“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
Just in the nick of time, one of the Northwest’s most notorious live bands has answered the call with their new release “We’re On Our Way”. The Strange Tones have emerged from their undisclosed secure location with this highly entertaining and award winning “2008 Recording of the Year” (Cascade Blues Association.) Eleven originals and a bonus tribute track to the late, great Paul deLay fill out this CD, which also features the legendary Curtis Salgado (harp & vocals), and harmonica ace Jim Wallace (harp),
"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 combines these ingredients with
fresh, well-crafted song writing and dynamic performances. “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 longtime partners guitarist Suburban Slim and drummer Andy Gauthier, 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 Andy Gauthier‘s deep groove from his years as a live performer, or Slim’s intensity and creativity that consistently earn 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 multiple awards and entry into the Muddy Hall of Fame as “Best Contemporary Band” as well as multiple awards for “Best Electric Guitar” by the Cascade Blues Association. In addition to receiving the 2008 Northwest Recording of the year, their new CD has debuted at number 12 on Real Blues Magazine’s Top 100 Charts, and has received many rave reviews, including Blues in Britain, Elmore Magazine and The Next Big Thing. Their previous CD “Crime-A-Billy” received much acclaim, including reaching the Top 20 Chart in Spain for FM Blues Radio, and their song “Pinto Squire” was featured on National Public Radio’s Car Talk. The Strange Tones step up to the plate with their new release. “...there is much to enjoy on this slab of raucous roots rock. If you’re looking for fun, look to the Strange Tones.”- Blues Revue Magazine
FACT SHEET
Band Name: The Strange Tones
Musical Style: One of a kind fiery blend of original blues, rockabilly,
surf and vintage R&B
Hometown: Portland, OR (USA)
Current CD: We’re On Our Way
Additional Works: Crime-A-Billy (2005), Stink bomb! (2003)
Members/Instruments:
Guitar Julie: vocals, lead guitar, and rhythm guitar
Suburban Slim: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals, trumpet, and bass
Andy Gauthier: drums and percussion
Andy Strange: bass, harmonica, vocals, and bottleneck guitar
Record Label: Meteor Sonic Records
Distribution: Burnside Distribution Corporation
For information on ordering product visit our distributor’s website at
http://www.bdcdistribution.com. Also, single units available worldwide
from www.cdbaby.com Single songs available for digital downloading from
Apple iTunes, Great Indie Music, and many more.
Awards
2011 - Best Live Performance Nomination (Portland Music Awards)
2011 - Best Contemporary Blues Act (Cascade Blues Association),
2010 - Outstanding Achievement in Blues Nominations (PMA)
2009 - Outstanding Achievement in Blues Nominations (PMA)
2008 Northwest Recording of the Year (Cascade Blues Association)
2008 Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2008 Best Electric Guitar (CBA)
2007 Inducted into Muddy Hall of Fame, Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2007 Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2006 Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2006 Best Electric Guitar (CBA)
2005 Best Contemporary Blues Act (CBA)
2005 Best Electric Guitar (CBA)
2005 Bronze Telly Award for “Live at the Waterfront Blues Festival” video
2005 Best of the Northwest Award of Excellence for “Live at the Waterfront Blues Festival” video
Additional Points of Note:
• Their new CD has debuted at number 12 on Real Blues Magazine’s Top 100 Charts
• Crime-A-Billy has reached the Top 20 Chart in Spain for FM Blues Radio
• Crime-A-Billy is on the Top 100 CD’s recommended by Real Blues Magazine
• Song “Pinto Squire” was featured on National Public Radio’s Car Talk
• Wrote and recorded soundtrack for independent film “Overdrawn”
• Debut CD “Stink Bomb!” nominated as Best Northwest Recording (CBA)
• Strange Tones songs are featured on several compilations:
“Best of the Northwest” Walla Walla Blues Society
“Rock N Roll Mamas” Rock Mama Films
“Blues in Portland” KMHD
“Winthrop R & B Festival” Volume 1 Winthrop Music Association
FESTIVALS (PARTIAL LISTING)
Portland Waterfront Blues Festival
Rendezvous Rhythm & Blues Festival
Bronze, Blues & Brews Festival
Estacada Summer Celebration
Backyard Blues Bash
Eugene Celebration
