Red Butler builds on early successes

The Brighton/Uckfield band play Brighton Komedia supporting Larry Miller on July 31; Uckfield Blues Festival on August 2; and Lancing and Sompting Royal British Legion on August 15.

Spokesman Jim Soars said: “Red Butler are a blues/rock band from Sussex that formed in 2012. Alex Butler (guitar and backing vocals) had already caught people’s attention, including some within the music industry for his playing ability, passion and touch.

“Having performed for several years Alex decided to form a new and dedicated band to fulfill his musical aspirations. The current line-up emerged in April 2012 and by August that year they had won an opportunity to perform at Hyde Park during the Olympics.”

The band includes Jane Pearce (vocals), Charlie Simpson (drums) and Steve Eveleigh (bass and backing vocals) although Mike Topp will take over the bass role from Steve later in 2014. Their new album Freedom Bound also includes session musicians Darren Vassie on trumpet and Maik Pehrsson on keys.

Jim added: “Red Butler has built upon their early successes, which have included festival appearances and high-profile support slots.

“Within 12 months of being together a track was played by Paul Jones on Radio 2 and Alex and Jane have since had the opportunity to support Paul Jones & Dave Kelly. Paul recalled the track and said he was looking forward to hearing the debut album.

“Later in 2014 they will return to The Great British R&B Festival in Colne, this time appearing on The British Stage and also The Acoustic Stage.

“Shortly afterwards they will appear at The 100 Club in London and January 2015 will see them perform at The Rock and Blues Festival at Skegness.

“Freedom Bound is the distillation of 12 months writing by the band with a number of songs discarded on the way. The usual approach to writing has been for the guys, led by Alex, to play about with riffs, which are extended and refined into the full instrumental.

“During this process Jane shares the mood of the piece and develops lyrics.

“Some of the bands originals demonstrate their influences from established blues themes supplemented by Jane’s interest in slave history.

“In addition the band look for upbeat numbers that reflect youthful pressures and aspirations as shown on the tracks Pension Blues, Danger Zone and Young and Free.

“A good friend, Mange, triggered by the death of a friend and coincidentally linked with the death of Gary Moore, wrote Last Page of the Blues for the band and this song has been developed considerably since it featured on an earlier recording and more passionately evokes the feelings involved with the passing of a friend.

“The all-time classic Shakin All Over has featured in their live shows from the very early days and always seems to please crowds with its slow moody rendition of this Johnny Kidd classic.

“The band is already buzzing with new ideas for songs that draw from the blues but also seek to reach a wider audience.”

More details on www.redbutlermusic.co.uk.