Bands come and go but musical heritage has a life of its own...
Ric Lloyd (Hammond, piano), Gareth Edwards (blues harp, saxophone, slide guitar), Tim Williams (bass guitar & double bass) and Tubs (drums) brought together their mixed heritage and musical talent to form the vibrant rhythms of The Boogilators in September 2009 but their live music experience dates back to the 60s when blues-based rock started.
Meeting up again by chance at a late night session upstairs at the Cwps in Aberystwyth, they realised that lightning does indeed strike twice. Just like Robert Johnson at the crossroads the die was cast and sails were set for the exotic ports of New Orleans, Chicago and the New World. Gathering no moss and leaving no turn un-stoned they are carving a modern legacy from old rock.
Ric with Y Blew, the first ever Welsh language rock band and then The Flying Pickets. Tim from a 1968 school band called Six Foot Under based loosely on Black Sabbath, through Eve, Ray Jones a’i Fand, The Mescalligators. Then in 2012, Mark Wenden replaced Tubs, the legendary Aber drummer with Smokestack, Eryr Wen, The Mescalligators, Barking Ducks and others and the only percussionist to have traversed the old King’s Hall on a high wire. Tubs sadly had to retire due to health reasons and Mark, professional percussionist, teacher and rock-solid rhythm man bravely stepped in. Last but certainly not least is our front-man Gareth, originally with the legendary Aber student combo The Mavis Riley Experience and Welsh singer-song writer Neil Rosser. Gareth’s leading melodies take us on wild R&B explorations to far-off lands and musical magic.
The Boogilators' musical roots grow from early blues, R&B and jazz of the 1940s and 1950s, hence the sparing use of slide guitar for lead and their preference for the earthy, expressive voice of the blues harp and sax alongside the distinctive, surging Hammond and rolling New Orleans piano.
Laissez les bon temps roulez!
Ric Lloyd - keyboards (piano, Hammond), vocals
Tim Williams - Bass guitar, Double Bass & vocals
Gareth Edwards - blues harp, alto sax, guitar, vocals
