Festival favourites Riverhead Slide return to the Bay of islands Jazz and Blues Festival this year with new songs, new personnel and that same old passion and unswerving dedication to the blues.
Experienced drummer Paul Dunningham adds new drive to the band and completes the six-piece lineup with Mike Jensen (keys), Nigel Major (guitar), Murray Finer (bass), Gael Ludlow (vocals) and Steve Wigglesworth (vocals and slide guitar).
Riverhead Slide are a popular, hardworking and very hot blues band, with a big following in Auckland and increasing recognition around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, notably 2011 Festivals in Samoa and Fiji.
The band repeatedly blows away audiences at Jazz and Blues Festivals including Auckland's Mission Bay and Devonport Festivals, Paihia Jazz and Blues Fests, Blues Brews and Barbecues and festivals at Waiheke, Gisborne, Whangarei, Whangamata and Matakana.
These musicians are well-seasoned entertainers, putting on a lively, interactive show that reflects their passion for playing. This is a band that has fun on stage and it's infectious!
The original songs written by Steve Wiggs and Gael Ludlow often have audiences singing along in seconds and classic blues standards get the distinctive Riverhead Slide treatment, which sets this band apart from all others in the genre.
Steve Wiggs is Riverhead Slide's founding member, slide guitarist, lead singer and songwriter. With a formidable line-up of guitars onstage and distinctive voice, Steve has set the 'Slide standard' for many years.
Gael Ludlow shares the band's lead vocal and songwriting slot and happily chats with the audience throughout the show. She's also well- known to radio listeners throughout the country.
Murray Finer on bass, provides a solid sound and unflappable persona.
He hails from Thames and for years, has happily clocked up the most miles of any Riverhead Slide member.
Nigel Major handles lead-guitar duties and brings his extensive experience in the UK to the Slide. He's often known to indulge in a little fancy footwork on stage with Gael at times.
Mike Jensen is the classically-trained keyboards man of the band and his onstage antics often provide a stage- show on their own.
Paul Dunningham on drums, brings with him a long history of professional touring and recording with top bands Misex, Coup D'etat, Farrelli Brothers, Blue Rhythm Hounds, John Swan (Australia), Mark Williams and Face, Larry Morris and John Rowles.
Riverhead Slide has produced four albums and a live DVD and has more songs ready for the next recording project.
Professionalism, originality, energy and entertainment are all part of a Riverhead Slide show and bringing the Blues to you, is their passion!
