BB Factory - First World Blues (2018)

A cracking live band with seasoned international musos oozing from their ranks, playing original contemporary & progressive blues/roots. BB Factory released their debut full length all original album "First World Blues" in May 2018 with every single released so far peaking at #1 on the iTunes Blues/Roots charts.

Track List:
01. Call Me Baby 03:30
02. Save Me 04:50
03. First World Blues 04:59
04. Howler 05:54
05. Sweet Refrain 03:35
06. Blues For You 03:11
07. Like Fire 05:00
08. Fantasy 03:16
09. It's Over 04:04

Harold Jackson - Vocals, Harmonica [USA]
Jackson’s musical history starts in 1975 when he moved to Red Oak, North Carolina to live with his aunt. In a true rite of passage he picked cotton and tobacco, and used backboards driven by mules. He sung in the fields and absorbed the sound of the blues harp being played there. And so Jackson began to sing his own blues with family and friends.

Upon moving back to New York, his father placed Jackson behind the congas in his band. Although it was a Salsa band, they often played the blues for his son. It was during this time that Jackson picked up saxophone, guitar and keyboard, but singing the blues remained his first love.

When Pedro invited Jackson over for a jam at his studio after having met each other at a blues jam, they instantly recognised that he had finally found a front man to be reckoned with.

Thereafter known as BB Factory’s “Toastmaster General”, Jackson is a natural singer able to transpose his voice from the soulful clean to the downright dirty blues shouting from the yesteryear.

Pedro Verhoeven - Guitar [NLD]
Also known as the “Professor” because of his work behind the studio console and perhaps for his experimental approach to improvised solos, Pedro found a musical partner in crime when he crossed paths with Jackson.

Born and raised in Holland until age 14, Pedro has been in several original blues/rock bands since arriving in Australia in the early 80’s.

Like his bandmates, it’s always been the Blues that Pedro has gravitated towards and enjoyed performing the most. It was a hidden track on his all original album ‘Being’ (1999) that showcased his love for improvised blues guitar.

As a regular at blues jams in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Pedro was able to discover the bandmates that would eventually complete BB Factory.

Cvitan Barac - Drums
Since graduating from SCU in 1999 (BContempMus), Cvitan has established himself as a veteran of the blues scene, having been a member of Blind Lemon for 11+ years he has played all the major blues festivals including Byron Blues &Roots and festival, Blues onBroadbeach, the Gympie Muster and many more.

As a sideman, Cvitan has played drums with the likes of Ray Beadle Band, Phil Emmanuel, Phil Manning, Vasti Jackson, Geoff Achison, Lazy Eye, Ross Ward (Wards Express Band Blues Band), Mick Reid Boogie Band, Andrew Baxter Band, BrodieGrahamBand, Wiley Reed Band, Dee Dee Lavell Band to mention just a few.

Affectionately known ashe “Human Metronome” or the “Manchine”, it was actually Cvitan’s ability to authentically play the full gamut of rolling, Texas, cross stick shuffles & swings that stood him out from the rest of the pack when Pedro was looking for BB Factory’s man behind the skins.

Bruce Crouch - Keys [AUS]
Bruce’s keyboard skills provide complementary tones and then some. A self taught talent from an early age, Bruce is originally from the Brisbane area and now resides in Northern NSW. With influences from Blues, Jazz, Rock and Country, Bruce brings a unique smooth style to the ebony and ivory. Smoky Hammond organ and classic pianos are at the heart of his performances. Some of the bands Bruce has been associated with include Brisbane’s favourite powerhouse party band The Massive Fergusons, The Blue Lanes, Mark Ds Big Three, and Free Soul Collective.

Craig Hamilton - Bass [AUS]
Bass player Craig is originally from the Sunshine Coast and has played with a diverse cross section of bands over the years. One of the highlights was recording the Dave Hole produced Stones And Colours album (1995) and touring the UK and Europe throughout 1997 with the renowned international blues artist Rob Tognoni. He has lived in Brisbane for the last 15 years and made his mark with a number of blues bands including Howlin Time and Whiskey & Rye and various cover bands such as Rockbreaker, Down Under, Just Like That, A Noble Few, The Selfies, Flat Chat, We're No Angels, Harro's Party, Rastafarian Stagedivers, Space Cadet and Engineroom.

Line-Up:
Harold Jackson - Vocals, Harmonica
Pedro Verhoeven - Guitars
Craig Hamilton - Bass
Bruce Crouch - Keyboards
Cvitan Barac - Drums

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