PETER CROFT BLUES BAND, THE
Last updated: 22-01-2017
More Info Required
Basic Information
- Ipswich, Suffolk, Uk
- Blues
C1967 - C1971
C1980 - C1984
Musicians
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Lead Vocals, Slide Guitar, Harp: Peter Croft
Guitar: Paul Gill
Vocals: Jack Levene
Sax: Johnny Hillyard
Keys: Mervyn Pedelty (2)Mike Hobbs-Hurrell (3)Roger Kemp
Bass: Shaun Twomey (2)Phil Quinby (3)Gerry Moores (4)Karl Kardi (5)Ben Foster
Drums: Billy Gray (2)John Roache (3)Mervyn Pedelty (4)Paul Bim Richardson (5)Ron West
The Peter Croft Blues Band was Ipswich based, and played mainly around the east coast and Greater London area during a very fertile period for British Blues music. From their first gig at their old school in Felixstowe they progressed to established blues clubs and concert halls: names that will be familiar to many in this area such as Orford Cellar, Gala Ballroom, St. Andrew’s Hall, Baths Hall, Manor Ballroom, Blues Loft, Whiskey-A-GoGo, Dorothy Ballroom. Other venues included pubs, universities, youth clubs, tree fairs and theatres.
The band were often called upon to open for blues concerts and gigs. One such was at The Blues Loft High Wycombe with Alexis Korner, which led to three BBC Radio sessions on The ‘Alexis Korner R&B show’ and ‘Blues is where you hear it’. Other memorable nights were supporting Davey Graham, Juke Boy Bonner, Champion Jack Dupree, Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup, Tony McPhee and the Ground Hogs, The Nice, Family, Amen Corner, Chicken Shack, Killing Floor, Duster Bennett, Dave Kelly, Keef Hartley Band, Jerome Arnold, Neil Innes.
The two founding members, Peter Croft and Paul Gill, stayed together throughout their run although there were several changes of rhythm section. In 1980 the band reformed and played locally mainly for fun. This 1980-84 formation included Mike Hurrell, Ben Foster and Ron West and guest appearances from Steve Graham on blues harp. A final change to the pre-Bluesville lineup brought in Roger Kemp and Johnny Hillyard. source: Paul Gill
The group were the only local act on the bill in the June 1969 blues festival at St Andrews Hall, Norwich
The band moved off into the seventies and are believed to have changed their name to Growth
Supports: Barclay James Harvest / The Joyce Bond Soul Revue / Family / Keef Hartley Blues Band / Caravan / Champion Jack Dupree / The Madrigal
Medoigraphy:
CHECK PROGESS BEFORE 11/67 May have connection to Natures Own
The Dizzy Heights <> Growth
