The Tenth Avenue Band started in 1988 by Ken Patterson as the Heaton People’s Band, but by the time of the first album Chilli Fingers in 1993, the new name had become firmly established. From that album - Never on a Sunday, Broyges Tantz, La Plus Bath des Javas and Chang Kai Shek were recorded live at the Caedmon Hall, Gateshead.
Even in the early days the Band travelled to festivals in Britain and Europe. Hot Foot!, the second album, was studio recorded in 1995 and included favourites such as Night Train, Samba Jive, Sidewinder and Dominique. some of these are still performed by the Band today. In 1996, an invitation from the BBC led to a recording that featured Clint, U-mgibe and Mambo 8. After ten years of entertaining on the streets, at festivals, parties and weddings – 1998 saw the production of Hanging Out.
This album celebrated classics such as St Thomas, Watermelon Man and Peter Gunn, as well as great tunes like Red Ska Blues which was generously given to the Band by Pete Rosser. The occasion of the recording was a welcome return to the Caedmon Hall. Throughout the years, the Band has continued to play at local events as well as those throughout the country and abroad.
These three albums – Chilli Fingers, Hot Foot! and Hanging Out were recorded, mastered and re-mixed by Graham Raine of Offbeat Tracks. As a member of the Band for a number of years, Graham was able to capture the spirit of the sound and remains a great friend.
Below you can listen to a few sample tracks from our latest release;
'‘The Story So Far....’.
(NB: May take a few seconds to play depending on broadband conditions and speed).
Clint
U-Mgibe
Rachel’s Ska