by Terry Nash from Granada TV's 'Stars In Their Eyes'
The Show
No matter how large or small your function, the CHICAGO HIT SQUAD BLUES BROTHERS Tribute Show can be tailored to meet your particular requirements.
Here, Terry augments his vocal range, style, power and physical appearance to that of either John Belushi from the original film (1980), or of John Goodman from the sequel Blues Brothers 2000 (1998). Observing the desire amongst many audience members at his Meet Loaf tributes to dance and carry of partying, and at the request of a number of major UK Tribute Agencies, Terry began to experiment with alternatives to extend the final sets in his shows to accommodate this.
With only '106 miles to Chicago' Rock London, when it was 'dark' and he was 'wearing sunglasses', Terry donned the black suit and Trilby, and Jakes Blues2 was born. He searched high and low '...on a mission from God' for the 'lost brother' "Elwood", whom he found in John Iles, an entertainer in his own right who had recently returned from a tour of Europe, Scandinavia and the sub-continent. Since this meeting in 1997, THE CHICAGO HIT SQUAD BLUES BROTHERS TRIBUTE has been a full on professional show. A truly energetic and vocally authentic tribute to the Blues Brothers. In recent years, guest vocalists have joined the line-up to accommodate the logistics of extensive touring:
John Pease; a superb vocal impressionist who has played "Elwood Blues" in the USA and Canada
Hugh Budden*; ex The Producers band, voted "Blues Band of the Year" three times running by the readers of Blueprint Magazine, who brings his "No 1" harmonica playing skills to the line-up.
This show combines the very, very best of The Blues Brothers extensive catalogue from both films, and albums such as A Briefcase full of Blues, and mixes this (if required by the client) with 60's and 70's Soul and Rock 'n' Roll to create a truly memorable party experience.
Whichever 'Brother' Terry performs with, the aims of the show are: To start the party with a bang, get the audience singing along and ultimately dancing the night away to:
* GIMME SOME LOVING * RAW HIDE *
* MINNIE THE MOOCHER *
* STAND BY YOUR MAN *
* SOUL MAN * 6345789 * MIDNIGHT HOUR *
* MUSTANG SALLY * I FEEL GOOD *
* DO YOU LOVE ME? * FLIP FLOP FLY *
* EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY *
* SWEET HOME CHICAGO *
* SHAKE A TAIL FEATHER *
and many more!!
To compliment the duo, the option of a live band was felt to be essential. The best of South Coast professional musicians were selected. Members include:
Tim Wedlake (Band leader & lead guitar) who has played all over Europe with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, and supported Oasis on tour.
Paul Gill (drums); ex Mott the Hoople, Dexy's Midnight Runners and Alvin Stardust.
Martin Holloway (bass guitar); who has played in theatre and music venues in Blues Brothers productions across the world.
Bobby Burke (keyboards); who has toured with Robbie Williams and The Verve, having also played in West End Theatre productions of The Blues Brothers and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Note:
The LIVE core of the CHICAGO HIT SQUAD
is the above four piece line-up. However, this band can be
increased in size to include a 2, 3 or 4 piece Brass Section should
customers request this.
All musicians are full-time professionals who have extensive experience within touring bands, tribute shows, theatre work and recording studio sessions with some of the best artistes from the UK and USA.
Given the variety of different venue and audience sizes across the Tribute World, other session musicians are brought into the show from time to time. All come via references from key band members.
Hugh Budden (see above*) is instrumental in providing expert resources from his own Blues Band line-ups; Blues Etc, and The Ju Ju Men.
Also, within the last two years, two SEXY SOUL SISTERS have been recruited as an optional addition to the line-up, as have fully costumed (or if required, scantily clad!!) FEMALE DANCERS.
Don't delay - Book today 07723 915489
or 01202 232106