It's amazing what can happen if you hang around a blues bar long enough! Of course, it isn't just any ole blues bar I'm talking about, it's Ain't Nothin' But in Soho, where on a good Monday night, you can see just about the best musicians in London jamming together on stage.
And that's where Big Mamma's Door opened a chink, when Fiona McElroy (vocals) Mal Barclay (guitar), Joe Glossop (keys), and Big Andy Roberts thought about jamming on a more regular basis. Then the rockin Rob Pokorny (Drums) joined the equation and finally Big Mamma's Door was open for business
Fiona McElroy Vocals Fiona has been singing as long as she can remember. Many nights she was called upon by her parents to entertain the neighbours at 1 am in the morning, after a few pints down the local (the neighbours, of course - Fiona was only 7 at the time). But she got distracted by the bright lights of the theatre and didn't realise what she was missing until 2003 when she decided she'd had enough of the persistent internal whisper wishing she was singing. So, she produced her own show,'The Memory of All That', a tribute to the Gershwin brothers, which sold out in Dublin and Limerick, Ireland. And that was that! No more theatre! It's been all about the singing since Fiona moved to London in January 2004. Fiona has sung with various bands, from The Darwins’ rock/pop covers, to Roadhouse's rock blues, to Retrogression's funk and soul - all the time working towards the sound and style she wanted to sing. It was always the blues; that was clear from the first time she heard Billie sing, but Mal Barclay was the person that guided her and helped to define the sound of Big Mamma's Door. Now, she's a happy gal!
Mal Barclay Guitar One of the hardest working blues guitarists in London and a T-Bone Walker obsessive; he's played with a whole mess of people, including appearances with Jerimiah Marques & the Blue Aces, West Weston's Bluesonics, Pete G & the MagniTones, and Sam Hare (Hucklebuck). Currently he can be seen on stage playing hot West Coast blues and swing with The Cadillac Kings, Jules & the Gamblers, Oo-Bop-Sh'bam, and sexy 50s R&B with Big Mamma's Door.
Joe Glossop Keys Originally from Sheffield Joe spent several
years gigging mostly around the north with blues and rock n roll
bands, notably 'the frank white band' ,a Yorkshire legend, who's
been around since the 60's. Joe moved to London at the beginning of
2007 and, of course, made his way to Ain't Nothin' But where
straight away he was jumped by various musicians, looking for a
keyboard player!! Joe is currently involved in a few different projects in London including
blues based bands and pop sessions but he's always open to offers
(and they don't always have to be musical!)
Big Andy Roberts Bass For a while, many moons ago, Andy played bass.
Then he didn't, but now he's seen the light again. Or maybe he just
opened the right door! Andy has had his fingers wrapped around the
neck of a bass a long time. Originally from Bristol, Andy's love of
music developed when he moved to London to attend college. He should
have attended lectures..but hey!! Andy has played bass
with lots of London bands. The list is endless but some of the bands
he gigs with are Guy Tortora, Tonebrokers featuring Phil Hughes,
The Paul Garner Band, The Greg Derham Band, Bluesmix.
Rob Pokorny DrumsRob has been playing drums for around 5 years, and moved back to his birthplace of London in 2005, where he landed his first gig with Chicago blues and swing quartet Gentleman Tim & The Contenders. Since then, Rob has been involved in the blues scene with Jules & The Gamblers and Big Mamma’s Door, as well as playing with funk quintet GrooveLamp.
The Opium Den is back to bring you fireworks on the 4th July.
With performances from the Stillhouse Orchestra, Sam Astley and Craig Temple providing bluesy hillbilly rockin sounds to dance and sing along to and The Opium Den Madame Amanda Mae Steele and Miss Rose Thorne providing the Burlesque you'd be mad to miss it.
There will as always be the delectable opium tea served up to those who need it! And also the inimitable Lydia Darling providing the tunes for you to dance to.
Get out and see some other Live Entertainment this weekend and let your Groove be unleashed, It'll put a smile on your face and make da Soul feel Blessed! Oh to be in one of the juke joints that your getting down...now, dat be a Party. Dont forget your Ballerina Shoes Darlin!
we've finally sorted out drummer issues. new demo should be coming next month if we finally get paid for gigs. we got one tomorrow at the good ship and they're good with payment. so hopefully we do loads of gigs in the next few weeks.
I saw buddy guy the other night. pretty amaying stuff. he walked into the crowd and played guitar and got some old woman to sing along with him.
barring any unforeseen incident I shall be at the blues bar on july 3rd.
Please excuse this confusion me Big Mama. For the music: I send you an invitation on an other page but I fear you will think I should give up singing! But I can't stop. Sincerely Jean
Foot loose & fancy free. ha! Always barefoot whenever possible. What's going on with Big Mamma's Door? Hope your summer is blessed. take care dear lady, Jackie Xx
haha! well not complaining about things is cool too lol erm well, went on a trip with friends on the weekend and it was really cool, then i'm going to a good music festival in july, to see a band friend of mine live again in july also, going back to england in august,plus keep going out lots so its all good :) hehe
Heyy!! it's ok, i haven't been much in touch either :) yay! that'd be great,looked like a cool bar :) Yes of course,will let you know for when i'm over etc because i'd definitely would like to see you live! I'll keep you updated as gotta check when i'm going etc but it's likely it will be by august yeh. So how are things? all's cool here now you asked,got some cool plans for summer :) xxx
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