3am [Blues Rock, 5 piece]
3am - the rockingest blues band in the UK!A superbly tight band fronted by powerful and emotive female vocals, this band loves to entertain. Writing their own shatteringly powerful lyrics set to music that has inspired critics to write about how 3am 'defines what the Blues is all about', they happily mix these new songs in with subtle re-arrangements of classic songs from the likes of Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac, Primal Scream, Etta James, Vinegar Joe and many others. Constantly pushing the boundaries of what is generally recognised as 'The Blues' - endlessly creative - this experienced band will have you rocking away to new songs you feel are already etched into your bones!The band has its roots in the rock scene of the 1970's, which is when brothers Tim and Andy Renton were the driving force behind rock band 'Reign' in London. They went on to join Mike Batt and performed as the Wombles on Top of the Pops nine times, touring Europe for radio and TV, including 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. In 2004 they joined up again to start 3am which became a six-piece, with buddy Chris Parren (ex-Strawbs and many others!) on keys.Over the next few years they toured South East England, playing hundreds of pubs and clubs and the occasional theatre , party or festival - from The New Crawdaddy in northern Essex, the Newark, Chichester and Ealing Blues Festivals and Guilfest in the south, Charlotte Street Blues (RIP!!), the original Crawdaddy in Richmond, the 02 Academy2 Islington, Clapham Grand, the 100 Club in Central London, and many more...Since then, the band has gone from strength to strength - occasional changes to the line-up adding depth and diversity to the sound. From May 2011, the arrival of well-known London jazz singer Laura Long, added a new frisson to the mix.Full biogs of all band members can be found on our main webpage.Join our mailing list on www.3am.uk.com - where you can buy our music - subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more videos - including from live gigs www.youtube.com/user/3amRockingBlues or 'like' our page on Facebook - wwwfacebook.com/BluesRockLondon - to keep up to date and exchange views.
'Great stuff as always. You are one hot band!' - Helsinki's Blues Café, Radio Live365.com
Previous Artist of the Week on Lemonrock.
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Band Contact Details
| Band name | 3am |
| Based in | London |
| Tel | 07801 981670 |
| Web | http://www.3am.uk.com |
| info@3am.uk.com | |
| Send Enquiry | Name: Sandy |
| WhatsApp chat |  |
| Info |
Available for weddings, private parties, corporate events.
Own PA, own lights, equipment PAT tested, insured (PLI), MU member.
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CDs (3)
From her roots in the London jazz circuit, Laura set herself a very fast learning curve to meld into this crazy blues rock band that is currently allowing her to "have the time of her life!"
With new songs from Tim, Andy and Laura, this album has a lot to offer. Stand-out tracks are "Insatiable" and "Highway": "Insatiable" is a seven-minute epic that is far too long, and far too raunchy to get airplay! With addiction to "love" as its theme, there are some really powerful bass lines and guitar solos, with Tim adding lap-steel for the first time.
"Highway" is the stripped-down, driving, ultimate escape song - listen and dance!
CD now available at all 3am gigs, and downloadable from mid-March 2012.
1. Sweet Loving Woman
Brought to the 3am repertoire by Chris Parren (keys) who toured America in the 1970’s in Midnight Flyer with Maggie Bell. This track is from the Midnight Flyer Album.
2. For the First Time
Raunchy guitar and drums building to a crescendo in the intro - then Laura’s voice whispers its way into your consciousness. The mood soon changes, as suspicion, then accusation, creep into the relationship and the song, and Laura lets rip. Yet another love story gone wrong, set to that can't-sit-still rhythm.
3. Someone to Love
3am’s version of this Percy Mayfield blues/soul classic, developed from the Gladys Knight version live with B.B. King with strong anti-war lyric
4. Early Monday Morning
Originally a Vinegar Joe tune featuring Elkie Brooks, this is 3am with guest saxophonist Oli Arlotto adding some sultry undertones.
5. Tomorrow
The ballad is a new departure for 3AM, a gentle approach with acoustic feel; this one was written by drummer Andy.
6. Won’t be fooled again
"You're an evil mischief maker, a liar, and a cheat!" No holding back on the lyrics here! A stripped-down 3AM original featuring hard driving rhythms from bass and drums, ending with the poignant, questioning guitar solo - "what do you want from me?" - unanswered...
7. Do You know Your Man
Blues-meets-Palm Court in another 3AM song with a distinctive lyric line, this time featuring acoustic instruments, brushes on the drums and a mandolin. Chris provides some classy piano lines. And still the query: is the song being sung by the girl's best friend? - or by "the other woman"? - you decide!
8. Insatiable.
A new 3AM song- bluesy and very sexy; born in the rehearsal room with lyrics and approach by Laura, the song is multi layered and features some lap steel guitar, and great interplay between guitar and keyboard lead lines.
9. Hit the Highway
The ultimate escape song - "We'll hit the highway!" Let your hair down to this funky, driving, country blues-inspired set-closer. Some fabulous Hammond-style keys from Chris.
"New Years Resolution" and "Attention Seeker" - two very different singles from 3am
Written by Laura Long and Tim Renton.
"NYR" - Playing length 00.04.04. Release date January 2014
"AS" - playing length 00.04.00. Release date May 2013
Performed by 3am - Laura Long, vocals; Tim Renton, guitars; Phil Evans, bass; Chris Parren, keys; Andy Renton, drums.
Recorded and mastered by Adie Hardy at Panic Studios, West London.
Story behind the songs:
New Year's Resolution: a telephone call to Laura from a woebegone fellow musician, following a string of disastrous relationships. Anyone not been there? (slow, pure blues)
Attention Seeker: a young, inebriated wannabe tries to upstage Laura during an East London gig - with very, very amusing results! (fast rocker with amusing lyrics)
Hideaway Blues:
Developed by the band in rehearsal, from a casual request to drummer Jamie along the lines of "can you do a train?" this infectious introduction spawned the song. The idea of a slide based song was also settled before the riff arrived and Laura wrote words on the spot.
You Got Me Wrong (Travesty):
From Laura's words tried in different formats previously, the final version of this tune is based around the tremolo pedal effect that introduces the song, and Phil's weaving bass line. The tune gradually builds as the drums enter late and the keyboards swirl around the riff to climax in the releases. The song steadies in the middle to change melody, chord formation and feel for the guitar solo.
Wind Callin’ my Name:
From Laura's words again the song developed around a riff Chris introduced in rehearsal. The song moved further forward with the use of the wah-wah pedal and the Hendrix influenced introduction.
Angel on the Road:
Tim's song written to replace Chuck Berry numbers in the set, the song is based on a vague parody of a girl known during college days. The verses mix her movements following various men around England with a road-trip type excursion from the American mid-west.
ANGEL ON THE ROAD – CD of four 3am songs release date 25th July 2014
Hideaway Blues playing length 3.20
You Got Me Wrong (Travesty) playing length 5.45
Wind Callin’ my Name playing length 4.39
Angel on the Road playing length 4.20
Written by Laura Long and Tim Renton.
Performed by 3am: Laura Long, vocals; Tim Renton, guitars; Phil Evans, bass; Chris Parren, keys; Jamie Fisher, drums.
Recorded and mastered by Adie Hardy at Panic Studios, West London.
Available online or at gigs.
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This band/artist page is jointly maintained by Lemonrock and Sandy. Last updated 23 July 2021.