We’re big fans of Island Band The Chancers, so were really chuffed to hear how busy they’ve been over the last couple of weeks when we got this update through this morning. With more Chancer action coming up at Ryde Regatta next month, make sure you catch them when you can. Ed
Members of popular Isle of Wight Soul/Funk outfit The Chancers had a busy time at this years Isle of Wight Festival.
Playing to a packed Hipshaker tent with their largest ensemble yet, they delighted the audience to tracks from their long awaited self-financed, debut album.
The band consisted of many Isle of Wight music contributers. Chris Phillips on drums also teaches music at Medina High School, Chris Horne on guitar, Murray Clack on keyboards, Jack Henson on Vocals/Guitar and Rick Stanbridge on bass and vocals.
After playing the previous night, again at Hipshaker, in another successful Island band, The Apple Beatles and performing the Kashmir tent as The Gypsy Ladyland Experience, performing classic Hendrix, Rick found himself playing four times over the weekend as The Chancers were invited to play Kashmir as well.
“I thought I may have had the record for most performances in different bands in the history of the festival but on talking to a few other Island musicians it seems that someone from Platform One may have pipped me!” he laughed.
They were joined on stage by a three part brass section that included The Bee’s all-rounder Tim Parkin on trumpet, Denzel who hosts open mic nights at the High Park Tavern in Ryde every other Wednesday on Alto Sax, Seaview raised Mike Holdcroft on Tenor. Special guest on flute was Hev McCallum from another Island favourite and Bestival 07 Competition winners Hugo Frusslinky.
It’s a good time for The Chancers, after Rob Da Bank and Rizla announced them UK’s most Inpsired Unsigned Band in 2006, the guys have supported The Cuban Brothers, Roy Ayers and The New Master Sounds, gone about recording their own album at the same time as assisting other bands from the Island in the form of The Development Suite. They have been tirelessly campaigning to keep Ryde Theatre open.
It’s been a frustrating wait at times for the guys but they are now just about to get their own dedicated rehearsal place, which should speed up the final part of album completion.
Two tracks from their album have already been included on an Independent UK Brit Flick comedy ‘The Limelight’ starring channel 4 star Ricky Grover.
‘Monkey’ (Could We Find?) has also just been put on the Ventnor Skatepark charity CD Transitions #1 featuring a whole host of IOW talent.
An unexpected visit from IW Festival and Solo promoter John Giddings, has also sparked interest. He personally asked for a demo after seeing two of The Chancers perform at a local bar a week before the festival.
“That’s two pretty big endorsements, but we are still focused on having something finished in whatever time it takes, rather than chasing things prematurely. We have recorded ourselves, been in The Bee’s studio for a few and recorded a tune at Andy Gray’s studio. Finding the space, time and financial support are always the obstacles but we have never given up trying to create something that sounds accomplished and that represents the best we can give. It’s the best time ever so far for local original music to shine on the whole world.” said a member of the band.
You can catch them soon at Ryde Regatta on Ryde Seafront (Saturday 5th July) or at this years Bestival at Robin Hill (4-6th September). There are also rumours of more appearances so keep your eyes peeled.
