Matchbox Bluze is an eclectic and electric five-piece band, that is without a doubt, steeped deeply, and ‘soulfully’, in the Blues, and features…
Jhan Dudley: Vocals & Guitar (formerly lead guitarist in the Long John Baldry band) – “My first gig with Baldry was in the late 80’s. He called to ask me if I would do a one-nighter with him, way the heck up in Dawson City, Yukon. Of course, Long John Baldry was quite a unique character, and the gig was so much fun that I ended up playing with him steadily for the next two years, performing both as lead guitarist in his band, and in numerous duo performances as well!”
Bruce Mortimer: Bass (from the popular Retro band, ‘Rainbow Bridge’) – After decades on the Vancouver music scene, Bruce now makes his home on the Sunshine Coast, and has become a familiar face in the local music scene, performing with a number of local blues and rock bands.
John Burton: Guitar/Piano (original & current guitarist with ‘Doug & The Slugs’) – John Burton has been a veteran of the Vancouver and BC music scene since 1969. In his long-standing capacity as guitarist with Vancouver legends, ‘Doug & the Slugs’, he continues to perform at festivals, fairs, and music halls across Canada. He has also been featured in a documentary film about the band, and is a published author, detailing the legendary band’s exploits on the road and rise to fame.
Shawn Soucy: Drums (formerly drummer for award-winning country band, ‘Alibi’) – Shawn Soucy is a BC Country Music ‘Hall of Fame’ recipient, and also has the distinction of being chosen ‘Drummer of the Year’ for 5 years in a row by the BC Country Music Association.
Peter van Deursen: Hammond Organ/Keyboards (leader of jazz band, ‘Groove Syndicate’) – Peter van Deursen is a familiar face on the Sunshine Coast music scene, and an integral part of the local jazz/blues community, lending his prodigious keyboard talents to a variety of local blues, jazz, and rock bands.
The Matchbox Bluze repertoire includes songs and stylings from Chicago Blues to the Mississippi Delta, and from rough and tumble Texas Blues to West Coast Swing, all performed in an impromptu, off-the-cuff fashion somewhat reminiscent of the blusier side of early, mid-60’s ‘Grateful Dead’. On any given night, you’re certain to hear songs spanning the Delta Blues of Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, to the Chicago Blues of Otis Rush, Howlin’ Wolf, and Buddy Guy, and the Texas Blues of Albert Collins, and all three Kings (B.B., Freddie, and Albert). Throw in a plethora of tunes from John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Sonny Boy Williamson, Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, Hollywood Fats, and . . . well, you get the picture! But, no matter how you slice it, like Buddy Guy once said . . . “if you don’t like the Blues, you’re in the wrong damn place!”