The Jukes

In the age of DJ’s, artificial, synthesized meaningless pop and tired covers of songs the world was pleased to be rid off the first time round (and the time after that...), The Jukes are as much a cause as a band.

Blues is about tradition and personal expression, and at its core, the blues has remained the same since its inception.
The Jukes try to play genuine, emotional music that you can dance to, the shuffling feet and shaking hips that accompany a performance are a testament to that.

The Jukes were formed in 2006 with the vision of bringing something different to the increasingly popular New Zealand blues scene.
The premise of the band is uncompromising authenticity, as faithful to the original Chicago blues style as five guys from New Zealand can manage.

The classic “Chicago style" was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s, taking the Delta blues, amplifying it and putting it into a small-band context.
By adding drums, bass, and (sometimes) piano, the genre created the now standard blues band lineup.

Grasping the value of playing as a solid unit, The Jukes don’t try and reinvent the wheel or take the blues to the next level or in another direction; The Jukes just play the blues with the classic Chicago ensemble feel.
The Jukes sound is the balanced sound of “South Side” and “West Side” blues tunes.
Propulsive shuffles, some fierce slow blues and a few funkier grooves are the hallmarks of the band's performance.

Mark and me at a gig

The band consists of vocals, harmonica, guitar, keyboard, bass and drums and the set list includes classics (and some other not so well tunes) from such legends as Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Reed and Slim Harpo.
A couple of original tunes have also found their way onto The Jukes set list.

If you can’t be in a blues club in Chicago and you don’t find too many Juke Joints in New Zealand, being at a Jukes performance is the next best thing.

The Jukes are available for Festivals, Pub Gigs, Corporate Events and Private Parties so for bookings or enquires please click the link in the side bar.
The site is updated as often as possible, so please keep checking back for the latest band information.
If you’ve made it to a gig, the band thanks you for your support and if you enjoyed the Jukes performance or would like to leave a comment, please sign the guest book.