BIOGRAPHY

COOL PEOPLE SAY:

"…..tis unnatural”

Lapstock 2012

“One of the best bands of the fest ...”
“They were certainly a bit unique!! Front guy was amazin!"

Mo Fest 2011

“I have never seen anyone playing a harmonica at that speed or anyone play a Hammond organ at that speed. But Ben the lead singer did both AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!”

“My mate and I both stood there like the rest of the audience, grinning from ear to ear at a jaw dropping performance”

Comments on the Dundee Blues Bonanza website

"Sprightly Anglo-US outfit inventively blend classic Windy City blues with Sixties soul, British R&B and a Nineties punk energy."

The Independent, Five Best Music (UK).

 “The live show is that by which we compare every other band we look at.”

Rob Gillis of Waterdog records.

"the hottest, punkiest, funky British Rhythm 'n Blues available in the USA. This ROCKS!!!!!!!"....

Berlin DJ Lord Litter.

“My favorite Blues Punk Band”

Buzz Kilman, WCKG.

“Combination of Mick Jagger and David Byrne . . . spastic harp . . . I was instantly riveted”

Mike Harris, Editor Chief, Illinois Entertainer.

“. . . my word these lads were AWESOME! The set climaxed in a pool of sweat that flooded the stage.”

Diane, Sister Feelgood – 2003 British RnB Festival Review in Blues Matters,

“Frenzied punk-funk fusion with attitude, this bebop meets Godzilla with harp-o-batics from hell”

Judge Jones, UK Blues Free Press

“ . . . sweaty, US blues punkers.”

Timeout Magazine

 

THE CONVULSIONS

THE CONVULSIONS comprise a core of bass, drums, frenetic harmonica and vocals with occasional splatterings of B3esque organ writhing in hard edged funk forays into 60’s boogaloo and riff based soul/funk. Lyrics, where audible, offer searing insights into societal absurdities and duplicitous romance. An explosive sweaty stage presence mark all the shows. Since Oct. 2005 the Convulsions have become based in the UK where they have broken through the British RnB / Blues festival and club circuit to play more eclectic festivals such as Off the Tracks, SAM in Serbia, Birmingham Artsfest, Meadowlands, Montrose, Kendal Calling and beer festivals (Keswick, Peterborough, Wokingham, Lancaster) to great acclaim.

THE CONVULSIONS headlined the 2008 SAM International Music Festival in Vrasac, Serbia and sold out of all their merchandise in 5 minutes (admittedly for two beers a CD). They sold out all their merchandise again at the Dundee Blues Bonanza, 2009, and yet again during their 2010 residency in Stockholm. We have learnt to bring more CDs to our shows but In 2012 the trio recently returned from a USA Midwest tour where CDs sold out in Cedar Rapids. Ending in Chicago the trio plan to repeat the adventure in 2013 and also in 2013 they will be touring in Queensland, Australia and Eastern Europe.

THE CONVULSIONS have a 2011 EP of anti-establishment ditties courtesy of Absolute Recordings produced by Mo Whitham (Suzi Quattro’s guitarist). They have one video “I Need This Baby Like A Hole in the Head” and various embarrassing YouTube clips. Two other albums and several live show EPs exist from the Chicago years.

THE CONVULSIONS have had distribution in 420 US college radio stations (Shuteye Records – bit of a scam actually). Several songs have featured in two films: Resurrection Mary and Adventure Sex 1 (really! ) Ben Ruth has recorded for dozens of Chicago bands. His harmonica work is to feature on a Tampa Bay based Grammy nominated funk band, Level 10, release in 2013.

THE CONVULSIONS founder Ben Ruth runs an international music agency, CME Artist Services that has become a significant conduit for international acts seeking recognition in the UK and is licensed by the UK Border Agency to facilitate this. The agency also puts on an annual music festival in the band’s home town of Lancaster featuring over 100 acts of all genres and locations in almost 30 venues

THE CONVULSIONS are Ben Ruth (vocals, harmonica, organ), Jo Cutler (bass), John Huck (drums)

http://convulsions.com/home.htm
http://www.myspace.com/convulsionsband

Convulsions c/o
CME Artist Services
3 Kensington House
Greaves Road
Lancaster, LA1 4UY
+44 (0)1524 380990
+44 (0)7908 495549
info@convulsions.com

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