What is Slow Dazzle?
The idea that became Slow Dazzle was created when Martin Dench was inspired by his then fiancée Joanne (now his wife) and her son-in-law Andy Bushell in January 2008, who in differing ways encouraged him to start playing guitar again. Martin was certain that this time around he wanted to play guitar in a band, something he had never done before, but had always dreamed of.
The band were initially called 'Sunfighter' (after the Grace Slick and Paul Kantner album) and comprised just Martin, who worked hard at becoming a guitarist who could lead a band. In March 2009 the time seemed right to move on to the next stage and a band was assembled. The initial line-up was Martin on guitar, David on bass, acoustic guitar, tambourine and vocals, John Conduct on guitar, Andy Bushell on guitar, Dan Gilmore on keyboards and trumpet and Alex Medwell on drums. At some sessions the band were augmented by Joanne Dench on bass and Sorcha Farquharson on vocals. This line-up was unwieldy and difficult to manage. It was also not part of Martin's original vision - lack of confidence had prevented him from working with a much smaller combo, which was what he wanted.
In July 2009 the band was trimmed down to a quartet, with Martin on guitar, David on bass, John Conduct on guitar and newcomer Mark on drums. This line-up remained reasonably constant, with John's occasional absence, until October 2009 when John withdrew, and the band settled into it's current trio status.
The band continue to forge ahead into new territories, and recorded four songs at Soundlocker Studios in November 2009. The songs were 'Tales Of Brave Ulysses' (the only song that has been performed at all rehearsals), 'Silver Machine', 'The Ballad Of Norbert Dentressangle And Christian Salvesen' and 'If I Were A Carpenter'. A further recording session is planned for sometime in the New Year, possibly February or March.
Their first gig will take place at Northern Lights in Brighton on Saturday 16th January 2010.
What are Slow Dazzle up to and when and where can I see them live?
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