Blues by the Sea
Winthrop Blues Festival
Sunbanks Rhythm & Blues Festival
Untapped Blues Festival
Ritzville Blues Festival
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
Washington Summer Brewers Festival
Museum After Hours (Portland Art Museum)
Portland Spirit Blues Cruise
Carlton Walk in the Park
Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival
Hillsboro Market Street Fair
UFO Festival (McMenamins)
Paddy’s Blues and Brews Fest
St. Patrick’s Day Festival (McMenamins Edgefield)
Kalama Blues Festival
Portland Rose Festival
Spring Beer and Wine Fest
Oregon Brewers Festival
Stevenson Blues Brews and Barbeques
Oktoberfest (McMenamins)
Salem Art Fair and Festival
AIRPLAY (PARTIAL LISTING)
“Sunday Night Blues Show” KINK 102 FM, Portland, OR
“Blues Palace” KMHD 89.1 FM, Portland, OR
“Friday Freeway” KMHD 89.1 FM, Portland, OR
“River City Juke Joint” KMHD 89.1 FM, Portland, OR
“Breakfast with the Blues” KRVM 91.9 FM, Eugene, OR
“Blues Power” KLCC 89.7 FM, Eugene, OR
“Blues Odyssey” KSER 90.7 FM, Everett, WA
“The Nowsville Show” KWVA 88.1 FM , Eugene, OR
“Car Talk” NPR (National Public Radio)
“Bone Conduction Music Show” WAMM 1600AM, Ann Arbor, MI
“A Date With Elvis” JET 91.2FM, Nantes, Pays de la Loire France
“Radio Golden Flash” Westerlo, Belgium
“La Hora del Blues” 96.6 FM, Barcelona, Spain
“Red Hot Blues” 107.3 FM, Girona, Spain
“Blanco Y Negro” 107.9 FM, Madrid, Spain
“Rock-A-Holics Anonomous” KBOO 90.7 FM, Portland, OR
“Blue Monday” KBOO 90.7 FM, Portland, OR
“10,000 Blues Show” CKIA 88.3 FM, Quebec City, Canada
“Midnight Special Blues Radio” Live365.com, Paris, France
“Good Times Blues” 93.1 FM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Down Home Blues” KPBX 91.1 FM, Spokane, WA
“Black Roots” 97.4 FM, Radio Holstebro, Holstebro, Denmark
“Mojo Dreams” 105.5 FM, Radio Sinaai, Zwijndrecht, Belgium
MUSICAL FRIENDS (partial listing)
Members of The Strange Tones have performed with or shared the
bill with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy
Rogers, Jeff Healy, Long John Baldry, Guitar Shorty, J.J. Malone, Troyce
Key, Johnny Shines, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Robben Ford,
Otis Clay, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Louis Walker, Albert Collins,
Curtis Salgado, Johnny Winter, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Janiva
Magness Marva Wright and Watermelon Slim.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?
“With the exception of the grunge movement, some people don’t realize what a fertile breeding ground the northwest was and still is for great talent, sprouting such artists as Heart, The Wailers, The Sonics and Paul Revere and the Raiders, not to mention Jimi Hendrix. Well, you can count on The Strange Tones to keep the northwest’s rep solid.” Elmore Magazine
“Since their debut back in 2003, the Strange Tones have gone from strength to strength, garnering deserved plaudits for 2005’s “Crime-A-Billy” and bagging a bunch of awards along the way. This culminated in this year’s induction into the Muddy Hall of Fame as Best Contemporary Blues Act (after winning the category for three straight years).” Blues in Britain
“When Tarantino goes back to making movies about quirky outsiders on the run, the soundtrack to that howling film should consist of tracks from this release. With a perfect sense of humor, a healthy dose of self awareness, and the swagger of bands like the Cramps and alt country legends; X, The Strange Tones take music from the past and make it sound like it belongs, right here and now.” Next Big Thing
“Rockin’ bluesy-rootsy, double-agent tunes on a surfboard…one of Oregon’s best rock and blues bands.” Statesman Journal
“If the music industry made any sense, the Strange
Tones—one of the toughest bands around, with a gal out front who can not
only belt it with the best, but also shred on the telecaster would be
stars themselves by now.”
PETER DAMMANN, WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL TALENT COORDINATOR
“This band has taken over their hometown of Portland like never before. The radio stations, the club owners and the blues fans all agree that the swing’n vintage sounds f this group will take them along way.” EAGLE 106.5 FM
“Rarely does the musical industry see an ensemble
representing the musical quality, personal integrity & soundness and
promise of this group. They evidence many of the qualities for success
and staying power typical of blues legends and are sure to find a place
in the Blues Pantheon.”
