Back in 1993 blues guitarist and vocalist Steve Roux signed a solo recording contract with EMI/Virgins’ Pointblank Blues Label by John Wooler. Other blues artists on the prestigious label included: Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Pop Staples, John Lee Hooker, John Hammond, and Walter 'Wolfman' Washington. Steve recorded his all original album entitled 'Steve Roux' in Memphis USA at the legendary Kiva Recording Studios. The album was released in 1994 and received critical acclaim across Europe.
Gigs and radio sessions followed - a highlight being the Cologne Music Festival in Germany, where Steve was invited onstage by Albert Collins to join him for his encore along with Robben Ford. The trio played an extended version of Alberts instrumental 'Frosty' to an ecstatic crowd. The event was also broadcast live on national radio. Steve’s album is still receiving radio airplay in Australia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, France and the Netherlands.
In 1997, Steve, along with Bernie Fox (drums) and Rob Vick (bass guitar) formed The White Knuckles Blues Band. This powerhouse band quickly built up a critically acclaimed reputation for playing tough uncompromising blues. The band have since supported and worked with Sherman Robertson, Wilko Johnson, Bad Influence, Ainsley Lister, Memo Gonzalez, Steve Harvey, The Yardbirds, and The Hamsters.
The White Knuckle Blues Band have recorded two albums 'Raw Knuckles' and 'Can’t Change the Time'. In 2003, during the recording of the second album 'Can’t Change the Time' the band contacted Procul Harum’s Hammond organ player Josh Philips. Josh had played in Steve’s live band from the early 90's and he contributed his distinctive sound to a number of the tracks on the CD. Over the following years Josh played on numerous gigs with The White Knuckle Blues Band and this inspired a master plan to put together an augmented line up of the band.
The Brass Knuckle Blues Band
During 2007 Rob and Steve were involved in the formation of another band ‘The Sensational Jonny Deps’ which included a marvellous horn section comprising of session player Steve Grainger on alto sax, Jon Gooding on tenor sax, and Tom Edwards on trumpet. It soon became clear that this horn section could expand the horizons of the band - and from this The Brass Knuckle Blues Band was formed.
First Steps
The band quickly put together a new set of kicking and swinging blues songs and after putting their own twist and groove on them were ready to start gigging. The first warm up gig for the Brass Knuckles Blues Band was a slot at the Barking Spider Blues Club supporting Guy Tortora. Following on from this gig the Brass Knuckles Blues Band headlined the Boarhunt Blues May bank holiday festival. The band received a standing ovation from the sell out crowd. The band then supported the internationally renowned Sharrie Williams and the Wise Guys. An estimated crowd of 3000 people at the outdoor blues bandstand gig gave the Knuckles a superb reception. Supporting The Debra Bonham Band on the last night of the Southsea Roots & Blues Festival followed. Next up headlining the Boarhunt Blues Club Christmas Marquee special. As a direct result of this gig were confirmed as the headline act on the Saturday night at ‘Blues at Fort’. This was followed by being invited to play at the prestigious Blues on the Farm.
Press Quotes
The band quickly put together a new set of kicking and swinging blues songs and after putting their own twist and groove on them were ready to start gigging. The first warm up gig for the Brass Knuckles Blues Band was a slot at the Barking Spider Blues Club supporting Guy Tortora. Following on from this gig the Brass Knuckles Blues Band headlined the Boarhunt Blues May bank holiday festival. The band received a standing ovation from the sell out crowd. The band then supported the internationally renowned Sharrie Williams and the Wise Guys. An estimated crowd of 3000 people at the outdoor blues bandstand gig gave the Knuckles a superb reception. Supporting The Debra Bonham Band on the last night of the Southsea Roots & Blues Festival followed. Next up headlining the Boarhunt Blues Club Christmas Marquee special. As a direct result of this gig were confirmed as the headline act on the Saturday night at ‘Blues at Fort’. This was followed by being invited to play at the prestigious Blues on the Farm.
Press Quotes
“The Brass Knuckle Blues Band changed the mood with a polished and accomplished set.
Albert Kings ‘You’re Gonna Need Me’ worked well with the rousing horn section.”
