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In musical terms if you were to mix up a whole lot of Chris Isaak, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Billy Idol, and Eddie Cochran with a pinch of rockabilly then the results would not be far off what The Blue Cougars have to offer. Although the band play more than their fair share of slower moodier songs they are the type of band that no fella would hesitate to woo his new chick with and would happily play from his Red convertable T Bird.
The thing that makes the Blue Cougars unique is the fact that they mix "Double bass" with a spaghetti western/Surf style Duane Eddy/Hank Marvin guitar sound, Something that very few bands have tried. This particular one of a kind instrumental setup combined with the clear Echo/reverb packed vocals of lead singer Rene Dwight amounts to a truly inspiring sound, Cool is the obvious word that springs to mind.
When you see that powder blue Gretsch and stand up slap bass there is no doubt as to where the cougars roots lie, do not however be fooled into thinking these guys are stuck in a timewarp, as with Isaaks and some of the modern retro Rockabilly artists these guys mainly perform their own compositions.
Lead singer and founding member Rene Dwight would be comfortable singing wicked game, brand new Cadillac or even his latest flame but best of all are the songs that Dwight pens himself as these are worthy of a whole new sub rockabilly niche all of their own...
From the vocal point of view Dwights voice will make the hairs on the back of our neck stick up, his use of atmospheric reverb and a little echo is simply "out of this world", it is clear to see that his modern recording knowledge is a great asset to the sound of the Cougars and his consistancy in creating unforgetable haunting melodies and Chord structures is outstanding.
Oh and for those of you who are wondering if Rene's surname means he is related to a certain "spectacled" piano playing superstar then you would be correct in your assumption, Dwight though will quickly point out he has never been lucky enough to meet the individual however you never know what lies on the road ahead.
On the stand up bass we have Andy "silky" Joy... Andy's technique is more along the lines of the original artists of years gone by, Andy actually holds back from slapping too much and this in fact adds a slightly different slant to the blue cougars sound.. the early players would indeed use "slap" but they would also use the contrast of pluckin and slapping on varying tracks, this adds a bit of color to the sets. Don't be fooled though, if he needs to he can slap as hard as anyone on the circuit
The man in charge of the Blue Cougars heartbeat and rythm is "Mick Samsonoff", he is the backbone of the Coog's beat. Now Mick is one of those drummers who could also be classed as "technical percussionist". To put it plainly he plays a full kit but if he was left with just his snare and sticks this guy could make them sing like a bird..
To sum up the Blue Cougars....
To be honest the Cougars sound is cool enough that your sister the hardcore clubber would like them and of course those of you who have a passion for anything related to the fifities will think it is starting "all over again" with a brand new wrapper.
It also has to be said that The Blue Cougars own tracks would sit well in Quentin Tarantino sountrack or any other movie come to think of it, somehow these guys have been able to sneak into modern times without losing any of the mystique or feel of yesteryears fondness for a melody that can be easily remembered
Twang, Haunting melodies and the odd frenzied beat.........
Country
United Kingdom
TheBlueCougars
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