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About 491 blues
491 blues
A 5 piece rhythm and blues band, playing various genre of rhythm and blues music from early blues through to the modern day. We play a balanced mix of covers and our own original material.
The band comprises a lead vocalist, a lead guitarist, harmonica player, bass guitarist and drummer. We are fully self sufficient, with our own full sound system capable of an 800 Watt output. We can promise for all types of venues, a fully professional performance.
491 blues
We will play in clubs, pubs, halls, at festivals and private and corporate functions. We are also pleased to offer a fee free service to registered charities. Please see the 'Contact Us' page for full details.
We can also provide pre recorded rhythm and blues music during our intervals, but please be aware it is the responsibility of the venue to meet the requirements of a PRS licence.
The birth of 491 blues
Tony began the formation of 491 blues in December 2004. From that day to March 2006, Tony spent many months searching for, playing with and trying out musicians so he would get the sound and style he felt was needed for 491 blues to succeed.
The band finally came together on 4th May '06', when Harry our blues harpist joined and filled the fifth and final place in the band
Charlie allegedly retired in September 2007, his final gig for 491 blues at The Rose in Biggleswade, and we wish him well and hope he will come to see us and keep in touch. Although he has now apparently come out of retirement and can be seen rocking at pubs in the South Bedffordshire area. His place was been taken by Dave.
In March 2009 Ben left to pursue song writing in his own unique style and Joe Woods, a young and inexperienced 20 year old filled that gap, with an exciting and different style. Joe was an oustanding guitarist, so playing lead or rhythmn was switched between Adrian and Joe as needed. Joe left 491 blues in December 2009, having been offered a full time placement in a blues/jazz band. We wish him every success and hope that his first live gigs with us have given him the confidence to realise how brilliant he is. Dave also left in December.
Searching for replacements and trying to ensure the sound of 491 blues was retained, Tony was able to find a great vocalist in Terry ( Hooch ) Skipper. Hooch has had an illustrious career as a vocalist, much of it as an Elvis impersonator. Keith ( Dusty ) Miller was our replacement bass guitarist. Dusty also had a famed early career having played with Van Morrison and Them during the 60's when he lived in Belfast. In the late 60's, he joined 'Buster' a band that played support to several major artists including Manfred Mann, Sounds Incorporated and Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers.
Just as we were into the auditions for our two new stars, Adrian left to pursue interests with a rock group he had started, so we were once again looking for a replacement. This was found as Andy ( Soul man ) Sykes joined us. Soul man was again, a muso with an excellent pedigree. Soul man's first gig was as P J Proby's guitarist and musical director and he went on to work with Trevor Horn, the Four Tops, the Detroit Emeralds and a reincarnation of Amen Corner, to name but a few.
491 blues practice in Stevenage every two weeks and are available to gig all over the Home Counties and London (well anywhere really). Our play list is extensive with covers varying from traditional to modern blues.
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We are often asked where the '491' came from. Tony's eldest son Craig lives in Japan. Tony and his family visit him every year and often when they stayed in Yokohama would visit a bar called '491'. Just inside the entrance on the wall, is a newspaper article. The article describes a stone in Ephesus, Turkey, which is 4 metres high, 9 meters long and 1 metre thick. The article goes on to explain that Mary Magdalene, spent her last days in Ephesus and would pray at the wall and rub olive oil into it. It is now believed that anyone who does the same, will find happiness. Tony's youngest son Gary, suggested the name. So, we hope that our music will bring you happiness.
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