TOMORROW night (Friday) will see the first performance of soul and blues band, the Hard Place, in Okehampton since the town's Arts Festival in July when they supported Georgie Fame — but expect a few changes!
As from this weekend the musicians will be known as the HP Rhythm and Blues Band and their performance will feature more 1950s style rock n' roll and old-fashioned bop.
'We will remain a nine piece line-up including two saxes and trumpet plus Hammond Organ but the music style is changing a little away from the regular 'Commitments' style soul,' explained vocalist Adrian Tilley.
'Over the last twelve months we have included more and more of the traditional rhythm and blues — it suits our line-up with that bigger band sound.'
Mr Tilley said there would still be a big set of dance music but the band would be kicking off with a good hour of 'bop'.
The HP Band welcomes two new members — Okehampton's Imogen Read on trumpet and Helen Prince from Exeter on vocals.
Helen is particularly keen on the new band name as it seems that, with her initials, she is the star and leader. Whilst Imogen, an accomplished musician on a range of instruments, has played with various bands and orchestras locally.
Helen's singing experience was gained in the South East where she performed before Prince Edward at a prestigious concert in London.
The band can be seen at the Saddle Bar at the White Hart Hotel from 8.30pm onwards tomorrow night.