Sleeve Notes...

Boogie Woogie Oogie was conceived, written, recorded and produced within only three months in response to demand from fans for a third Boogie Band album.

Of these sixteen excellent self-penned tracks, lead vocalist and bass player Paul Sharman takes the lion's share with ten to his credit, covering a staggering range of material. Compare the good-time title track and the humour of "She Ain't Ready Yet" with the philosophy of "Life Has A Double", the feelings of "I Don't Want Her" and the unique testimony to Muddy Waters on "Oh! Muddy".

Spike's four contributions range through the rockabilly of "Boo Hoo Boogie" to the cool jazz of "Get Rich Quick", while Steve's R&B and folk-blues roots are prevalent on "Ma Petite Parisienne" and "My Harmonica's Got The Blues". When I first heard this album, I got the feeling that it was full of standards I somehow hadn't heard before!

The ability to write for each other's voices and musical skills is matched only by the excellent performances on piano, guitar and bass throughout, with particular reference to Mick Scatley's swing drumming. But this empathy and cohesion hasn't "just happened". These guys go back a long way.

Paul was running a western-swing band which Spike and Steve went to see whilst in a duo at school; they eventually joined, it developed into a rhythm and blues outfit, which in turn had an incarnation as a rock and roll band with Mick but without Steve... there just isn't enough space here for a complete history.

Then, in the early 1990's, they formed The Boogie Band (at first without Spike due to other commitments) to have fun playing the music they had always loved. Within a few gigs they were in great demand at festivals and concerts for their special blend of boogie woogie piano-based music with prominent bass and syncopated dance rhythms. A year or so later and Spike was free to rejoin them - the circle was complete and here they are.

I have had the pleasure of seeing enthusiastic festival crowds (of all ages, life styles and musical preferences) joining together to celebrate in song and dance The Boogie Band's joyful blend of boogie woogie, jive, jump, swing and rhythm 'n' roll. Enjoy this great album, get on the mailing list, and if you ever have the chance to see them performing live... come and join in The Boogie Band experience. I'll probably see you there!

TERRY JAY COOPER