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"Blue Beat & The Tumblin Donkeys", based in Switzerland, fail to be defined by one single label/genre. The band's songwriter and singer/guitarist, Beat Hüppin, states that it's really all about writing and performing great songs, regardless what label might get attached to them. When asked about his influences, he names bands and artists like Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, Jerry Reed or Warren Zevon, but also many influences from rock or even hard rock.
A true eclectic, one might say. The first BBTD album "The Long Run" (Country Elite Special/Turicaphon), released in September 2007, already displayed Beat as a prolific songwriter, with 14 out of 15 tracks being original compositions of his, from more traditional country to some tunes that really bring out Beat's rock influences.
Following the release of the album, the band got airplay in several countries: Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, good ol’ U.S., Australia and of course in their homebase Switzerland. On top of it, BBTD got credited for one track being used in the soundtrack of a sequel of the very popular TV show "CSI Miami". Quite an unusual achievement for a songwriter from the land of cows and cheese, isn’t it.
The story was continued with the second, critically acclaimed BBTD album entitled "Fingers In The Pie", which was released in September 2008 on Beat's own label "More Guitar Records". 17 new songs were included on this album (!) and showcase Beat's remarkable talent as songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, while he also produced, recorded and mixed the album all on his own.
After seven months of work, BBTD already presented their third CD called "Beatitude", which was released in May 2009. On this release, Beat is exploring his very own crossover style more deeply than ever before, true to his wish to be able to play and combine any kind of music that he likes. The album also includes two interesting, new recordings of songs that were included on earlier BBTD releases, "Donkey Boots" and "Wine, Women And Song", which are both given a quite different musical treatment.
You can go to the little BBTD record store on the official website by clicking on the banner. You'll also hear more song samples there!
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