MySpace.com - DOCTOR'S ORDERS - Worcester, UK - Blues - www.myspace.com/doctorsordersblues

DOCTOR'S ORDER'S were formed in 2005 with the aim of playing good time bouncing blues, and the result is just that.

Doctor's Orders' music, while it could broadly be described as blues, is an eclectic mix within that genre, combining funk, rock, r&b, jazz and swing to produce a varied, up-tempo set. Many of the covered artists are familiar, ZZ Top, Dr. Feelgood, Fleetwood Mac (of course), Johnny Winter, The Blues Band, Them, The Allman Brothers Band, (the inevitable) Garry Moore, Louis Jordan, Robben Ford and many more, but Doctor's Orders generally tend to avoid the more obvious “done to death” numbers in favour of songs which, although well known are perhaps not heard as often.

The set includes a spattering of instrumentals featuring excellent guitar work from Jon Bridger and Martyn Davies which, while delivered with great flair and skill never fall into the trap of self-indulgence.
The band is completed by the rock-solid rhythm section of Dave Wiggins on bass and Chris Houghton on drums.

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE!

Doctors Orders
Gig Review 6^th October 2007
by Tony Smith - Borough Blues Club

What was it? Did everyone stay in to watch France and New Zealand ? Did hordes go to the Blues Festival in Blaenavon?
For whatever reason, our numbers were down on the usual attendance on 6 October when Doctor’s Orders played at the BBC.
A pity for those unfortunate enough to miss the gig!

Doctor’s Orders are four guys based in Worcester . Chris holds it all together on the drums, Dave is the bassist and master of ceremonies, Martyn does most of the vocals and plays guitar left handed – according to their web site he also plays harp but we didn’t see it – and then there’s Jon. Jon is a guitarist - a seriously good guitarist.

Their set included a super mix of well known blues numbers, a bit of rock and roll, a bit of swing, a bit of TV theme music (who knew that the theme from Top Gear is called Jessica?), a ZZ Top number and one from Fleetwood Mac - all delivered with terrific gusto.
The band opened with Dr Feelgood’s “Down at the Doctors”, this was followed by BB King’s “Someday Baby” and then Albert King’s “Blues-Power”: - an answer to recent mutterings against bands who only play self penned offerings!
Other numbers from history’s most popular blues artists - and not necessarily their cliché tracks - followed. These were interspersed with instrumentals and a few “only marginally” blues numbers - altogether an excellent and thoughtfully mixed set.

Although Martyn provided the bulk of the vocals Dave’s singing, particularly on “Talk to your Daughter”, made a nice contrast.
From the beginning Jon’s solo guitar power was obvious. He’s a man who loves his work.
His shades and his pony tail tell you that the man is committed. When he’s really into it he unties his long hair and you’d be excused for confusing him with someone from the heavy metal brigade! But you wouldn’t confuse his playing. He is one of the best electric blues guitarists that I’ve heard at the BBC.
Martyn is no slouch and, towards the end, he and Jon seemed to seriously enjoy their guitar duel on “ La Grange ”. Their encore of “Statesboro’ Blues” and “Baby Please Don’t Go” finished the evening in some style.

We’ve had some bands at the BBC that were obviously very competent but didn’t have quite as much passion – these boys have high energy and real commitment to go with their expertise.
In my view, this is one of the best bands on the local circuit. It was a privilege to be there.

DOCTOR'S ORDERS
@ The Marr's Bar, Worcester
Performing a supporting role (for one of the top Blues Brothers acts) on Marr's tonight Doctors Orders took it straight and true and blasted a brilliant set at a packed house. And, what a support they provided - almost too good actually because they whipped up a storm and got a great reception.
I reviewed Doctors Orders' live demo a few months ago but although the demo was damn good it didn't prepare me for what I experienced here tonight. This set was blisteringly hot!
Ok, they're essentially a covers band at the moment but by no means did they simply do covers; they took each and every song and made it their own through little changes and nuances. Their choice of material was refreshing and quite unique. The pace was high, the energy was awesome and boy did they rock - Oh yes they did!!.
Doctors Orders may be one of the more 'mature' bands around at the moment but don't be misled into thinking that what they do is 'old hat' - tonight's set was packed full of great songs done to perfection - a positive barrage of rockin' rhythms poured from the stage - their sound was superb - their style was crazily laid back and the overall result was a very impressive and 'original' set. And, I don't think they actually realise how good they are - the modest bunch!
Still relatively young in band terms Doctors Orders have a great deal to offer. From what I saw tonight these bad boys are too good to do support slots - personally, I'd hate to have to follow Doctors Orders on stage.

I'll be looking out for more of the same now that I've taken the sweet medicine of Doctors Orders. An excellent, kick-ass, rockin' and rollin' set from four great guys - watch out for 'em!!

Review by Toxicpete http://www.toxicpete.co.uk

Marrs Bar 21st April - "Caught you live at the Marrs Bar on Friday - what a great set! I had listened to the demos on your website, before coming along, and was duly impressed. What a difference live though, I take it when you recorded some of those songs it was just you guys there? Try recording live at a gig next time because the same songs sounded 10 times better with the extra "live" energy. Great Solos, Overall I'd say you've got one of the best sounds and song lists I've heard in a long time"

"What a fantastic set on thursday night. (TALBOT) Green manalishi was fantastic, well done.
The web site is pretty good too Cheers" - Colin Freeman

"I missed your first set but arrived back in time for the second and it was great, fantastic sound and great songs, I'm looking forward to seeing you again, I'll make sure I'm around for the whole evening" - David Richmond - The Engineers, Newport (Landlord)

"Great gig at the Taphouse, although my girlfriend wasn't too impressed with my bursting into Mojo working in bed later!" -Justin Thomas

"Has anyone told you that blues is not meant to be fun? -Mark and Sally Richards"
"Pretty Damn Good, I've seen loads of blues bands but never one so varied and musically entertaining. Instead of indulging yourselves you indulged us. If I had a hat I'd take it off to you" - Russell Jones.

MySpace a place for friends

We’ve had some bands at the BBC that were obviously very competent but didn’t have quite as much passion – these boys have high energy and real commitment to go with their expertise. In my view, this is one of the best bands on the local circuit. It was a privilege to be there.

We’ve had some bands at the BBC that were obviously very competent but didn’t have quite as much passion – these boys have high energy and real commitment to go with their expertise.
In my view, this is one of the best bands on the local circuit. It was a privilege to be there.