards in elementary school. He's also played drums with every major singer-songwriter in the San Francisco Bay Area. His ideas are fresh and new. He plays the songs and knows the words. He doesn't need two kick drums to get his point across. Bob is consistent and powerful behind the kit. He breaks sticks, he breaks heads, but he never misses a beat.
Janese Hurley grew up playing the violin in the Mormon Church. She started young and thank the Mormons she didn't quit. She's been all across the US with her violin, which she now refers to as her fiddle. She knows Pacabel's Cannon and the Devil Went Down to Georgia. Janese can reel you in with a solo or make you dance a quick Irish jig. She also sings a mean 'Buttercup'.
These 6 individuals come together to make up one of the best bands on the West Coast. If you get the chance to see them perform, don't miss it. If you get the chance to have them at your club, book them. You won't regret one minute of it.
