Abi Hercules - vocals, piano, guitar, mandolin, flute
Dzal Martin - electric/acoustic guitar
Mal Darwen - upright bass/bass guitar
Sandira - percussion
Will Spurling - drums
Anna Scott - backing vocals
Becca Jenkins - backing vocals
Adejumoke Oke - backing vocals
Guest musicians:
Roland Perrin - piano
Roy Dodds - drums
Chris Rodel - double bass
Mickey Simmons - hammond
Colin Griffiths-Brown - vocals
Rebecca Carrington - cello
The Hercules Horns are:
Ken Mott - trumpet
Benjamin Mortimer - tenor sax
Mike Hogh - trombone
Influences
Nina Simone, Joni, Carole, Dolly, Otis, Stevie Wonder, Aretha, Tom Waits, Cole Porter, Timi Yuro, Janis Martin, Elvis, The Mills Brothers, The Everley Brothers, pagode bands, The Skatalites, The Faces, Ella, Ben Harper, Phil Specter, Kate Bush, Myriam Makeba, Mahalia Jackson, The Eurythmics, Yazoo, Cesaria Evora, Christy Moore, Gershwin, Peter Gabriel, Janis, all sorts of other music from around the world except Peruvian pan pipe groups...and my cat.
Sounds Like
Quotes:
'I do think she would give the likes of Norah Jones a run for their money. I kept thinking Joni Mitchell while I was listening to her - her lyrics, tone and talent.'
'Playfully emotive hooky/rootsy texasbarndance-meets-Squeeze tunes'
'Nora Jones on a dirty weekend'
iTunes review from Bob Fuego May 2006
Found this by accident looking for a Japanese 60s band called The Tigers. What an accident though, excellent fresh, folky and cheery sounds. The Easy Tigers are headed by the dynamic Abigail Hercules from London (England). Great music thats totally ignored by the mainstream as usual-pity the fools.
Singer/songwriter Abi Hercules is a London girl born and bred and as her song goes, she’s ‘thin and quite tall, I’m a Skinny Bitch!’ Although diverse in style, from rock ‘n’ roll and reggae to doo wop, pop and soul, Abi’s songs have several things in common; often lyrically playful, always honest, with strong hooks sung with her distinctive soulful, powerful voice, they have the unmistakeable sound of Abi Hercules.
‘Hercules’ storytelling and delivery suggests that Joni Mitchell may have been a formative influence, but the songs feel original and personal. Major labels spend a lot of cash promoting lesser acts – so take a listen.’ Guitar & Bass Review.
With her second album ‘Cycling in Stilettos’ set for release on her birthday, April Fool’s Day 2010, Abi is gearing up for a busy year of gigs and festivals.
Abi is a multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, guitar, mandolin and flute. Her band, The Easy Tigers, was brought together in 2005 for her debut album ‘Breathe the Life of Strangers’, songs inspired by Abi’s South American travels. Since then, Abi and The Easy Tigers have been playing London and further afield, such as the Glastonbury Festival.
Abi is delighted to have Roy Dodds (Eddi Reader) playing kit on the album and Mickey Simmons on Hammond. Along with the newly formed Hercules Horns and a trio of backing singers, Abi’s music has a wonderfully full sound.
Lyrics from Cycling in Stilettos:
Why dip a toe in the shallows of my waters?
Why not dive in deep, swim free with me? (‘Gone’)
Crack crackedy crack cocaine gives you wings and dulls the pain.
Crack crackedy crack cocaine melts the music in your brain.
(‘Back to Crack’ about Amy Winehouse)
Press:
Her music is as delightful and playful as she is. The Late Great Review
Abi could easily become the next fixture in the mainstream firmament. Musician (MU magazine)
Don’t forget! April 1st 2010 - Cycling in Stilettos
Spread the Purrrrrrrrr
Want to come hang with a bunch of really creative people ? We started a new community and it's hoppin already, called Artist Isles, come check it out, for artists and listeners, music lovers of all kinds. Hope to see you. It's a lot less detached than these social networking sites if you want to get to know people for real.
Hey,
Just letting you know there's a free download of an electronic christmas carol at the shop at
www. justingrounds. com.
Feel free to download and share with your pals, its a gift.
Merry Christmas.
Justin
Hey
Just a wee message to let you know that to celebrate this UK tour coming up in September I've put up on my page 3 live tracks from my show in Seattle in May, all for FREE download. Go on, grab 'em and enjoy.
Looking forward to coming home...
J
"Struggles & Lulls", the brand new album from Joan Coffey, is available now on ITunes
'a voice that can enchant. Coffey's vocal chords deliver liquid gold with a divine Irish lilt.' FATEA Records 'charming and honest'. Time Out 'Joan's music exudes a warmth, humility and truth that is rare to find in singer-songwriters these days'. Thea Gilmore
