THE MOONLIGHTERS
"A brilliant, barnstorming r&b band, who play a mix of swinging blues and old style rock 'n' roll with expertise, flair and passion. Featuring seasoned blues and rock veterans from across the UK, including (when his other commitments allow) legendary Rolling Stones and Pretty Things guitarist, Dick Taylor, the band's stated aim is to dish out a "whole heap of rockin' fun" and give their audiences a very good time indeed! Absolutely terrific and not to be missed. Bring your jiving shoes!" (Kontra Roots Promotions)
Featuring: Tony Minx on vocals and rhythm guitar; Phil Oswald on lead guitar and vocals; Kevin Buxton on harmonica and vocals; Mike Huddart on bass guitar; and Paul De Gallier on drums and percussion. The great Dick Taylor also joins the band on lead guitar when he is available.
ABOUT THE BAND
TONY MINX vocals and rhythm guitar
Originally from Newbury, Tony was a veteran of the Salisbury blues scene before relocating to the Isle of Wight, where in 2008 he founded The Moonlighters' "sister" band, The Hillmans, along with Dick Taylor and Mike Huddart. A superb driving rhythm guitarist, he is also the band's lead singer, frontman and raconteur, his impish sense of humour being just one of the reasons why Moonlighters shows are always tremendous fun.
Tony plays a Godin semi-acoustic guitar, but fingerstyle, which gives the band a distinctive percussive sound. His musical tastes range from early blues to JJ Cale and Mickey Jupp. He is an excellent song writer and several of his tunes feature in the set list.
PHIL OSWALD lead guitar and vocals
One of the Isle of Wight's most respected guitarists, Phil is a very special talent indeed and since '76 he has played with many of the island's finest r&b and rock bands.
His roots are with the greats of British Blues and r&b - The Stones, The Yardbirds, The Pretty Things - as well, of course, as the American greats - Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, etc. His favourite guitarists are Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck but his musical taste is extensive and he loves the flamenco style of Paco Pena. Phil plays a beautiful vintage Les Paul Custom.
DICK TAYLOR lead guitar
Dick is a guitar legend and the photo on the left formed part of a recent exhibition of “the top 100 influential guitarsts” at the Albert Hall in London. A schoolfriend of Mick Jagger, he was a founding member of The Rolling Stones before leaving them to form The Pretty Things with singer Phil May. An important figure in the development of British blues-rock, he still performs with The Pretty Things at venues throughout the world.
Dick lives on the Isle of Wight and plays with The Moonlighters when his Pretty Things commitments allow, the resulting twin lead guitar sound giving the band a fabulous extra dynamic.
MIKE HUDDART bass
Though Mike developed his instantly recognisable bass style playing in a 60's Manchester blues band, business commitments prevented further musical adventures until he moved to the Isle of Wight after taking early retirement. Eventually joining Tony and Dick in The Hillmans and subsequently The Moonlighters, his lyrical, driving playing is an outstanding feature of the bands' sound.
Influenced by Chas Chandler and John McVie, Mike has wide musicial tastes and a particular interest in folk music as well as blues and blues rock. He plays a left handed custom bass made by Irish luthier Chris Larkin. Mike now lives near Preston in Lancashire.
KEVIN BUXTON harmonica and vocals
Kev lives in the Northampton area, where over the last ten years he has become a mainstay of the local music scene. As well as being an accomplished blues harmonica player, he is also a gifted solo singer-songwriter and guitarist, and in addition is one of the region's leading acoustic roots promoters. He has a wide-ranging multi-genre solo repertoire and guests with numerous bands, blues and otherwise.
Though his taste in music is catholic, there are few things he enjoys more than playing swinging r&b and rock 'n' roll harmonica. Kev uses a range of Suzuki Promaster and Bushman Delta Frost harmonicas.
PAUL DE GALLIER drums and percussion
Based in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, Paul de Gallier is an exceptional drummer and percussionist who can play virtually any musical genre from jazz and reggae to blues and hard driving rock 'n' roll. He has worked as a session musician in several major studios and played with a wide range of bands, as well as collaborating with several fine singer-songwriters and entertainers.
With influences too numerous to mention, Paul is a hugely creative musician who possesses extensive musical knowledge.
Standing At The Crossroads Again
That's Alright Mama / Mystery Train
Walkin' The Dog
THE DICK TAYLOR BAND
The Moonlighters occasionally play special concerts with Dick and additional musicians as an eight or even nine piece big band. This augmented lineup usually perform under the name The Dick Taylor Band. The photo below shows this version of the band at the Winter Gardens, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, in December 2014.
SAMPLE DEMOS
BOOKING THE BAND
If you're interested in booking the band please do get in touch as far in advance of your proposed gig as possible. Fees are very reasonable, negotiable depending on circumstances, and the guys will always bend over backwards to accomodate you.
For bookings and further information contact Kev at:
kev@kcbworld.co.uk or www.kcbworld.co.uk/kevbuxton/contact.html