It is 50 years since Ronnie Lane formed the SMALL FACES — just over forty since he left the FACES to go on alone. Then Ronnie put together his own band — SLIM CHANCE.
Ronnie expertly combined his famous Chirpy-Cockney character with that of sweet and romantic troubadour…
When Ronnie originally formed his SLIM CHANCE, he joked that he found the musicians in the pages of Exchange & Mart. But when Charlie Hart and Steve Simpson trawled the streets looking to reform the band in 2010 — they miraculously found three more ex-Slim Chancers — ready to sign-up again to help re-create the music of Ronnie.
All of them fine singers, musicians and showmen in their rights, they play an amazing array of instruments…
SLIM CHANCE were always well known for their pioneering use of violin, mandolin and accordion. And the debut album of the ‘new’ band, ‘The Show Goes On’ released in 2012, was a good example of this virtuosity. It was also a touching tribute to Ronnie. The ‘new’ members of SLIM CHANCE formed into a brilliant band. As well as being a powerful entity in its own right, their fabulous live concerts became partying successes.
Original band members Steve Bingham, Charlie Hart and Steve Simpson, ably assisted by Geraint Watkins, Des Horsfall and two fine drummers, Jim Russell and John Lingwood — not only prove themselves to be strong songwriters in their own right — but also damned fine vocalists.
Fast forward three years and the band has announced the release of their second album On the Move – Slim Chance released this November on Fishpool Records. Reminiscent in ways of Ronnie’s own second album (appropriately named ‘Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance’) with many wide and varied musical styles, this album is a wonderful mix of original band numbers, plus Ronnie’s own songs and a surprise or two along the way.
The recent remake of the classic material from Slim Chance on Island / Universal Records has seen a resurgence of interest in the music of Ronnie Lane. With this new record by Ronnie’s Former Band SLIM CHANCE, his spirit is kept very much alive.
The album On the Move – Slim Chance is released 6th November on Fishpool Records.
Band Link: http://www.slim-chance.co.uk/
UK DATES – SLIM CHANCE
November 20th
Ent.Shed, The Gordon Arms
118 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QY
http://www.eastwestpromotions.co.uk
21st November
Half Moon, Putney
http://www.halfmoon.co.uk
10th Dec
The Brook Southampton
http://www.the-brook.com
Saturday November 21st is our official LONDON LAUNCH PARTY AT THE HALF MOON PUTNEY. This will be a night to remember with very special guests and a fantastic atmosphere so don’t miss this one! Tickets are available from the Half Moon.
