The red hot blues band, conjuring the spirit of prohibition America. Real 1920s drum kits, slapped double bass, metal resonator guitars from the 1930s and three voices—making old sounds in a new way.
From bars and pubs, to outdoor festivals. From vintage events, to big white weddings.
Leeds City Stompers were conceived out of love for old community string bands with the ability to play at any event.
Leeds City Stompers play 40+ private events and weddings a year, as well as many public shows and festivals. Since 2011, these have included supporting Steven Seagal at The O2 Academy Leeds, Beauvais Blues Festival in France, Scarborough Blues Festival, Tour De France, Tour De Yorkshire, Leeds International Beer Festival, Tramlines Sheffield and have headlined the acoustic stage at Colne Blues Festival two years in a row (Europe's Largest Blues Festival).
Leeds City Stompers play the vintage blues, ragtime, swing and folk music that was popular in America in the 1920s through 1950s, but with the energy and feel of modern rock and roll music. The band swaps instruments and all three members sing lead, but essentially is a trio of guitar, double bass and drums or washboard. Christopher Fox is on guitar, double bass and vocals, Martyn Roper is on double bass, guitar and vocals and Jack Amblin plays the drums, washboard and does vocals too.
The band is set up to be like a traditional 1920s community string band, able to play any occasion by having a huge repertoire of songs in many styles and picking the right stuff as the night goes on. Be it a raucous set of well known songs at a wedding that gets the dance floor full, a seated show to a listening audience in a theatre or blues club, or a completely acoustic performance in a small space or on the street.
Learn a little bit more about each Stomper.
A full time musician since 2011, Martyn has played over a thousand gigs since his first in 1994. Originally a bass guitarist, he now plays guitar and banjo as a vintage blues solo artist and in The Washboard Resonators duo with Jack Amblin. He also plays double bass with the songwriter, Yadig Records artist, UK festival and BBC Radio favourite Serious Sam Barrett. With other bands, Martyn has played in Japan at Fuji Rock Festival and recorded with rock band Gentlemans Pistols. He's played New York and Sweden, with folk and roots band, The Old Time String Band and played in originals and cover bands across the UK, in every conceivable venue type and size.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
To see the full list of upcoming shows, please click "Show All Dates".
Coming soon.
A collection of photographs and videos.
Able to provide their own full PA, Leeds City Stompers are equipped and ready to play a variety of venues and events.
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