Chris Griggs (drums, backing vocals, James Brown impressions, Stetson)
Groovemeister Chris Griggs propels the Honeydripper outfit effortlessly and elegantly from the drum stool, getting authentically deep into the funk pocket courtesy of a smart Tama kit and a snazzy Stetson. Chris is a particular admirer of such influential percussive US groove merchants as the legendary Bernard “Pretty” Purdie and Steve Gadd, and brings something of the same finesse to the Honeydripper venture.
Chris had years of experience with the widely-gigged and well-respected Norfolk-based groove machine, Mondatta Funk. He was a founder-member of that funk outfit, along with the fine local guitarist Mark Howes, and in addition he gigged regularly with the Bluesin’ For A Cruisin’ blues band (who needless to say were not quite as fine as Honeydripper, but then, what blues band is?)
Honeydripper are blessed with a great bedrock, a fine timekeeper and a particularly tasty drummer in Chris, and his playing always merits particular attention, as he combines the niceties of the funk drummer’s craft with the more traditional backbeat-oriented Chicago-style blues drummer’s technique. And we do all like his hat . . .
Dave Thompson (vocals, guitars, butch boots, Cockney patter, nahmean?)
The Honeydripper outfit were delighted to secure the exceptional Dave Thompson to fill the guitarist slot after misplacing two previous guitar players in quick succession (we were just careless). Dave comes to the Honeydripper band following many years playing blues and blues-rock in various bands in the South East of England, and brings to the band both wide experience and an authentic blues pedigree and technique.
He was previously based in Kent , where he fronted his own band for many years, and during that period he worked extensively over a wide area. Since moving to East Anglia, he has played with the highly-regarded Just Blues outfit, and now brings his outstanding talents to Honeydripper for the next fulfilling chapter in his blues odyssey.
Dave’s stage equipment combines Gibson Les Paul and Fender Strat guitars with Marshall amps and cabinets, a time-honoured and well-proven blend that gives full expression to his stinging and bluesy delivery.
The band’s guitarist has described himself as tall, extremely good-looking with an enviable physique, and universally-liked by all who meet him, as well as being an exceptional guitarist. Some of this is possibly true . . .
Mike Flowerday (bass guitar, upright bass, soul patch, poncy braces)
‘Bassdaddy’ Mike Flowerday is old enough to know better, although his bass crimes commenced only upon retirement from the day job. He played guitar with local skiffle and rock’n’roll bands in the 1950s (yes, he really is that ancient). In the early 60s he heard recordings by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, and gave it up as a hopeless task. After a lay-off longer than the gap between Steely Dan albums, he picked up a bass (“because it's not so hard”) and played in a band led by gifted blues guitarist/vocalist Roger Billings.
When RB relocated to less miserable climes Mike played with pop band Sweet Nothin's, and in a duo with songwriter David Young, and was blessed to play with blues luminaries such as Oli Brown. He underpinned 8 piece Norwich soul band Midnight Groove, and has subsequently gigged extensively with blues-rock bands Blue Fingers and Square One, and most recently classic rock band Blind Spirit.
Mike loves blues, proper rock and roll, and jazz, and is delighted to be with Honeydripper; it keeps him off the street corners, and the others play so well he's hoping it'll rub off on him.
John Watcham (vocals, harps, shades, snakeskin shoes, awful jokes)
Honeydripper front man John "Boy" Watcham has graced the East Anglian R & B circuit for many years, and was a stalwart of the much-missed 4D Jones band, as well as blowing and singing for Midnite Jack. Here he comments on his blues harp equipment preferences :
"Being a harp player for over 20 years I've tried and tested all types of harmonicas, amplifiers and microphones. For me there is only one amp I would recommend, and that is a Fender. I currently play through a Fender Hot Rod, a 1x12 single cabinet with 2 channels - it's the best I've used. As for harmonicas, I use Hohner Marine Band for that fat Chicago sound. I also use Hohner Blues Harps for the same sound, and for the cleaner sound I use Lee Oskars. As for mics, there is only one for me, a Shure green bullet with a volume control. The volume control allows me to set up the amp and leave it set for the gig, and just use the mic for up and down volume control.I've listened to the blues since my early twenties, but was drawn to the harp players like Big and Iittle Walter, James Cotton, Sonny Terry, Rick Estrin, Kim Wilson and Paul Lamb ,just to mention a few. Catch me on a gig and have a chat. "
John Boy.
