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Blues Extra
November 8 @ 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Mariana – Vocals
- Louis Ballestrini – Guitar. Vocals
- Tony Freeman – Harmonica, Guitar, Keyboards. Vocals
- Tony Ashpool – Drums
- Terry Villars – Bass
Blues Extra was formed in 2011 by Terry Villars (bass) following the demise of his previous band.
Terry got together with Paul Englefield and they soon recruited Louis Balestrini (lead guitar) and Tony Ashpool (drums). They started playing open mic nights which led to gigs in pubs and soon began to get asked back for paid gigs!
Drawing on their own musical hinterlands they soon expanded the repertoire into rock from the likes of Clapton, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Bowie, the Stones and this repertoire continues to expand with some 60 songs currently on the setlist. Initially the band had a saxophone in the line up but this didn’t last and Tony Freeman then joined the band. Tony brought keyboards, rhythm guitar and some superb harmonica playing, and the bands sound is now rich and complex.
Terry first picked up the bass guitar at 18 and started jamming with local lads in Jersey where he lived – he was invited to join a new band by a local guitarist and a hard rocking three piece, Dogwatch, was born! Dogwatch played heavy rock/blues in the style of Hendrix and wrote most of their own music, resulting in EMI showing interest, a studio recording, a photo shoot in London and supporting Slade for two nights! A great experience! Unfortunately Dogwatch disbanded as EMI wanted a new singer and one of the members didn’t want to leave the Island so Terry moved to London, played with a few bands until ‘life’ took over and music was put to one side. Fast forward quite a few years and the urge to play returned and a new bass guitar was purchased, and a new band was formed with a friend– Rockpool – playing covers of classic light rock. Rockpool played several gigs before breaking up in 2011.
Tony Freeman started out in brass bands up North while at school, (it were grim) and picked up guitar when at college in Middlesbrough. Some gigs followed while at Newcastle University, but then a long period of “working” meant music was put to one side. Taking up guitar again, then harmonica, then bass, then keyboard, has kept him occupied. (he owns a banjo, and has been seen looking longingly at sets of bagpipes, but his family have threatened legal action if he takes up either). He was in a number of blues bands in London in the 90s, some big bands in the 2000s, and even now occasionally ventures into the world of jazz.
After 3 very successful years our singer Hel has moved on to a new life by the sea in Eastbourne – while we’re sad to see her go we are also excited about the new chapter opening with our new singer Mariana!
Mariana, who originates from Bulgaria is a very experienced singer with experience singing on cruise ships, a Dio tribute band, various places in Greece and was a semi finalist in the Eurovision heats for Bulgaria – so she brings a huge amount of experience!
The band have been going from strength to strength building a solid local fan base with regular gigs in Rugby, Coventry, Kenilworth and Warwick. Some fans come regularly from further afield, Banbury, London and even New Zealand just to hear them play!
Recent successes include headlining the Hook Norton Beer festival.