THE STRANGE TONES' Cyber Press Kit January 2008Just in the nick of time, one of the Northwest’s most notorious live bands has answered the call with their new release “We’re On Our Way”. The Strange Tones have emerged from their undisclosed secure location with their most entertaining collection of songs yet. 11 originals and a bonus tribute track to the late, great Paul deLay fill out this CD, which also features the legendary Curtis Salgado (harp & vocals), Jim Wallace (harp), and Mike Walker (Hammond Organ).
Rather than plundering the shrines of American music and merely imitating their heroes, these sonic crime fighters have concocted their own secret formula, a one of a one-of-a-kind style they call “Crime-A-Billy”. The band draws upon the rich traditions of blues, rockabilly, surf, and R & B, and combines these ingredients with fresh, well-crafted song writing and dynamic performances. “This band has a clear handle on who they are, setting them well apart from pedestrian shuffle bands and three-chord posers.” -Oregonian
The magic of this ensemble is fueled by four players who are equally compelled and driven to advance their cause. This fearsome foursome, led by the husband-and-wife team of Guitar Julie and bassist Andy Strange, and fortified by longtime partners guitarist Suburban Slim and drummer J.D. Huge, form “....one of Portland’s most original and accomplished bands.” - Oregonian. It may be Andy’s lessons learned as bassman for legendary wildman and voodoo practitioner Screamin‘ Jay Hawkins, or Guitar Julie’s steady childhood diet of Jimmy Reed and Ike and Tina Turner. It could be J.D.‘s deep groove from his years as a studio musician and live performer, or Slim’s intensity and creativity that consistently earn him awards. As anyone who sees The Strange Tones perform live knows, it’s much more than these four individuals....this is a BAND.
The Strange Tones’ fiery, unique sound and outstanding musicianship has earned the band multiple awards as “Best Contemporary Band” and “Best Electric Guitar” by the Cascade Blues Association. Their previous CD “Crime-A-Billy” received much acclaim, including reaching the Top 20 Chart in Spain for FM Blues Radio, and their song “Pinto Squire” was featured on National Public Radio’s Car Talk. The Strange Tones step up to the plate with their new release. Their continued development as a dynamic band with relentless energy and exciting live shows are well captured on “We’re On our Way”.
FACT SHEET
Band Name:
The Strange Tones
Musical Style:
One of a kind fiery blend of original blues, rockabill surf and vintage R&B
Hometown:
Portland, OR (USA)
Current CD:
We’re On Our Way (2008)
Additional Works:
Crime-A-Billy (2005)
Stink bomb! (2003)
Members/Instruments:
Guitar Julie: vocals, lead guitar, and rhythm guitar
Suburban Slim: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals, trumpet, and bass
J.D.Huge: drums and percussion
Andy Strange: bass, harmonica, vocals, and bottleneck guitar
Record Label:
Meteor Sonic Records
Distribution:
Burnside Distribution Corporation
For information on ordering product visit our distributor’s website at
http://www.bdcdistribution.com. Also, single units available worldwide
from www.cdbaby.com Single songs available for digital downloading from
Apple iTunes, Great Indie Music, and many more.
Awards:
2007 Inducted into Muddy Hall of Fame as Best Contemporary Blues Act
(Cascade Blues Association - CBA)
2007 Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2006 Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2006 Best Electric Guitar (CBA)
2005 Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2005 Best Electric Guitar (CBA)
2005 Bronze Telly Award for “Live at the Waterfront Blues Festival” video
2005 Best of the Northwest Award of Excellence for “Live at the Waterfront Blues Festival” video
Additional Points of Note:
• Crime-A-Billy has reached the Top 20 Chart in Spain for FM Blues Radio
• Crime-A-Billy is on the Top 100 CD’s recommended by Real Blues Magazine
• Song “Pinto Squire” was featured on National Public Radio’s Car Talk
• Wrote and recorded soundtrack for independent film “Overdrawn”
• Debut CD “Stink Bomb!” nominated as Best Northwest Recording (CBA)
• Strange Tones songs are featured on several compilations:
“Best of the Northwest” Walla Walla Blues Society
“Rock N Roll Mamas” Rock Mama Films
“Blues in Portland” KMHD
“Winthrop R & B Festival” Volume 1 Winthrop Music Association
Festivals (partial listing):
Portland Waterfront Blues Festival
Blues by the Sea
Winthrop Blues Festival
Sunbanks Rhythm & Blues Festival
Untapped Blues Festival
Ritzville Blues Festival
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
Washington Summer Brewers Festival
Museum After Hours (Portland Art Museum)
Portland Spirit Blues Cruise
Carlton Walk in the Park
Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival
Hillsboro Market Street Fair
UFO Festival (McMenamins)
Paddy’s Blues and Brews Fest
St. Patrick’s Day Festival (McMenamins Edgefield)
Kalama Blues Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Spring Beer and Wine Fest
