Since 1989 , The HOT ROCKS have performed either together or separately as a group or as backup on all European and Canadian stages.
Artists of the month on September 2006 on Radio One Oldies from Washington USA , classed on the Top Ten of Rockabilly Radio from Baltimore USA and selected for the International Gretsch Contest 2008, there are three musicians with obvious influences, Alexis Mazzoleni (vocal/guitar) an emulator of Chet Atkins and Grady Martin; Francis Gomez (vocal/slapin’ bass) trying to be emulator of the fabulous Willie Dixon; and Red Dennis (shouts/drums), former drummer of the SPRITES, who learned to play drums by listening for hours to the 1956 Gene Vincent sessions in which the Blue Caps’ drummer, Dickie ”Be-Bop” Harrell , added spice to the pieces with his boisterous rythmshots, supported by his frenzied shouts.
The HOT ROCKS cultivated and performed the sound and style of the American 50’s, performing both personal compositions and covers that they take over and improvise with their own arrangements. Artists that have most influenced the trio with their sound and style are, among others, Johnny Burnette, Joe Clay, Sleepy-La-Beef and Dale Hawkins. The HOT ROCKS’ repertoire is mainly rockabilly, Rock’n Roll and Rockin’ blues, all being served hot and spicy ! .
Many performers who used their talent and their feelin’ as a group or separately, to accompany or record with them are (Rock’n Roll Gang, the Sprites, Jerry Dixie, Hollister, Betty and the Bops, Ricky Norton from France, Ruby Ann ,Nelson Carrera from Portugal, Orville Nash from the USA and others…) . They were among the pioneers of the 50’s rock scene and performed with such artists as (Johnny Powers, Ray Campi, Hayden Thompson, Sonny Burgess, The Crickets, The Comets, Linda Gail Lewis, Elizabeth Lee, Crazy Cavan, and others…) . They had the privilege of performing on stage with some famous American musicians of that time including (Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, James Burton, Joey Greco, Charlie Gracie , many others…) , with Martin Fontaine from the international show “Elvis Story”, and soon on stage with Wee Willie Harris (UK) and Sonny West (USA) on October 2008.
Rock’n Roll is not dead. It is alive and doing well. The HOT ROCKS group is one of its actors: ---keep your eyes open, they may soon be performing in your area ! ; Don’t miss them ! ! ! .
