The Strange Tones

“If surf guitar god Dick Dale found himself in Bogart’s Maltese Falcon film-noir underworld, and drank beer at the seedy bar with bluesmen Jimmy Reed and Magic Sam, the resulting soundtrack might be exactly what the Strange Tones purvey.” – The Oregonian 

The Strange Tones have blended a fiery and unique concoction of original blues, rockabilly, surf and vintage R&B, and finished it off with a private eye twist. They’ve shaken and stirred these elements into their own original sound and style known as “Crime-A-Billy.”

The magic of this ensemble is fueled by four players who are equally compelled and driven to advance their cause.  This fearsome foursome, led by the husband-and-wife team of guitarist Julie Strange and bassist Andy Strange, and fortified by longtime partners guitarist Suburban Slim and drummer Andy Gauthier, form “....one of Portland’s most original and accomplished bands.” - Oregonian. 

It may be Andy Strange's lessons learned as bass player for legendary wild man and voodoo practitioner Screamin‘ Jay Hawkins, or Julie’s steady childhood diet of Jimmy Reed and Ike + Tina Turner. It could be Andy Gauthier‘s deep groove and flair as a well respected “drummer’s drummer," or Slim’s intensity and creativity that consistently earn him recognition. As anyone who sees The Strange Tones perform live knows, it’s much more than these four individuals....this is a BAND. And on special occasions for large stage venues, they bring out a unique and secret weapon, the Volcano Vixens. Vivian and Vera are strikingly talented dancers and choreographers who have created the perfect steps to complement the band’s sonic crime-fighting sound.

The band’s previous CDs have earned much acclaim throughout the NW and beyond. We're On Our Way earned the coveted Muddy Award for "Northwest Recording of the Year" by the Cascade Blues Association, while both We’re On Our Way and Crime-A-Billy made the Top 20 Chart in Spain for FM Blues Radio and on Real Blues Magazine’s Top 100 Charts.

"The Strange Tones have their own unique flavor of music. Perhaps you can call it Blues Noir."    -Cascade Blues Association President Greg Johnson 

“Many people find it hard to show something new within electric blues format.  They should ask The Strange Tones for some private lessons, as they have found their own niche and truly shine.”  -The Voice of the Blues, Przemek Draheim, Poland