Richard Lazere Cascade Blues Association, Blues Notes
“This stellar quartet lays it all out on their new CD with 14 killer tracks…The striking vocals of Guitar Julie, who sound a whole bunch like the sultry Austin songstress, Lou Ann Barton, are incredible.” Cascade Blues Association, Blues Notes
“I’m in the cult man, I’m in the cult! Guitar Julie tell
me when I drink the Kool-Aid!!! I’ve got eyes as big as pie plates
behind this CD!”
THAYRONE-X, BONE CONDUCTION MUSIC SHOW WAAM 1600 Ann Arbor, MI
“An impressive Strange Tones new albumn performed in the original way they have to combine blues with alternative rock, garage, R&B, or neo-rockabilly music. A compact well teamed band with a hard ‘punch’, so enjoyment is guaranteed for those of you who look for new forms and a different conception of black rooted music. A terrific record! GREAT!” LA HORA DEL BLUES, BARCELONA
“Ripping guitars, excellent vocals, catchy songwriting, and killer tone make “Crime-A-Billy” a great original CD and one not to miss!” BLOGGING THE BLUES
“...the band exudes an effortless and enviable sense of cool: vintage-suit cool, cheap sunglasses cool, sleep all day and twist all night cool.” PORTLAND TRIBUNE
“Crime-a-Billy is a richly entertaining album....great retro feel, whilst still sounding contemporary.” BLUES IN BRITIAN MAGAZINE
“...the CD kicks ass...what a recording...great lyrics, sound and most important, attitude!!!” STEVE PRINGLE, HOST OF KMHD FRIDAY FREEWAY BLUES
“The Strange Tones are a fine funky band that plays
rockin’ roots music with the fervor of true believers. Their sound is
stripped of gratuitous flash because these guys know Jimmy Reed’s
secret, that one note is better than a hundred, especially if it’s the
perfect one.”
THE OREGONIAN
“Every song is a gem...The album is a tasty cohesive collection of tough, ready to romp tunes. Steller performances on all fronts and great song selections all wrapped up as only The Strange Tones can do it.” PORTLANDBLUES.COM
“Each performance is like boarding a runaway train racing you down the tracks, taking you on a wild, energetic ride into the future of the blues.” POSITIVELY ENTERTAINMENT
“Bluesy, rockin’, raw, gritty, and oh so cool!” TOM ADDIS, HOST OF KMHD’S BLUES PALACE
“This band is on fire with some of the best original hip shakin’ wiggle centric music on the scene today!”
THAYRONE-X, BONE CONDUCTION MUSIC SHOW WAAM 1600 Ann Arbor, MI
“Wow! This one has a great feel to it - sounds like it just came out of Austin, Texas.”
CASCADE BLUES ASSOCIATION BLUES NOTES
“...este producto, editado por ellos mismos, nos deje un
grato y buen sabor de boca. Su estilo es personal, original y las
influencias que se intuyen desde el primer tema, van desde las
‘american-roots’, pasando por el cruce del blues con el surf y el
r&b...bueno!”
LA HORA DEL BLUES, BARCELONA
“Every note, every perfectly understated drum or guitar lick, every harmony, every honk of the harmonica, exists to further the songs.” THE OREGONIAN
“This is some great stuff. I’ve been really digging it!”
BILL RHOADES, HOST OF KBOO’S BLUE MONDAY
“The Strange Tones turn in a rip roaring, label defying bunch of great tunes”
PORTLAND BLUES.COM
“Fresh and vibrant. . . .‘Stink Bomb!’ is a real blast.“ BLUES ON STAGE, MINNEAPOLIS
“There are plenty of highlights as the Strange Tones consistently deliver the groceries on strolls, shuffles and sneaky instrumentals” PORTLAND TRIBUNE
“Best bass man I know.” SCREAMIN’ JAY HAWKINS
“Crime-A-Billy may be their latest CD, but this music
will live on to become classic Americana. This hard rockin’,
surf-blues-a-billy ensemble, with their no-holds-barred attitude, takes
us as their prisoners and there is no escape.”
Portland Roots Music Project
“Here they come to save the day…The band combines the usual blues, country, and rock feel into a tightly controlled, expertly delivered package.” Eugene Weekly
“The Strange Tones take traditional blues, which they
perform very well, and crank it up to another level with their own
unique energetic sound.”
Walla Walla Blues Society, Blues News
“The tough, sometimes in your face lyrical style of Julie
Strange is punctuated by her own and Suburban Slim’s excellent guitar
work.”
The Washington Blues Society, Bluesletter
“From stage show to recordings and even their web presence and entire graphics presentation, this band is the complete package.” THE OREGONIAN