Regular Band:-
John Whippy: Vocal / Guitar
Phil Greaves: Guitar
Martin Robinson: Bass
Mick Hill: Drums
Biggish-Band augmentation:- (not all together)
Simon D'souza: Tenor sax, Jane Stimpson: Trumpet
Claire Matthews: Alto sax, Andy Castleton: Trumpet
Paul Satchwell: Trombone, Rich Davies: Hammond, Wilf Taylor: Harp
REAL (!) QUOTES
"Without a shadow of doubt one of Britain's finest blues bands, and from us that is truly an accolade. The Elevators play from experience, and you know these guys are really enjoying themselves. From Peter Greenesqueness, to Chicago, to full-on electric blues, these guys know it all. I would always take the time out to see them, as they'll give you a night to remember. Dedicated, tight and professional...we need say no more!" Ricochet Music
"one of the tightest and most professional blues outfits you will ever see. Fantastic!" Bob Weston ex-Fleetwood Mac
"If you remember the UK blues scene of the mid 60', you must get to see this band . ." Blues4Ever www.blues4ever.com
"Classic electric blues for connoisseurs. The Elevators have distilled the sound of 60's guitarocentric blues to great acclaim . ." Blues & Stuff www.bluesandstuff.com
"Fantastic. We got nestled at the front and witnessed the best gig of the weekend. The sound was great, the atmosphere was excellent, and the playing made it impossible to leave, even for a much needed slash!! Thankyou all for a really memorable experience." Mark Patrick: Colne Blues Festival 2001
"If you are turned-off by guitar solos, this wont be your thing, but for anyone with a liking for intensely played distillations of electric blues, they come highly recommended." Andy Woods: Blueprint review
"PS In Battle The Elevators are now almost legendary - they're hoping I get you back for next year." Marie Sansford: Organiser Battle Festival June 2002
"One of the best acts we have ever had at the club" Bob Brunning. B.B's Blues Club, SW London
"One of the tightest bands we have had the pleasure of hearing at the club. They were simply superb, giving us incredible value for money and playing on till midnight no less. Great lead guitar work from John Whippy and Philip Greaves. They reminded me of early Peter Green, with a dash of B.B. King. Brilliant!"Tony Molloy-Crawley Blues Club
THE ELEVATORS - band profile www.elevatorsweb.com
"A unique sound on the English Blues scene" Monica Madgwick: Boogaloo Promotions/Farnham Maltings
The Elevators have justifiably earned their reputation as the best dual guitar electric blues band performing regularly in England today. A long established fourpiece of experienced, highly competent musicians, playing distinctively authentic and convincing electric urban blues.
Their sound is deeply rooted in the Chicago style and sounds of the '50s and '60s, though they are equally at home with contemporary blues. They cover the waterfront, visiting the Kings, Otis Rush, Charles Brown, and Buddy Guy along the way. Fans have described them as "a bit early Fleetwood Mac-ish" which is perhaps not surprising given the common sources of their inspiration.
Their love and enthusiasm for the blues is instantly obvious. They play with an authority and passion that transcends mere blues pastiche, as they switch from a driving B.B. King song, to a tense rendition of contemporary Robert Cray, or plaintive, chilling Otis Rush, and back with ease. Immaculately accurate, but much more than just photocopier blues. Not surprisingly, these men started to learn their craft at the birth of the first British blues boom of the sixties. Their phrasing and empathy for the genre reflect this long appreciation of blues playing.
They have two superb, but quite different sounding guitarists. Phil Greaves plays with polished and meticulous control, which will suddenly burst into flame, reminiscient of, and as exciting as Bluesbreaker period Clapton. John Whippy, who also earns praise as a blues vocalist, plays with a sweet blues tone, that pays homage to B.B. King and Peter Green. This combination of two distinct characters makes for a colourful display of guitar playing, that is entertaining and enthralling, and probably unique on todays English blues scene. Bass is ably taken care of by Martin Robinson; a solid blues bass player, relaxed and confident enough to stick to the riff, but with the whiff of a jazzer bubbling under. He is held in check by the rock solid drumming of Michael Hill. They are by common consent of all those who see them play, one of the best, most authentic blues bands playing on the scene today.
For occasional gigs the band becomes The Elevators Biggish-Band and is augmented with a superb section of brass players, featuring Simon D'Souza on tenor sax, Claire Matthews on alto sax, Paul Satchwell on trombone, and Jane Stimpson on Trumpet, and occasional special guest players.
The band are regular favourites at festivals, clubs and blues events in England and Europe.
For bookings, press-pack or further information, please use the Contact button on this site, or contact band management on 01273-691962 (outside England 0044-1273-691962). Note for agencies/bookers/promoters. If you want to discuss booking us for a date on which we are already listed as playing, it's still worth making contact, as dates can sometimes be rearranged at short notice.
"Last night's Elevators Biggish-Band gig was great from start to finish....what an excellent band....we don't do 60s R&B that often but they carried it off with aplomb & their four piece brass section made it for me. Judging by the number of CDs sold & the number who stayed to the very end it was a hit with you all. I had several requests for them to do our Christmas Bash but we'll have to see as I've already earmarked another superb "Big Band" for that. Anyway...well done guys & thanks." John Adams: Bottleneck Blues Club, Kent
