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Johnny Gunner and the Raiders. No, it's not a new film, they're a Southend based band who play authentic style 1950's Rock 'n' Roll and Blues.

They were formed by chance when John Gunner and Bob Blades started an impromptu jam. Surprisingly, the band has only been in existence for six months, but already they've played gigs the length and breadth of the country.

They're also starting to make a name for themselves on the rock and roll scene and at local pub and club gigs within the Southend area.

The whole bands ethos is to bring 1950's American roots music to a wider audience.

Johnny said: "Our music owes more to Rhythm and Blues of the 50s than the 70s portrayal in Grease and Happy Days.

"People who come to our gigs are surprised by the fact that we use a minimum of equipment, which include just an upright double bass, drums, guitar and a vintage echo unit. Sometimes we're joined by a tenor sax player, just how it was done in the '50's".

Catch John Gunner on lead/rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Bob Blades on double bass, Steve Spears on drums and Paul Packer on tenor sax at the Tennessee Club, Vardon Suite, Trent Park Golf Club, Bramley Road, Oakwood, London, on March 31.

Tickets £12.50, or half price for drivers of classic American or British cars, hot rods and motorbikes.

For more information call Richie Gee on 07976 964086 and band enquiries on 01702 337320 or the raiders@blueyonder.co.uk

Mighty dub sounds at Chinnerys

Lovers of all that is reggae, ska, roots and dance hall are in for a treat when the Goldmaster Allstars lay down some mighty dub at Chinnerys on Southend seafront on March 23.

Bassist and founder member Malcolm Diss said the band, which has evolved from studio to stage over the past three years, is getting a lot of European interest as well as London gigs.

Having listened to the band's last album, Influence Of The Masters, by Goldmaster Allstars, I can heartily recommend them.

They will be performing various tracks from their new album The Goldmaster Allstars Ska Express.

It's not your tired, jaded old reggae which is pumped out on the Goa and Koh Samui seafront year after year.

Goldmaster has some interesting licks, cool vibes and sharp as razor blade tunes.

The doors open at 8pm and tickets prices have yet to be revealed to me, but they're worth it regardless.

But if loud, louder and loudest are the only three setting you have on your stereo, then Chinnery's will be ideal for you and your bleeding ears on March 25.

You can catch Orange Goblin, Grand Magus and Roadsaw from 8pm for just a £5 ticket which is available from Fives Records in Broadway, Leigh, and High Street, Rayleigh or Honky Tonk Music and PMT in Southend.

Finer sounds at Castlemayne

There's some nice indie rock at the ever-friendly Castlemayne in the Knares, Basildon on March 21.

Promoter Joe - who is also putting on some Thursday blues nights at the Belvedere in Hardings Elms Road, Basildon - said Finer and Brewster are a fine pair of bands and with the knowledge that entry is free, you can't go wrong. Doors open at 8pm.

Joe was also keen to point out the excellent real rhythm and blues band Receeders will be playing at the Belvedere, for £5 a ticket on March 21 as well.

So make a decision quickly. Call Joe on 01268 492250 for more information.

Published Tuesday March 19, 2002