Stripped down rockers Tap in

Jul 29 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTH rockers Blues On Tap return to the live fray tomorrow following a lengthy absence.

After a quiet few months spent regrouping, the hard-gigging outfit will make their Fair City debut as a three-piece with an intimate gig on home ground in Christie’s Bar.

The new, stripped-down Blues On Tap line-up, whose new And Then There Were Three EP will be premiered at the pub, still features long-serving pair Joe Irvine (drums and percussion) and bassist Gordon ‘Gog’ Cumming at the helm.

However, after linking up with new guitarist Simon Kennedy, Joe told Music Scene the band has put the departure of three previous members firmly behind them.

“We weren’t too sure what we were going to do, but we all still like playing so we decided to stick with it and move on,” the drummer said.

“We have brought in a new lead guitarist and are going forward with a three-piece band.”

Joe described new recruit Simon as “an excellent singer-songwriter guitarist”.

The arrival of the former Blueshouse frontman is being seen as a major coup by all in the Tap camp as they seek to forge a distinctive sound.

“We are going to be doing a lot more original numbers than before,” Joe revealed.

“We’ve just finished a four-track promotional CD which includes three brand new songs, Ain’t Nobody, the beautiful Something I Said and Roadhouse.

“The other track is a cover of Robin Ford’s Lifetime Thing.”

Fans can hear the fruits of the Tap’s recent labours at Christie’s - and enjoy a free pint at the same time.

As a goodwill gesture in recognition of Joe’s efforts to bring live music to the venue, staff will be handing out a ticket to those attending tomorrow’s show entitling them to a gratis refreshment.

And Joe says the gig is a chance to thank the loyal fans who have given their backing down the years.

“We have done four years of playing the pubs and clubs and now we are looking at playing festivals over the next year,” he revealed.

Blues On Tap play Christie’s, in Kinnoull Street, at 9.15pm tomorrow.

Samples of the band’s music can be found at www.bluesontap.co.uk