SLOW RiDE
CD "Join Together"
available online
REVIEW CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE UK
January 2010 • by Hugh Fielder --
Original Foghat bassist Tony Stevens - who quit in 1975 but returned to the reformed line-up in the 90's - has taken advantage of the lingering American soft spot for the British blues rockers even naming his band after their biggest hit.
To enhance the authenticity, Stevens has recruited drummer Eddie Zyne, who also has Foghat connections. But it's new member Billy Livesay (from Clarence Clemons' Temple Of Soul) who does most to imprint the bands style on the listener. Together with guitarist/keyboard player Tommy Hall, they serve up a robust pastiche of sinewy 70's rock, best illustrated by the way they twist The Who's "Join Together" and Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Bues" to their own ends.
They also strut through half a dozen tailor-made Livesay songs and an overlooked latterday Foghat gem, "Looking For You", before sealing the deal with refreshed versions of "Slow Ride" and "Fool For The City". What could have been stodgy pub rock turns out surprisingly invigorating.
Tony Stevens SLOW RiDE Original Foghat
featuring former members of: Foghat, Savoy Brown, Clarence Clemons Temple Of Soul, Rick Derringer and Hall and Oates
Biography
Tony Stevens, born in England and bred on the blues, first came to prominence when he joined the Savoy Brown Blues Band in 1968. After five major tours and many dues paying years, he and most of the band left to stay true to their blues roots and formed the multi-platinum blues rock band Foghat. They stuck together well into the late 70’s. Tony’s bio of recordings and performances after his departure from the original Foghat reads like a virtual who’s who in rock ‘n roll history.
Tony worked on several hit TV and film projects including the soundtrack for The Who's "Tommy" and "Evita" and then decided to delve into acting in "Rock Follies", a hit English TV show. After two-years on the show, Tony formed the band "Nobody’s Business" .
Next up for Tony was the formation of “Midnight Flyer” with Scottish blues singer Maggie Bell, managed by Peter Grant of Led Zeppelin fame. They recorded an album produced by Mick Ralphs of Bad Company. They toured Europe with Bob Seger and the U.S. with AC/DC.
In 1984, Tony was asked to join Roger Chapman, the former lead singer with "Family" and a major force in Europe. They played together for nearly four years in Western Europe and the Eastern block countries.
Tony then enrolled in acting school and landed small parts in major soaps in the UK: including "The Bill" and "East Enders".
In 1993 Tony, rejoined the original Foghat lineup. In 2003, the new Foghat with original members Tony Stevens and Roger Earl released a new album titled “Family Joules” . The following year, the new Foghat released its first DVD called THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG DVD.
In early 2005, Tony decided to branch out and reunited with former "Foghat" drummer Eddie Zyne who had also toured with "Rick Derringer”, "Hall and Oates" and "The Monkees". They added singer-songwriter Billy Livesay, from "Clarence Clemons Temple Of Soul" on slide guitar and lead vocals, and multi-instrumentalist Tommy Hall on guitar, keyboards, harmonica and vocals. With this newest formation complete, “Tony Stevens SLOW RiDE” was born. This powerhouse foursome has just completed their self-produced debut CD titled "Join Together,” mixed by Steve Gordon (Betty Wright, Rob Thomas, Zakk Wilde) and mastered by Michael Fuller (Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, The Eagles). Tony Stevens SLOW RiDE is currently touring -- playing Foghat classics, originals, and wailing blues. Pick up the new album and catch ‘em in a city near you!
Billy Livesay
Songwriter/ Guitars/ Lead Vocals
Memorable pop-rock tunes, soulful vocals, wailing slide guitar and riveting live performances are Billy Livesay's signature. A respected member of the music community, Billy, has forged a national career which includes the licensing of 21 of his songs to an MTV series and a publishing deal with Transition Music and Kid Gloves Music. Billy's credits include placement of songs on NBC movies of the week and HBO. His songs have appeared in the weekly series "Robin's Hoods", “Doogie Howser”, "King of the Hill", One Tree Hill, "Saving Grace" , "My Name Is Earl", "Samantha Who", "Witch Blade" and "Weeds" to name a few. Billy has also toured as guitarist and lead vocalist for E Streeter Clarence Clemons, releasing 2 CD's titled, "Live In Asbury Park, Volume 1" and "Live in Asbury Park, Volume 2" which features Bruce Springsteen.
Eddie Zyne
Drums
Eddie Zyne is no stranger to the music of Foghat. In 1990 “Lonesome” Dave Peverett called on him to join Foghat along with founding Foghat member Rod Price. After three great years he went on to form “The Livesays” with Billy Livesay and worked closely with Billy on the “Little Bit of Hurt” CD .
Eddie's extensive career has included playing with Daryl Hall and John Oates, Desmond Child , Tony Carey, Rick Derringer and The Monkees 20th Anniversary Tour.
Tommy Hall
Guitar, Keyboards, Harmonica and Backing Vocals
Tommy Hall is a world traveler who spent three years touring with the USO in a rock band called Napoleon. His travels took him from Istanbul to Tokyo and across the United States. Tommy is a multi-instrumentalist who plays lead guitar, keyboards, harmonica as well as supplying background vocals. Tommy has also done guitar and keyboard duties with Brian Howe's "Bad Company" .
