Ah.........The PBGB web. Some time back, Manny caught a gig by a band called The Hops. He struck up a conversation with Damian, the bass player. Damian mentioned to Manny that the Hops were looking to do a spot of recording, so Manny suggested Damian get in touch with Neil. Neil quite liked the idea and discussed the idea with Pete. Next thing you know The Hops hopped in.
We had a fun afternoon and ended up recording six songs. What with one thing and another, not least the Coronavirus pandemic, finalising all six songs is taking a bit longer than we anticipated, but we have finished two, and we thought we might get them out there sooner rather than later.
Kirribis Blues and Simple Life are ready to go.
The Hops are :
Noel Whittem - Guitar/Vocals (Noel wrote both these songs)
Brooke Marshall - Vocals
Kass Fenton - Flute/vocals
Damian Picone - Bass
On the afternoon in question, John Travena (aka Trapper John) was drafted in to play Drums. Trapper did a great job. He'd never heard any of the Hops' material before arriving in The Shed, but had no trouble inventing great grooves to slip under the songs. Trapper is a very respected local drummer who currently plays with local acts The Hoops ( yes, yes, Hoops not Hops ), Jackson State and numerous other bands in the Bega Valley and beyond.
Damian supplies the backdrop.............
"Performing as ‘The Hops’ we supported a touring Japanese band ‘John John Festival’ on two nights at Tathra Hotel in 2018 and have performed there on many open mic nights. We’ve also played at the Candelo Blues Club, cafes, fund raisers and parties. Noel Whittem’s and Brooke Marshall’s thought provoking songs form the basis of the band’s repertoire. Kass Fenton,flautist, is a music teacher who is currently also performing with Surg. Damian and Noel have been performing together as part of the Bemboka Blues Brokers and The Blue Band Bees for the past two years with regular spots at the Candelo Blues Club and the Scotch Oven Cafe in Bemboka. We have been guests of ABC Local Radio and Phil Moriarty on Edge FM
Noel, Brooke and Kass are long time residents of the Bega Valley. Damian moved into the area in 2014. Noel and Brooke had performed together previously. Brooke and Kass have played together at many music camps. We got together for a jam in early 2018 at Noel’s place and immediately formed a strong bond based on a love of playing music and generally having a good time doing it."
So there you have it.
Hope you like these songs as much as we do !
We had a great afternoon with The Hops, and hope to see them back in The Shed in the not too distant future.
Thanks for coming gang !
