Blues Band

Looks like January 2024, back at our alma mater Killcare Surf, was the last gig for BA with Tom at the helm, and with Tezz back on his junkyard, what a gig it was. First time we ever really successfully rocked out ‘Highway of Song’. As a swan song, we’ll be releasing it in April/May on Bandcamp.
Is it really over 3 years since our last official gig? 2 members departed over that trying time, windman Hugh and drumnut Tezz. And then there were 3 – but now there’s 4. Tezz has been replaced by electro-percussionist, the personable Larry ‘Laz’ Daley, dragging BA into the new century with his Roland HandSonic e-kit debuting at the redoubtable Nthn Beaches Music Fest (also newly emerging from the jaundiced jab years) – see Upcoming Gigs, 1 o’clock Tramshed, 3 o’clock Berry.
Working towards next official release 2022 vid/single off new official 5-track ep.
Anzac Day 2019 limited pre-release 4 track EP ‘Rough Halos’ available at upcoming performances.+++++++++++Still a few left of 75 in 2020.
Jan 2018 sees the release of the first video single from the new BluesAngels, a brief original history of, commentary on and lamentation for pre-war and folk blues, ‘Needle Never Caught’, in a big, swingin’ folk ballad style.
With original BluesAngels Tom Flood (on lead vox, songwriting, blues harps, 5-string banjo, acoustic guitar, washboard, media) and Cec Bucello (vox, promo, banjomandolin, acoustic guitar, stompbox, kazoo) joined by the indispensable Hugh Worrall (sax, clarinet, spoons and percussion, occasional acoustic guitar, vox, lighting, video) in 2016, and the inimitable Graham ‘Blackie’ Black (original 60s Hofner lead electric bass fx, acoustic guitar, vox, repairs) in 2017, the new sound has gone more upmarket, with New Orleans and funk edges flavouring the folk blues favourites. April 2018, and after 5 years, we have a drummer again, But in keeping with the BA craze,Tezz is no ordinary drummer. He patches his kits together from old suitcases, cooler bottles, plastic drums and rusty bits and pieces of discarded kits. His smallest kit, a collectable kid’s toy kit, fits inside the suitcase that is the bass drum. Old gas deck heaters often make a good snare or hi-hat. Careful or he’ll take the sticks to you.

BluesAngels formed a duo in 2010, and within months became a trio with Frank Russell, to bring authentic and original acoustic blues to the NSW Central Coast. and beyond. Exploring early New Orleans and Cajun blues, Appalachian through Mississippi delta, Piedmont, Memphis, Chicago, jump, British 60s, USA & Oz 70s, Newgrass, West Coast, Texas, and on into contemporary indie roots, beatnik & gypsy jazz, swing, backhills bluegrass and prog folk, BluesAngels are a total acoustic blues/roots package top to toe, and then some, available as duo or trio or band negotiable – 02 4324 2801
‘New Coat of Paint’ is our arrangement of the song written by the great Tom Waits, ‘Walkin’ My Blues Away’ is our arrangement of the legendary Brownie McGhee folk blues song. The rest are all written by Tom Flood and arranged by BluesAngels.
The first 5 track EP ‘Best Be Blue’ (sold out) went on limited release in late 2012 with the 5 GarageBand tracks – uploaded here – re-recorded in studio. Our first full length album, ‘Devil Don’t Believe’, was released on CD April 2014. 11 originals, 1 reprise, 3 covers. Every track draws from a different blues pedigree, incl. the reprise, Recorded at Woody Sounds, mastered at the Aussie blues-iconic Studio 52. ‘Devil Don’t Believe’ (uploaded here) is a brief sample of the 7 minute Memphis mix title track. You can contact Tom to purchase the album $20AUD+postage or mail order from the Trad&Now shop:
http://www.duckscrossing.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_24_27&products_id=2233
Available digitally from most major online retailers.