"THE CREW" evolved from a group of friends/ musicians getting together with the common goal of "building a cultural sense via the blues". We began to play together on a regular basis as the houseband for the former Skinny's Grille. The guys continue to enjoy playing as a group even though the restaurant no longer operates. As a result the Crew is versatile in their performances.
They can be a duo, a trio, up to a full band. Also, The Crew are only too happy to act as backup for the musical friends who visit.
So who are the Skinny's Crew Anyway?
Well, sometimes...it's any of one of the following:
ADRIAAN ABELING
Adriaan started as a drummer in 1966 and no beating surface was safe from him. He then switched to rhythm guitar, percussion and songwriting in his early teens. Playing across Canada and the States with a variety of professional (and not so professional) players he found his niche in life. He started singing and playing the blues and country music early on and was influenced by these styles in many way. Now he focuses on the blues as a mainstay and has been having great fun since. As a songwriter for almost 20 years Adriaan, and the Crew have completed a great CD, available by calling 604-860-5600
DAVIS MANNING
Davis Manning is one of the founding members of "Skinny's Blues Crew" and has been a part of our Saturday nights from the beginning. Now and again Davis will play sax, suitcase, or harmonica. Sometimes you can catch him playing guitar while singing his own songs, and tunes by Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Lyle Lovett, and John Prine.
JOHN B. YOUNG
John's piano lessons began before starting school and continued through grade twelve. In the high school band John played trombone before moving to the percussion section. This led to a drum kit, playing rock & roll and dabbling with bass & guitar. Presently, John is playing congas and is back to his roots -- practicing piano!
GREG BRADBURY
Greg started playing guitar at 15 years of age. At first he played the blues with some of the local blues players. Later he went on the road playing with various rock bands while his father thought he was looking for a 'real' job. He has opened for bands such as the Headpins and Barney Bental and is currently a long time member of The Crew.This returned him to his roots in the blues where he's finally found a 'real' job. His dad would be proud.
EBI FAZZARI
Ebi has always been a rough on the furniture. Whether it was Mom’s pots and pans or the back seat of the car, that boy’s got rhythm. Thus now all these years later he’s still got rhythm, just no hair. A founding member of the Hoodlums and a guy who has traveled all over Canada in his younger days playing the club scene, he gets his kicks playing with the Crew. Because, to put it simply, the Crew allows him to do what he likes……PLAY.
JAKE COWAN
Jacob was born in Victoria, and grew up in Salmon Arm, BC. He started playing bass guitar at the age of 10. Growing up he played music with his father and brothers in a band called the Bluetones. He spent most weekends playing a mix of 60s rock and blues in bars through the interior of BC. Jacob moved to Hope in the year 2000, the day after he graduated from university. He plays with Skinny's Blues Crew and with the local band the Hoodlums.