(Blues Matters - Blues on the Farm)
“Steve Roux with a pleasantly gruff voice and a blistering fret technique which betrayed
the influence of 1960s vintage Eric Clapton.” (The Times)
“Most were lifers in the twelve-bar prison but Steve Roux broke out with some much
needed delicacy on 'Can't Change The Time'.” (Daily Telegraph)
“There can be few bands around with such pedigree... tight as a cylinder-head bolt on Thrust II.” (The Venue Magazine)
“The White Knuckle Blues Band were impressive. This was a competent, no frills line up
comprising guitar, bass, drums and harmonica….all well played. It sounded tight and well
rehearsed. The vocals and percussion were exceptionally good.”
(The Folk & Blues Festival - Review by Bob Long.)
Steve Roux - Guitar & Vocals
Since recording his own album 'Steve Roux' on Virgins’ Pointblank Blues label, Steve has shared the stage with Albert Collins, Robben Ford, John Hammond, Pop Staples, Terry Evans, Rory Gallagher also George Harrison, Mick Hucknall, Gary Brooker, Leo Sayer, Steve Harley, Midge Ure, Damon Hill & the Conrods and Status Quo. For the last 12 years Steve has fronted the highly rated White Knuckle Blues Band. Steve is a consummate musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Bernie Fox - Drums
Bernie has been the powerhouse drummer on live tours and as a recording session player behind such luminaries as: Sherman Robertson, Taj Mahal, Eric Bibb, Savoy Brown and Jimmy Witherspoon. Bernie played the drums on Steve’s album for Pointblank and for the last twelve years has been one half of the monster rhythm section of the highly rated White Knuckle Blues Band. Bernie’s tight and dynamic drumming, always played with finesse, is a sight and sound to behold.
Rob Vick - Bass
Rob has been the bass player of choice for many bands over the years. His effortless mastery of playing ensures that he is much in demand for both live and studio work. For the last 12 years Rob has been the other half of the rhythm section of the highly regarded White Knuckle Blues Band. Rob is truly a musicians musician - rock solid, tasteful, and always playing exactly what is needed.
Josh Philips - Hammond Organ & Piano
Josh began his career playing organ on the soundtrack to and appearing in the cult movie Quadrophenia. Since then he has written for and / or performed with: Big Country, Leo Sayer, Pete Townshend, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Kenny Jones, Ronan Keating, Alisha’s Attic, Heatwave, Midge Ure, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and many others. Currently, Josh is the Hammond organ player for Procol Harum and is an ASCAP award winning TV theme composer. An exciting and inspiring player, Josh plays the Hammond organ as it should be played.
Steve Grainger - Alto Saxophone
Steve has been a top saxophone session player since the late 70's. He was part of the Culture Club band that toured the world in the early 80's and he has a platinum record for his work on the hit album 'Colour by Numbers'. He has also worked and recorded with: The Beach Boys, Jimmy Witherspoon, Denice Williams, Helen Terry, Jocelyn Brown, and others too numerous to mention. He is a dynamic alto player and an outstanding soloist with his own distinctive style and sound.
Jon Gooding - Tenor Saxophone
Jon has been playing saxophone in various bands for the past 15 years. He started in the Soul Agents and then teamed up with Steve Grainger and played in a succession of bands such as: The Blue Bazookas, The Continentals, and The Big Time Rollers. Jon is also a current member of the Sensational Jonny Dep band.
Tom Edwards - Trumpet
Tom was classically trained in music and at college was selected as lead trumpet for the Hampshire Youth Jazz Orchestra. His musical horizons now encompass: Punk, Ska, Funk, Jazz, and Blues. He is much in demand for session work which includes live radio broadcasts, videos, and adverts. Tom appeared in two videos for the Eva Cassidy album ‘Somewhere’. He is featured on the video of the song ‘Chain of Fools’. Bands that he has played in include: Freestyle Funk Collective, Tremain, Red Alert, Hakuna Pesa, the Sensational Jonny Deps, and Hearts of Oak. Tom is an outstanding trumpet player both as a soloist and horn section arranger.