In mid-2014, guitarist David Zuric and drummer Alan Lander, who had both worked in Herb Armstrong’s Big Jazz Cats jazz/funk band, met with keyboardist Jonathan May, bass player Jon Brown, and the astonishing singer Kenny Gamble at a jam session at Coolum RSL.
Chemistry took hold, and on July 19 that year, the five professional musos teamed up to play a concert of music by Eric Clapton in all his guises at the venue, with a sellout dinner-dance event.
Thus the Claptomaniacs was born, firstly as a Clapton tribute act (hence the name), then a broader club band playing transatlantic classics in the club scene – and continue to do so.
Amazingly, for the music world, the same five guys make up the band today, which has become synonymous with authentic renditions of some truly classic songs.
And so, on Sunday 21 July at Tewantin’s Marina Bar at Noosa Harbour, from 4-7pm, the Claptomaniacs will celebrate 10 years in the Coast’s music live music heart.
“We still do the occasional Clapton show on request,” Alan Lander said, “but most of our regular work is with the clubs, particularly in Noosa and at the northern end of the Coast.
“There would not be many we haven’t played at least once.”
Alan said the band might play a couple of classic Clapton numbers as part of the Marina Bar show.
“It’s a great venue, attracting a broad cross-section of Noosa people, in a fantastic waterside setting,” he said.
“Some come to dance, some come to listen – most come for both.
“We have been lucky with our band chemistry, each having the same attention to detail in how we play, and taking a democratic approach to our selection of songs, with plenty of dance material, all lovingly rehearsed to get the best out of them.”
You can catch the show at The Marina Bar, Parkyn’s Court, Tewantin on Sunday (July 21) from 4 to 7pm. Call 0404 961 923 for table bookings.
