Biography
Ask any dyed-in-the-wool blues fan who has followed the Gloucestershire scene for many years about Maxwell Street and they will smile warmly at you and reminisce about the days of the Barge Semington blues club, or maybe the band's support of Chicago blues legend Eddie C. Campbell at the Gloucester Leisure Centre or their appearances at past Gloucester Blues Festivals. In fact, Maxwell Street are a local legend in their own right. They are the county's longest established blues band and after fifteen years plus of performing at numerous festivals, clubs and pubs throughout the land they are certainly one of the best you're likely to come across. The warm comradeship between the band members is obvious and shows in their relaxed, effortless performance - they have a chemistry which only comes with a long friendship such as theirs. In fact performing with Maxwell Street is such a tonic that a host of musicians have come along to gigs and played, sometimes for the whole show, as guests. The long list includes Mike D'abo (Manfred Mann, Radio Gloucester), Phil Beer (The Albion Band, Show of Hands and session player with the Rolling Stones), Ian Dench (EMF), Doug Chandler (guitar guru to the stars - e.g. Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend), and Graham Davies (Blonde on Blonde).
Individually, they have quite a history too. Singer, harmonica and slide guitar player Mark Cole also fronts the blues duo Sons of the Delta and formerly renowned local band the Dockery Boys and has shared the stage with many including guitar legend Alvin Lee (at the Glastonbury Festival in 1994), Richard Thompson, singer Alison Moyet, Keith Jagger (Mick's bro) and the Gutter Brothers. His talents are frequently called for at recording sessions, he writes strong songs and has written for others including Dave Edmunds. Roger Baynham not only provides some of the best blues guitar you'll hear for a long time but also frighteningly good piano! Tom Selway has been around so long he claims that his sweet sax riffs kept Noah and the animals going when things got rough on board the Ark! Roland Berry on bass guitar is a veteran of the British blues scene, playing with greats such as Jo Ann Kelly, and Stuart Earl on drums claims his main musical influence is Animal from the Muppets! For the last few years the band has been playing as a seven piece with regular and long-time collaborator Bill Blair on keyboards and David on second sax.
Maxwell Street have over the years been in great demand by visiting acts looking for a consistently good support band. They have warmed up the crowds for a diverse range of musicians which include Steve Gibbons, Dr. Feelgood, Chicken Shack, Steve Marriott and of course Eddie C. Campbell.
Their appearances of late have been rare, prompting some to think that they are no longer treading the boards. Nothing could be further from the truth - they have continued to deliver the goods out of the public eye at private functions, lured by good pay and free food and drink! This state of affairs prompted one old fan to say "why don't you do more public gigs?" They couldn't find an excuse not to so now they can also be seen at festivals and the odd pub gig.
Whether an up-tempo R'n'B mover, a slow and moody blues or a soul classic Maxwell Street lift an audience, putting a smile on their faces and a shuffle in their feet!
If you're a promoter, what are you waiting for? Get them in your venue now!