Oregon Brewers Festival
Stevenson Blues Brews and Barbeques
Oktoberfest (McMenamins)
Salem Art Fair and Festival
Airplay (partial listing):
"Bluesville" XM Satellite Radio
“Sunday Night Blues Show” KINK 102 FM, Portland, OR
“Blues Palace” KMHD 89.1 FM, Portland, OR
“Friday Freeway” KMHD 89.1 FM, Portland, OR
“River City Juke Joint” KMHD 89.1 FM, Portland, OR
“Breakfast with the Blues” KRVM 91.9 FM, Eugene, OR
“Blues Power” KLCC 89.7 FM, Eugene, OR
“Blues Odyssey” KSER 90.7 FM, Everett, WA
“The Nowsville Show” KWVA 88.1 FM , Eugene, OR
“Car Talk” NPR (National Public Radio)
“Bone Conduction Music Show” WAMM 1600AM, Ann Arbor, MI
“A Date With Elvis” JET 91.2FM, Nantes, Pays de la Loire France
“Radio Golden Flash” Westerlo, Belgium
“La Hora del Blues” 96.6 FM, Barcelona, Spain
“Red Hot Blues” 107.3 FM, Girona, Spain
“Blanco Y Negro” 107.9 FM, Madrid, Spain
“Rock-A-Holics Anonomous” KBOO 90.7 FM, Portland, OR
“Blue Monday” KBOO 90.7 FM, Portland, OR
“10,000 Blues Show” CKIA 88.3 FM, Quebec City, Canada
“Midnight Special Blues Radio” Live365.com, Paris, France
“Good Times Blues” 93.1 FM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Down Home Blues” KPBX 91.1 FM, Spokane, WA
“Black Roots” 97.4 FM, Radio Holstebro, Holstebro, Denmark
“Mojo Dreams” 105.5 FM, Radio Sinaai, Zwijndrecht, Belgium
MUSICAL FRIENDS (partial listing)
Members of The Strange Tones have performed with or shared the bill with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Rogers, Jeff Healy, Long John Baldry, Guitar Shorty, J.J. Malone, Troyce Key, Johnny Shines, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Robben Ford, Otis Clay, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Louis Walker, Albert Collins, Curtis Salgado, Johnny Winter, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Marva Wright and Watermelon Slim
Contact:
Strange Tones International
P.O.Box 86802
Portland, OR 97286
Strange Tones Hotline
Dial 1 (503) 775-4077
"Many people find it hard to show something new within’ electric blues format and they should ask The Strange Tones for some private lessons as you have found your own niche and truly shine. “We’re On Our Way” is a party record from start to finish! "
THE VOICE OF THE BLUES PRZEMEK DRAHEIM POLAND
“With the exception of the grunge movement, some people don’t realize what a fertile breeding ground the northwest was and still is for great talent, sprouting such artists as Heart, The Wailers, The Sonics and Paul Revere and the Raiders, not to mention Jimi Hendrix. Well, you can count on The Strange Tones to keep the northwest’s rep solid.”
ELMORE MAGAZINE
"...there is much to enjoy on this slab of raucous roots rock [We're On Our Way]. If you're looking for fun, look to the Strange Tones."
BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE
“Since their debut back in 2003, the Strange Tones have gone from strength to strength, garnering deserved plaudits for 2005’s “Crime-A-Billy” and bagging a bunch of awards along the way. This culminated in this year’s induction into the Muddy Hall of Fame as Best Contemporary Blues Act (after winning the category for three straight years).”
BLUES IN BRITIAN
“When Tarantino goes back to making movies about quirky outsiders on the run, the soundtrack to that howling film should consist of tracks from this release. With a perfect sense of humor, a healthy dose of self awareness, and the swagger of bands like the Cramps and alt country legends; X, The Strange Tones take music from the past and make it sound like it belongs, right here and now.”
NEXT BIG THING
"Always entertaining, the Strange Tones are favorites wherever they perform and their eclectic CD's belong in every CD collection."
WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY BLUESLETTER
"...their super powers are causing them to perform at a ridiculously higher level than any typical band.
WALLA WALLA BLUES SOCIETY
"Definitely, these Portland, Oregon musicians, lead by singer and guitar player Guitar Julie, confirm themselves as one of the best and most original pop-blues, garage rock-blues or alternative blues bands around. MUY BUENO"
LA HORA DEL BLUES
“Rockin’ bluesy-rootsy, double-agent tunes on a surfboard…one of Oregon’s best rock and blues bands.”
STATESMAN JOURNAL
“This band has taken over their hometown of Portland like never before. The radio stations, the club owners and the blues fans all agree that the swing’n vintage sounds f this group will take them along way.
EAGLE 106.5 FM
“Rarely does the musical industry see an ensemble representing the musical quality, personal integrity & soundness and promise of this group. They evidence many of the qualities for success and staying power typical of blues legends and are sure to find a place in the Blues Pantheon.”
RICHARD LAZERE, CASCADE BLUES ASSOCIATION BLUES NOTES
“This stellar quartet lays it all out on their new CD with 14 killer tracks…The striking vocals of Guitar Julie, who sound a whole bunch like the sultry Austin songstress, Lou Ann Barton, are incredible.”
