The Strange Tones

“Dig that crime-a-billy sound!”

GUITAR JULIE, SUBURBAN SLIM, DAVE MELYAN, ANDY STRANGE

Going strong since 2001, The Strange Tones are recognized as a one-of-a-kind Pacific Northwest musical institution. As Portland as damn fine coffee and homegrown beer, the band has created an original flavor that has been described as ‘blues noir’ that continues to excite people worldwide.

Rather than plundering the shrines of American music and merely imitating their heroes, these sonic crime fighters have concocted their own secret formula, a one-of-a-kind style they call “Crime-A-Billy”. The band draws upon the rich traditions of blues, rockabilly, surf, and R & B, and and finishes it off with a private eye twist. Their combination of well-crafted songwriting, top notch musicianship, and playful, engaging stage shows is sure to leave you shaken, stirred, and wanting more. “Many people find it hard to show something new within electric blues format and they should ask The Strange Tones for some private lessons as they have found their own niche and truly shine.” 
-The Voice of the Blues, Przemek Draheim, Poland

The magic of this ensemble is fueled by four players who are equally compelled and driven to advance their cause. This fearsome foursome, led by the husband-and-wife team of Guitar Julie and bassist Andy Strange, and fortified by partners guitarist Suburban Slim and drummer Dave Melyan, form “....one of Portland’s most original and accomplished bands.” - Oregonian. It may be Andy Strange's lessons learned as bassman for legendary wildman and voodoo practitioner Screamin‘ Jay Hawkins, or Guitar Julie’s steady childhood diet of Jimmy Reed and Ike and Tina Turner. It could be Dave Melyan’s deep groove from his years as a live performer, or Slim’s intensity and creativity that have consistently earned him awards. As anyone who sees The Strange Tones perform live knows, it’s much more than these four individuals....this is a BAND.

The Strange Tones’ fiery, unique sound and outstanding musicianship has earned the band entry into the Cascade Blues Association ‘Muddy Hall of Fame’, and multiple awards in the categories of contemporary band and electric guitar, as well as ‘Recording of the Year’. Their music has made Real Blues Magazine’s Top 100 Charts (#12 CD), and has been on the Top 20 Chart in Spain for FM Blues Radio. The band has received many rave reviews, including Blues in Britain, Elmore Magazine and The Next Big Thing, and their song “Pinto Squire” was featured on National Public Radio’s Car Talk. If you’re looking for fun, look to the Strange Tones.”- Blues Revue Magazine 

“If surf guitar god Dick Dale found himself in Bogie’s Maltese Falcon film-noir underworld, and drank beer at the seedy bar with bluesmen Jimmy Reed and Magic Sam, the resulting soundtrack might be exactly what the Strange Tones purvey.” - Oregonian

*Home Page Photo Credit Vicki Herleman