A world champion harmonica player, Monty Python’s songwriter, a formative member of the band Talk Talk, the music arranger of Bad Manners and six other highly-talented musicians whose collective CVs boast working with everyone from Fleetwood Mac to Jools Holland, make up the wonderfully eclectic and aptly named The Bizzarros, who will perform at The Millfield Arts Centre next Saturday.
Formed some three years ago by bassist Lez and drummer Sol, The Bizzarros grew organically as one member after another slotted into place to create the electric ten-piece R & B big band they are today.
Indeed, accomplished harmonica player Jim Darby was recruited after he was seen performing at a festival in Broomfield Park, charismatic 22-year-old frontman Issac Rose was spotted in a north London burger joint singing away, much to the annoyance of his boss, and lead guitarist and songwriter Dave Howman was invited on board after Lez spotted his card at a recording studio and remembered him from his days gigging in the ‘70s.
Speaking about the north London-based group, Dave, 59, who began working with the Monty Python team when he was a teenager and has written hits for Showaddywaddy and The Drifters, says: “We are a good time band, when people come and see us, they leave with a smile. We live in sad times, so we could all do with a laugh.”
Playing everything from Stevie Wonder to KC and The Sunshine, with a few original tunes thrown in, The Bizzarros take numbers and reconstruct them in their own unique way.
As Lez explains: “We give people something to think about and surprise them, like taking The Zutons and Amy Winehouse’s Valerie and turning it into a two tone ska song.”
What also sets the energetic group apart from the rest is the use of the harmonica as a solo instrument, with Jim weaving seemlessly in and out of the brass, guitar and keyboards.
“The first time I heard Jim play he blew me away,” Dave reminisces. “He is just so good, he is magic.”
The Bizzarros perform at The Millfield Arts Centre, Edmonton, on Saturday, January 23, 8pm. Tickets: 020 8807 6680, www.millfieldartscentre.co.uk (£12/£10 concs). Info: www.bizzarros.co.uk
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