Chad Strentz -  Biography

Mr Chad Strentz, born in London, 1964.
Started singing and playing guitar at the age of 13.
Early influences include Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Burnette, Mac Curtis, and Gene Vincent, just a few of the guys I would listen to at this time.
I joined a rockabilly band at the age of 15 called the Scat Katz. We played mostly in bars and a few festivals.
The next band I joined was called Cat Talk. We had a bit of success on the rockabilly circuit in England and out in Europe. I cut my first 45 with this band.
Being into rockabilly at this time tuned my ears to such artists as Arthur (big boy) Crudup, Bo Diddley, Junior Parker and the Blue Flames, and many more blues artists. I also listened to artists such as Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Wilson Picket, and Johnny Cash, as this was the music my mother and father were listening to at the time.
My next band was called Shout Sister Shout. This was the first band that played more blues and soul, but still had some rockabilly tunes.
I started to write songs around this time, although my first penned song was with Cat Talk called 'I wish I never lost you'.
Shout Sister Shout were quite a popular band, we played out in Europe a lot, and around England.
I joined up with Paul Lamb in 1991-1999.The band at the time were doing really well. We toured a great deal and released around 5 CDs in this time, most of which won awards. I wrote a lot more songs, along with Paul and Johnny Whitehill. I will miss Johnny, as a good friend and an amazing guitarist. I was now playing more blues and swing songs, with a touch of rockabilly.
I took a break after 1999 for around a year. I then hooked up with my old friend Pete Farugia, who I think was one of the first musicians I jammed with. We formed a band called Breakout Blues, just to keep our interests going. We released a CD called 'Drunk and Homeless', with mostly original tracks.
I then got a call from Ian Jennings from the Big Town Playboys, asking if I would sing a few tracks on their new album. I agreed,and it went well. We have done a few gigs and festivals and even an after tour party for the Rolling Stones. I still do the odd gig with Ian, it's only Rock'n'roll, but I love it!
I got a call not long ago from Paul Lamb, asking if I would be up for singing with the band again - how could I refuse. Great to be back! (Oct 2003)

Contact:

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