Voodoo Kings
Irena and the Zodiacs

The winter chill had not yet blown out of Coventry, especially in the hearts of Sam and Whippet. For the two musicians, hardly enough time had passed for them to get over the shock and pain of loosing their friend and fellow band member Gus Chambers. On a frosty morning musicians and music lovers from Coventry and beyond gathered to pay their last respects and Gus was laid to rest. An emptiness was felt not only in the hearts of those close to Gus but also on the Coventry music scene known for its originality and energy.

By chance Dave was approached by Irena and was asked to play at the Zodiacs 50th Anniversary and it was here the Voodoo spirit had begun to work its magic!

David West on vocals and the Gretch guitar, Sam Smith on Double Bass and Terry Downes on drums driven by fate and desire came together to rehearse. An excitement was buzzing in the air and word soon caught on that Dave and Sam had been reunited by music. Interest was brewing as the trio worked on original lyrics and beats and two weeks later they performed four of their own songs and rocked the Zodiacs audience with their Voodoo vibe.

The following night the lads performed their first ever gig together as the VOODOO KINGS!

The band is still in its early stages but with Whippet's agility and desire for original beats, Dave's writing skills and Sam's ability to arrange a melody an original voodoo rock n roll sound is rising up from the swamps. Audiences are growing in number, interest around the world is starting to bubble...what's in store for this innovative trio?


http://www.reverbnation.com/voodookingsuk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmwhBFkrmi4


email; music.21@ntlworld.com




From BBC website.....

January's Band of the Month is Coventry's Voodoo Kings

The Voodoo Kings hope to record and perform more in 2011


The Voodoo Kings are a 21st century rock and roll and rockabilly trio from Coventry.
Sam Smith and Dave West had previously played together in Bonediggers and Sam had played with Terry Downes in Mantra Sect.
Following the death of Gus Chambers, also of Mantra Sect, Sam, Dave and Terry decided to form the Voodoo Kings.
Their first gig was at The Zodiacs 50th anniversary party, where they played several self-penned tunes.
The music, which has a punky twist, immediately takes you back to the era of coffee bars, scooters and the tea-chest bass.

VOODOO KINGS
Dave West - Guitar and vocals
Sam Smith - Double bass
Terry Downes - Drums
Talking about the band's influences, guitarist and vocalist Dave West said: "Our biggest inspiration, in a broad sense, is rock 'n' roll - the way it altered the whole entertainment industry and continues to do so. We try to emulate that sense of excitement.
"As far as people who are an influence, I'd say Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, John Lennon, and bands like The Clash, The Ramones, Velvet Underground, New York Dolls and last but not least, our partners, family and friends are always a good influence on us."
BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Introducing has already been playing tracks by the band - such as I'm Not Blind and Voodoo Car - but they hope to do more recording in 2011.
Recording a new album
Dave adds: "We do plan to record an album, we have so far recorded five songs and they have been well received by fans who have bought the Voodoo Cars CD at gigs. Maybe two songs from that CD will feature on the full album."
The band have plans to travel down to Abbey Road Studios in London to record three new tracks and to work with fellow Coventrian Pete P.

Dave West (left) also appeared in Coventry Market - The Musical!
One of the first things that grabs you with the Voodoo Kings' music is the running slap bass - something that should be used more in records!
This is then backed up by a solid drumbeat and the sound of a raw electric guitar - similar to the likes of Eddie Cochran and other guitarists of the late '50s/early '60s. The influences are definitely there.
It makes a refreshing change to have a local band that references music from this era - after all, rock and roll is here to stay.
To find out more about Voodoo Kings, visit their official MySpace website by clicking on the link below:
Voodoo Kings:



Links http://www.reverbnation.com/voodookingsuk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmwhBFkrmi4




http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/coventry/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_8414000/8414450.stm

• Rock N Roll