Announcing: The Chad-illacs

Yesterday was a rare full day off from teaching for me. My usual Wednesday students were kind enough to let us arrange alternative times for their lessons this week. I was needed for a rehearsal with a very special new band. We are called The Chad-illacs, and we've been formed to promote the songs of one of my long-time friends Chad Strentz. Chad has been vocalist and guitarist for many years with Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes, one of Europe's best-known Blues bands. Paul and Chad also work as a duo.

Back in the late '80s, Chad and I were in a band called Shout Sister Shout. We were popular in the British Blues and R'n'B scene, and also made several trips over to Europe. Here's some MTV footage of an early line-up.

Joining us in The Chad-illacs are Mike Thorne on drums and Orlando Shearer on double bass. Mike and Orlando can often be seen providing the rhythm section for Steve West Weston and Jerimiah Marques.

Our music is an eclectic mix of rootsy Blues, Rock'n'Roll, Rockabilly, Soul, R'n'B and Country. We spent most of yesterday rehearsing at the wonderful Rimshot Studio, which is co-owned and managed by Mike and his partner Petra. A top-class recording facility with just the right mix of vintage and modern equipment, I can't recommend this studio highly enough. Click here for their website.

Here's the band's first official photo. From left to right: Orlando, Mike, Chad and yours truly. Thanks Petra for the photo.