The Jerzey Street Band

I received a spontaneous email the other day from a friend who loves arty things but isn't in the musical way as it were. She'd been designing a band identity and as a present from them to celebrate their recent signing had been invited to a gig they were playing at The Water Rats in Kings Cross London.

The Water Rats 'Theatre/Music Venue/Bar is well known as a respected venue for up and coming bands or undiscovered talent. Oasis played there and its an important small venue in these times where so many superb venues are being taken away from us. It's literally a five minute walk from KingsX and although the clientelle were a wee bit scary for what I'm used too the venue was easy going, dark and sweaty, which is to be expected for the rockier London venues.

Jerzey Street Band call themselves 'Freight Train Rock' Apparently this means they sound like Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and om Petty... I think Tom Petty is probably the closest, I'd definitely call them American Country Rock, but of the bubblegum variety (think Nickelback!) Having said that I really enjoyed them and I hate Nickelback, so think of that what you will!- Even better go check them out at their site! The Manchunian band are formed of two brothers; Dave (lead vocals and guitars) and Neil Wrobel (Guitars), Roger Crombie (Guitars) Mat O'Neil (Vocals , Harmonica and Bass Guitar), Keith Ashworth (Pedal Steel Guitar and Drobro, Steve Priest

(Keyboard), Mike Weaver (Drums and Vocals).

They met at college in 1998 after realising they all shared an interest and love for Country, Blues and Gospel sound of American music. Dave and Mike played in various bands together but spent almost 10 years looking for the right people to help them produce the sound they were looking for. Their backgrounds include acting and geoscience! In 2008 the band was fully formed and tested supporting Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes., which led to other gigs supporting Alabama 3, Sandi Thom and Jon Allen. Their first album was written and released in 2009 and their second album is just about to be released to coincide with a national music PR campaign).

If you fancy seeing them for yourselves they'll be back in town on the 8th April at 229 Club on Great Portland Street.