N.J.(the Duke) Dunne Vocals/Harmonica
Anthony Roach Guitars/Backing vocals
Big Vern Drums/Backing vocals
Andy (Big Bass) Sykes Bass/Backing vocals
Influences
James Harman, Rod Piazza, William Clarke, Kim Wilson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Otis Rush, Hollywood Fats, Kid Ramos, Rusty Zinn, Jimmy Vaughan, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, and many more. ................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ..
Sounds Like
We play Blues. From Chicago down to Texas, east coast to west in its influence. Here are a few bits from reviews we have received to give you an idea;
"There can't be many blues bands who can entertain as well as these guys" Mike Pendergast Riffs magazine.
"Hot & rousing blues that had the place jumping" Eddie Furry Blueprint magazine.
"A well produced set which allows them to have a much wider,and more sophisticated repertoire than many of their contemporaries" Blues & Rhythm.
"One of the UK's most entertaining blues bands" Scott Duncan Blueprint.
"The swampy economy of Lightnin'Slim, the relatively down home sophisticated sounds of Lightnin' Hopkins and T-Bone Walker, the teen R&B of Chuck Berry and even the rock & roll of Eddie Cochran." Chris Lee Manchester Evening News.
"Sophisticated-swinging-impassioned update on the bouncy urgency of the Chess sound" Brian Day RTE radio Eire.
"A geat sound original material in a convincing blues style" Paul Jones BBC Radio 2,
and the acolades go on......... .............................................For details of how to order any of the above please contact theharpbreakers@yahoo.co.uk all T Shirts made to order..........ie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NUEMIaOOc6A&hl=en&fs=1">...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGNfbhy5-0w/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTQg59HIKFk
Formed 20 years ago The Harpbreakers have kept fresh the bouncy blues and energy of the Chess artists of the 50’s and 60’s, pumping new life into it with superbly sculptured originals. Compared on many levels with the modern day west coast swing of Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza and James Harman these guys know how to rock the house. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ The Harpbreakers first got together in The Red Lion pub in Stockport and discussed the idea of playing real Chicago blues as all the other bands in the area were playing rock blues. They played a few local gigs and then got a booking at the first Burnley Blues festival. They were booked to play for an hour at the end of the night and had such a good reception that Gary Hood the promoter of the festival asked them to carry on for a while. After a further hour and a half the set was finished. Thus began their reputation for giving their audience good value for money. Photos abound of two members of the band playing on tables whilst all around them danced. This has been the scene on many occasions since. Through out the years the band have had a reputation for somersaults off the stage, jumping out of balconies and off PA stacks, swinging from ceilings and lighting rigs etc. This madness and eccentricity linked with a true mastering of their instruments and chosen genre led to 3 nominations for best British blues band by Blueprint magazine and 3 nominations for best harmonica player for N.J.Duke. If you go to a show don't expect to be sat having dinner or a bottle of wine by candle light. It's just not that kind of blues. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The band consists of Anthony Roach, guitars and backing vocals, N.J. (the Duke) Dunne, harmonica and lead vocals, Vern, drums and backing vocals and Andy 'Big Bass' Sykes, acoustic double bass and electric bass. Together they weave a blend of blues rarely heard from a British band. Even the Americans state this and have described on many occasions that the band as the real deal. Taj Mahal, James Harman, our own Paul Jones and many of the American artists they have appeared along side have all agreed. Over the years the band have been the backing band for American Blues artists Phil Guy, Angela Brown, Mojo Buford, Guitar Shorty, James Wheeler, Jimmy Burns, Johnny Mars, Chic Willis, and many more.They have truly learned their trade from the masters. They have also played support to the likes of Taj Mahal, James Harman, Otis Grand, Dr. Feelgood, Eugine 'Hideaway' Bridges and others. The Duke even had personal invites to play with Albert Collins and Little Jimmy Rogers. ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................
They released a trilogy of live albums recorded at the legendary Band on the Wall club in Manchester where they were a regular feature. They also had two studio albums recorded one of which is yet to be released but, with each update, will be down-loadable from this site only. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ The The Harpbreakers have appeared on many of the main stages at blues festivals over the years and are renowned for their exciting and energetic stage performances as much as their music. Press reviews have always highlighting the skill, energy and sophistication of their shows. After a sabbatical of 3 years + they are back with the original line up and twice the enthusiasm. Catch them soon. You won’t be disappointed.
To contact The Harpbreakers email theharpbreakers@yahoo.co.uk
Hi everybody, just here to say our new RORY GALLAGHER HAWK BOOSTER is ready for shipping. Have a listen if you get a chance, All the best, Stevie Flynn.
A Celtic song written by French folk star Gilles Servat has been given an African makeover to benefit two worthy charities. “Le Pays” (This Land), written by Servat and Irish musical wizard Donal Lunny, speaks of the loneliness and isolation of migrant workers.
French interpreter and musician Phil Muriel translated the song into English, relating it to the heart wrenching experiences of asylum seekers who have fled persecution and torture only to face destitution and endless waiting for others to decide on their future in this country. Now Phil has recorded the song with the help of African drummers, giving it a completely different style and aiming to benefit two charities through record sales.
Phil declares: “I have the greatest admiration for the counsellors and volunteers from “The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture” and “Justice First” who give of themselves, open their hearts and often, their homes, to help torture victims and asylum seekers; I want to do something to support their work”. Gilles Servat kindly gave his permission to translate his song, stating “I would like to express my admiration for the help you give to uprooted individuals who, unlike us, do not have the opportunity to return home. To buy the CD, please send cheque (£2.00 + 70pence postage) to:
An underground movement of musicians in Chicago used the Internet to unite thousands of bands and musicians worldwide to start a new radio station.
Artists register a brief bio and then upload a few of their favorite original songs for free. IMRadio listeners tune in for free and listen to your songs on our new radio station. Upload your songs on IMRadio at http://www.IMRadio.com
Hi Harpbreakers! Thank you for the add. You have great tracks on your profile. Hope you will have a wonderful week. Greetings from Sweden. The best mail you can get. Blackmail Bluesband.
Hi Boys Thanks for the link. The Breedon Bar seems a long time ago but I never forgot the bands that impressed me and The Harpbreakers were superb. Hope we meet again will be in touch to book you a.s.a.p. Luv Sue Viper
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