Tom Davies & the Bluebirds
So here’s the bit where we get to tell you a little bit about us. You may desperately need to know which socks are lucky, how many plectrums is enough or how many endangered species of tree Gary will carve his way during the gig*.
The current line-up came together in early 2023 and is based in the southern part of Hampshire, nestled between the New Forest and the South Downs.
We’ve already been to Ireland a few times to play at the Belfast Empire and the Button Factory in Dublin, alongside Eric Bell and Gerry Quigley, to support the campaign to build a statue to celebrate the life and work of Gary Moore.
The Ballyshannon Blues festival was amazing. What a place! Every venue packed and so appreciative…..hardly had to buy a drink throughout the entire weekend.
We’ve headlined festivals and played at some amazing venues up and down the country in 2023, met some amazing people and had a lot of fun in the process. We supported some great acts like Stomping Dave and the Big Wolf Band.
We’ve gained a reputation for being easy to work with, able to put on a great show with minimal fuss and no outrageous demands on sound engineers (apart from them being intimidated by the enormity of the bass rig), stage crew or hospitality.
Tom Davies
Tom is the driving force behind the band. Don’t be fooled by his youth. He has a deep and profound love of the blues which he brings into his playing and songwriting. He is profoundly influenced by all of the Kings, Peter Green, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Robben Ford, SRV, Eric Johnson and, well, you know it, the list just goes on. That doesn’t mean that Tom’s style is diluted by all of these great guitarists. He manages to combine elements from each of them and create a unique sound.
His live performance is intense, mesmerising…He has a way of gently bringing you into his world and showing you the wonders that lie within. There’s no crazy stage antics, no playing upside down, behind his back or with his teeth, he doesn’t need gimmicks. There’s just a passion and a fire that consume and captivate everyone who wants to be a part of the journey.
Gary Lyons
Gary is one half of the razor tight rhythm section that is the Bluebirds. He is a drummer with many years experience in styles ranging from ska to 80’s hair rock, having played in originals and covers bands through the 80’s and into the 2000’s. His influences are many and varied but it’s fair to say that Phil Collins is right up there with the likes of Gavin Harrison and of course, John Bonham. Despite having played material ranging from Kenny Rogers to Motörhead, with a little Foo Fighters and Madness mixed in, Gary has always known Blues was where he should be and has finally found his home with Tom and Si
His precise and dynamic playing, aided by “That Great Gretsch Sound” is ideally suited to the thumping blues rock of Tom Davies and the Bluebirds
Gary has a keen sense of humour and will happily share one of his wonderfully inappropriate jokes with you……..whether you want him to or not.
Oh, and no: he doesn’t look like Mick Fleetwood, OK!
Si Davis
Si brings years of live experience and a wall of sound to the band. He’s not a flashy bass player, definitely an advocate of the “less is more” principle, there’ll be no popping, slapping or extended solo improvisations. Along with Gary, he provides the heartbeat of the band.
His influences are many: Jack Bruce, Noel Redding, John Entwhistle, Leland Sklar, Andy Fraser, Dave Pegg, Charlie Mingus and Danny Thompson are in there along with Phil Lynott, Lemmy, Mike Rutherford and many more, but his own style and sound are quite singular.
He is a longtime user of Ashdown amps and favors vintage Gibson basses.
Star Wars themed socks, any even number greater than four and the finest north American hickory.