RICK HALL, CASCADE BLUES ASSOCIATION BLUES NOTES
“Right from the gate the Strange Tones were smokin’ as they rolled and rocked and swayed from one tune into another…If I could I would have them back each and every year.”
CHOLO WILSON, TALENT MANAGER WINTHROP BLUES FESTIVAL
“I’m in the cult man, I’m in the cult! Guitar Julie tell me when I drink the Kool-Aid!!! I’ve got eyes as big as pie plates behind this CD!”
THAYRONE-X, BONE CONDUCTION MUSIC SHOW WAAM 1600 Ann Arbor, MI
“An impressive Strange Tones new albumn performed in the original way they have to combine blues with alternative rock, garage, R&B, or neo-rockabilly music. A compact well teamed band with a hard ‘punch’, so enjoyment is guaranteed for those of you who look for new forms and a different conception of black rooted music. A terrific record! GREAT!”
LA HORA DEL BLUES, BARCELONA
“Ripping guitars, excellent vocals, catchy songwriting, and killer tone make “Crime-A-Billy” a great original CD and one not to miss!”
BLOGGING THE BLUES
“...the band exudes an effortless and enviable sense of cool: vintage-suit cool, cheap sunglasses cool, sleep all day and twist all night cool.”
PORTLAND TRIBUNE
“Crime-a-Billy is a richly entertaining album....great retro feel, whilst still sounding contemporary.”
BLUES IN BRITIAN MAGAZINE
“...the CD kicks ass...what a recording...great lyrics, sound and most important, attitude!!!”
STEVE PRINGLE, HOST OF KMHD FRIDAY FREEWAY BLUES
“Every song is a gem...The album is a tasty cohesive collection of tough, ready to romp tunes. Steller performances on all fronts and great song selections all wrapped up as only The Strange Tones can do it.”
PORTLANDBLUES.COM
“The Strange Tones are a fine funky band that plays rockin’ roots music with the fervor of true believers. Their sound is stripped of gratuitous flash because these guys know Jimmy Reed’s secret, that one note is better than a hundred, especially if it’s the perfect one.”
THE OREGONIAN
“Each performance is like boarding a runaway train racing you down the tracks, taking you on a wild, energetic ride into the future of the blues.”
POSITIVELY ENTERTAINMENT
“Bluesy, rockin’, raw, gritty, and oh so cool!”
TOM ADDIS, HOST OF KMHD’S BLUES PALACE
“This band is on fire with some of the best original hip shakin’ wiggle centric music on the scene today!”
THAYRONE-X, BONE CONDUCTION MUSIC SHOW WAAM 1600 Ann Arbor, MI
“Wow! This one has a great feel to it - sounds like it just came out of Austin, Texas.”
CASCADE BLUES ASSOCIATION BLUES NOTES
“...este producto, editado por ellos mismos, nos deje un grato y buen sabor de boca. Su estilo es personal, original y las influencias que se intuyen desde el primer tema, van desde las ‘american-roots’, pasando por el cruce del blues con el surf y el r&b...bueno!”
LA HORA DEL BLUES, BARCELONA
“Every note, every perfectly understated drum or guitar lick, every harmony, every honk of the harmonica, exists to further the songs.”
THE OREGONIAN
“This is some great stuff. I’ve been really digging it!”
BILL RHOADES, HOST OF KBOO’S BLUE MONDAY
“The Strange Tones turn in a rip roaring, label defying bunch of great tunes”
PORTLAND BLUES.COM
“Fresh and vibrant. . . .‘Stink Bomb!’ is a real blast.“
BLUES ON STAGE, MINNEAPOLIS
“There are plenty of highlights as the Strange Tones consistently deliver the groceries on strolls, shuffles and sneaky instrumentals”
PORTLAND TRIBUNE
“Best bass man I know.”
SCREAMIN’ JAY HAWKINS
“Crime-A-Billy may be their latest CD, but this music will live on to become classic Americana. This hard rockin’, surf-blues-a-billy ensemble, with their no-holds-barred attitude, takes us as their prisoners and there is no escape.”
PORTLAND ROOTS MUSIC PROJECT
“Here they come to save the day…The band combines the usual blues, country, and rock feel into a tightly controlled, expertly delivered package.”
EUGENE WEEKLY
“The Strange Tones take traditional blues, which they perform very well, and crank it up to another level with their own unique energetic sound.”
WALLA WALLA BLUES SOCIETY, BLUES NEWS
“If surf guitar god Dick Dale found himself in Bogie’s Maltese Falcon film-noir underworld, and drank beer at the seedy bar with bluesmen Jimmy Reed and Magic Sam, the resulting soundtrack might be exactly what the Strange Tones purvey.”
OREGONIAN
“The tough, sometimes in your face lyrical style of Julie Strange is punctuated by her own and Suburban Slim’s excellent guitar work.”
The Washington Blues Society, Bluesletter
“From stage show to recordings and even their web presence and entire graphics presentation, this band is the complete package.”
THE OREGONIAN