Channel 4's Popworld winners, blues band, Trafficker join Headline Management stableOne of premiere blues bands in the UK have signed up with Headline Management and may be booked through us.
Before you meet the band, check this video out!So now, meet the band:
Tommy Allen guitar and vocalsTommy was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Guitar Institute in London and could be seen busking on the streets of his home town of Basingstoke, as well as gaining experience at local blues venues.
Tommy joined the Detroit singer Marcus Malone and his band Red House and played on Malone’s album “One More Time”.
He then teamed up with top UK blues band, Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation performing all over Britain and Europe Then in a complete change of direction saw him being asked to be the guitarist for the pop group Sugababes which involved recording the hit single “Soul Sound” and performing live on many TV programmes.
Tommy then formed his own band Trafficker. The band have toured the UK & Europe and to date have recorded 3 CD’s. Tracks from these albums have featured regularly on national and local BBC radio. Tommy has appeared with many American blues legends like Lazy Lester, Luther Allison, Fruteland Jackson and Pee Wee Ellis and has toured the UK twice with Mojo Buford, Muddy Waters’ harmonica player. He played as a guest of The Jimmy Burns Band at Buddy Guy’s Legends Blues Club in Chicago.
Tommy also guested as guitarist for WC Handy award winning musician Otis Taylor on a number of dates on his UK tour. Trafficker recently won Channel 4’s Popworld beating off 2,500 other artists with the Tommy penned “Rock N’ Roll Superstar.
Barry Pethers bass guitarBarry was inspired to play bass guitar at just 15 years of age by the late great Bee Gee Maurice Gibb, whom had a bass guitar made in the USA and sent over for Barry. He soon joined the band Too Hot To Handle which supported the R’N’B band Dr Feelgood on a number of occasions before teaming up with the blues band, Dr JJ. Soon after a request came from Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) asking Barry to play bass with him at a private gig.
Barry was then asked to record a track for the Maurice Gibb Tribute Album. This track also featured Tommy Allen on guitar and vocals and it became the opening track on the album. Barry also met his bass hero Marcus Miller at a London gig and was asked to play for him. He made quite an impression - “I’m very impressed. I look forward to hearing great things from you”
Craig Bacon drumsCraig’s initial live experience was gained in clubs, with covers and original bands on the London circuit. During this time he had his first experience in recording studios and has worked with various artistes, producers and writers including Alex Von Soos (All Saints, Atomic Kitten, Bellefire), Gary Bromham (George Michael, Danii Minogue) and Brio Taliaferro (Sugababes, Aswad). He has also played festivals, made TV appearances and toured with a show band, playing to a click track and packed audiences every night. His drumming style is totally natural and groove based and was honed whilst studying at Drum Tech (London).
It was a great tribute to both Craig and Barry that they gelled together superbly after only a couple of gigs and they have formed an amazing rhythm section.
For your Blues Night, give Astrid a call - this is a superb band who guarantee a terrific show!
