The Hoax

Arguably the most influential British Blues band of the last 20 years, The Hoax blasted through the 90's forging a loyal and widespread following and firmly established a cult status as one of the most exciting live acts of the decade. Then, in 1999 as the century reached its conclusion, so did The Hoax with the 5 members parting ways, leaving a gaping hole in the British Blues scene.



It was at a small show in 1993 just outside Southampton in the west of England where legendary producer Mike Vernon first saw The Hoax. Vernon helped shape the emerging sound of the British Blues movement in the 1960's by producing the classic John Mayall's Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton album as well as Fleetwood Mac, Ten Years After and a then unknown David Bowie. He wasted no time in signing the band through his Code Blue Label to Warner Brothers world wide and in 1994 the critically acclaimed 'Sound Like This' album was released.



Q magazine proclaimed the band the new Rolling Stones, and the album went on to win Best Album at The British Blues Awards. Appearances on VH1 and Later with Jools Holland soon followed and helped build the stateside buzz prompting a full page editorial in Billboard Magazine.



The Hoax continued to tour ferociously, racking up nearly 2000 gigs in 18 different countries and in 1998 they found new independence by releasing their careers best album "Humdinger" on their newly established Credible label. Once again the British press sung its praises with Mojo and Q Magazine giving glowing reviews. However, the relentless touring had taken its toll on the young band and The Hoax bowed out with a string of sold out shows culminating at London's Astoria Theatre.



Throughout the ensuing decade the former members of The Hoax have continued to keep a high profile. Guitarist Jon Amor has released a slew of solo albums and established himself as a renowned songwriter and performer, building a dedicated following both sides of the Atlantic. "Stories From a Crooked Room" his 5th Studio album was released in 2009.



In 2003 guitarist Jesse Davey and brother Robin signed to Interscope Records as The Davey Brothers, through former Eurythmics star, Dave Stewart's WME Label. Their song 'Heart Go Faster' was featured on the Tomb Raider soundtrack and in 2004 the Brothers were featured on the Golden Globe winning "Alfie" Soundtrack alongside Mick Jagger and Joss Stone.



Both have also become much sort after film makers. Robin won the Stanley Kubrick award for Bold and Innovative Film Making at Michael Moores Film Festival in the US. While Jesse has written and directed music videos for Gavin Rossdale and Papa Roach, receiving a nomination for Best Music Video at the Kerrang Awards. Musically Robin is now one half of Los Angeles based eclectic pop duo "The Bastard Fairies" who recently achieved one million downloads of tracks from their debut album "Memento Mori".



Jesse continues to work as songwriter and record producer, with a string of successful songs and albums to his name. Regarded as one of the most fierce and soulful blues guitarists today, his guitar slinging talents have been sort out by the likes of Sting, Ringo Star, Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart. Jesse's debut album will be released in 2010.



Singer Hugh Coltman, having relocated to Paris shortly after the Hoax split, released his debut album "Stories From The Safe House" through Universal France in 2008. Appearances on Taratata and One Shot Not, both major French music shows, a nomination for the "Prix Constantin" (France's Mercury music awards) and festivals appearances across Europe have cemented his profile in France as one of the hottest singer songwriters to emerge in recent years.



Drummer Mark Barrett helped craft the sound of blues upstarts the 22-20's and has continued to boost his reputation as the shuffle maestro of English drumming, spending the last decade honing his craft backing the top talent of the British music scene.



2010 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the forming of The Hoax, when a group of kids in their early teens from the tiny Wiltshire village of Great Cheverell embarked on a journey which would change the face of British Blues. As the band gear up for a reunion tour they are busy writing new material for the first time in 10 years and will undertake a world tour in 2010.