thanks to HJ for filming.
The story of MBE begins in a damp garage in Johannesburg, South Africa with brothers Kevin and Mark, and an eclectic collection of classic rock, blues and jazz. "Listening to music was one thing," says Kevin S Flee, " but being part of its creation was something magical. The electric guitar makes me feel like Orpheus or Pan - even if just in my head."
Joining forces with childhood friend Chris Vendetta, the trio began playing shows as The Death Valley Blues Band across the country. From seedy pubs to house parties, they played for pretty much anyone who would put them on a stage. Yet behind the tequila fuelled debauchery was a desire for more. "No matter what size the audience was or how old they were or what 'scene' they belonged to, we always had people dancing," says Flee. "I firmly believe if you can make people dance, you can change the world."
The next 8 years ushered in a variety of personnel changes, as both Mark and Chris left to peruse family life. In 2006 the band finally settled on a stable line-up, including SAMA award winner Ampie Omo on trumpet, alt jazz star Joe Penn on sax, drummer Storm Thomas and Fuzigish guitar slinger Jay Bones. The set was rammed with crowd pleasing blues titillation paving the way for DVBB to get signed to Soul Candi, the largest supplier of dance music in sub-Saharan Africa.
Their self titled debut album was well received and embraced by collage DJs, however, within a few short months DVBB was dropped from its 'dance' label and facing a crisis of confidence. "So I moved" says Flee. "If the South African music industry wasn't ready for us, then I would find one that was.
"The first obvious choice was relocation to London, a cultural hub for any performer. "London has always been a fortress of raw Rn'B and our style of high energy, crowd baiting blues -- The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds," says Flee. Sadly, the DVBB unit could not follow suit so Kevin S Flee is currently pioneering a path on his own. Cue The Mysterious Blues Experience, a riotous incarnation built from the smouldering ashes of the DVBB. "Blues is in my bones," says Flee, "and right now my bones are burning hot."
3 окт 2024
