| HeartBeat was formed in the summer of 2004 by three experienced musicians fascinated by the early era of rock'n'roll and more especially the films "The Buddy Holly Story" and "La Bamba". For many years, Phil had sung and played Buddy Holly songs on stage with various covers bands, always to audience acclaim. Now, with an invitation to play at Old Leigh Regatta in September, it was time for all three to put their skills and experience to good use.
Guitarist / Singer / Songwriter Phil Ball - is one of the most talented guitarists around today. His Dad was brought up on rock'n'roll and taught him to play Buddy's songs from a very early age. As well as playing in covers bands from his teens, Phil went on to develop his song writing talents and lead his own 'originals band' including Southend based 'Job Done'. Having worked in and around all aspects of the music industry for many years now, Phil has many strings to his bow, and although still writing, recording and performing his own material, he is also actively involved with other bands, either as a guest guitar player, qualified sound engineer or producing CDs using his 24 track recording studio. www.ashbystudios.co.uk
Bass Guitarist / Singer Stew - Made his first bass guitar in 1966 and learnt to play in order to form a group called ‘Sounds Ecclesiastical’ based at a local church. His most successful pro band was 'Hackensack' in the 1970's – their records are now collectors items – and he went on to appear with cabaret band ‘Soft Parade' on New Faces in 1974.
He took paternity leave from music for the 80’s and early 90’s before returning to rock’n’roll with 'Rockerbox' touring the South Essex social clubs and more recently, Southend party band 'The Rock Solid Experience'. He also plays with Bobby Harrison’s Christian band ‘Journey to Freedom’.
Drummer Dave - was born in Hornchurch and started playing drums at 14 after seeing blues outfit “Sam Apple Pie” play at the old Kings Head in Romford. He proceeded to drive Mum and Dad insane, practicing on whatever came to hand; so much so they bought him a kit just to make the din more musical. The next four years were spent playing in various local bands before turning professional at 18. Fifteen years of pro tours and recording sessions followed, one claim to fame being playing conga drums for a Stevie Wonder track.
Marriage and children meant having to take a proper job - well almost - he managed a local drum store. Free from the tiresome necessity of taking every gig offered, he was now able to play with just the bands he enjoyed. He also met lots of drum tutors and celebs (Bob Armstrong, Stuart Bull and Martin Johnson to name but three), and learned more about playing drums from those guys than he had in the preceding 15 years of “pro playing”! And so to HeartBeat: Dave says “I LOVE THESE SONGS. They give me a chance to play all my favourite beats and chops. Not all band sets do that - this one does, it’s like therapy. Not that I need therapy - not any more - I’m all better now – the nice doctor said so!”
Equipment - Phil
A Mark Knopfler signature Strat is Phil’s preferred guitar but for the Buddy Holly tribute, he uses a Fender American Deluxe 50th Anniversary Stratocaster® or a 1950's reissue Strat both in two-tone (Buddy Holly) sunburst. He has a selection of other guitars, mostly Fenders, that he uses on stage and for recording.
Amplification- A Fender HotRod Deluxe limited edition "White Lightning" combo, HotRod deluxe extension cab and Boss effects pedals complete his set-up.
Equipment - Stew
Stew bought his 1968 Gibson EB3 bass guitar in 1969 and alternates with a 1973 Fender '62 Precision Bass for the Buddy Holly spot. A Trace Elliot bass rig completes his stage set-up. He also has a black acoustic double bass that is included in the act when there’s space on stage!
"People often ask why I'm not using a 'stand-up' bass?" says Stew "Well, not a lot of people know this but, whilst Buddy always insisted on a double bass for recording, it wasn't practical for concerts as the microphones and PA equipment of the day couldn't handle bass! Both Joe B Mauldin and Waylon Jennings used Fender Precision basses on stage, so I do too".
Equipment - Dave
Dave’s road kit is a Yamaha stage custom kit with cymbals by Istambule, Zildjian, Paiste and a 1960s 16 inch Super Zyn.
However, Dave never stops talking about a fantastic Gretsch jazz kit he once had - if anyone knows where there’s one going – let us know!
Special thanks to
Martin Jordan – Sound Engineer and Road Manager.
Martin has been with HeartBeat from the start and accompanies them on the gigs where a skilled sound engineer is called for. Thank you Martin for your continued support and encouragement.
Nick Warry – drums and backing vocals November 2005 to January 2008.
Nick played an original 1956 Premier Drum Kit in blue oyster with Paiste cymbals. His rather special snare drum was a 12" Mapex Black Panther with 22 carat gold plated fittings. Thank you Nick for your contribution to the band over more than two years.
Bobby Harrison – drums August 2004 to November 2005.
Drummer with Procol Harem at the time of their No1 hit ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’, Bobby was HeartBeat’s first drummer and helped launch the band on the professional circuit. He played a Sonor drum kit with Paiste and Zildjan cymbals.
Thank you Bobby for getting HeartBeat off to such a great start – we wish you well with your new venture “Journey to Freedom”.
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