"In 1991 The Hoax exploded onto the British blues scene. With an average age of just 22, their energy and excitement mixed with the musical ability of seasoned pros immediately set them apart from everything else on the live circuit." (Quote from their website).
In 1993 famed blues record producer (BLUE HORIZON veteran) Mike Vernon caught them live on stage, said "They’re the most exciting band I’ve heard for twenty years" and offered them to sign with CODE BLUE (a WARNER label). And so they did next year.
Oct ’94 saw the release of their debut album "Sound Like This" (CODE BLUE). It met with vast critical acclaim. It was voted Best Blues Album ’95 by the British Blues Connection. And check out the review from U.S. blues magazine "Blues Access" below!
The Hoax as a band was voted Best British Blues Band in ’94 - and then for four more years, solidly joining the Gallery of the Greats.
Singer/harpist Hugh Coltman was furthermore chosen Best Male Vocalist in ’95.
Two U.S. tours in ’95 followed, many concerts opening for U.S. blues ace Buddy Guy. The followup album "Unpossible" (CODE BLUE) was released in ’96, outselling the previous one. More touring - and even more touring.
Determinedly looking for independence they left CODE BLUE, forming their own label, CREDIBLE RECORDS. On this label they issued one EP and two full length albums: "Humdinger" (their masterpiece according to some) and "Live Forever" - the second one sadly the band’s swan song.
Jesse along with Jon Amor & Mark Barratt plus special guests are playing The 12 Bar in Swindon on September 12th. Tickets are £5.00 adv & £6.00 door and are avaialable from www. the12barswindon. com
Jesse along with Jon Amor & Special Guests are playing The 12 Bar in Swindon on April 16th. Tickets are £5.00 and avaialable from www. the12barswindon. com