Most of you wont have heard of the Black Kat Boppers although those of a certain age will remember singer Roy Phillips and his rockabilly band back in the 80's when they were a familiar sight busking in Southampton shopping precinct.

"Hot Boppin, Groovin’ 4 piece group playing rockin, roots music with a Guitar, Double Bass & stand up Drums"

Black Kat Boppers hail from down on the South Coast Water Way in Southampton and are 4 fellas who love to play hard boppin’, jump up, rockin’ blues, dance music. As mentioned in the opening paragraph Roy Phillips was perhaps one of the most familiar faces in the precinct back in the day when big crowds would form to watch him and his then band Get Smart play their high energy rockabilly.

Roy's still going strong and after forming the Black Kat Boppers back in 2009 they soon gained a reputation with a series of high profile performances at everywhere from Glastonbury to Notting Hill Carnival not to mention a memorable set with Florence & The Machine at Bob Geldof's 60th birthday party.

Right across the board people seem to be lovin’ it — young, old, stupid, clever, hippies, punks, students, drop outs, mums, dads, drunks, weirdos, ravers, strippers, rockers, mods… Everybody loves that raw sound!!!

Now they have released their debut album which has been crafted with the help of none other than ex Clash bass player Paul Simenon who not only plays on the album on a version of his ex groups Guns Of Brixton, but he designed the cover as well, given that he is now an aclaimed artist that is no mean thing.

The album is available from Foot Tapping Records and is called Bobbin Atcha and is yours for the small price of £10 from www.foottappingrecords.co.uk

Track listing is as follows

1. Baby My Lovin' Is True
2. Black Kat Boppin Atcha
3. Hot Boppin Blues
4. Hey Young Girl
5. Rollin In
6. Drive Me All Night Long
7. You're No Girl Of Mine
8. Hy-Flyin' Baby
9. Cell Block No9
10. My Oh My Girl
11. Til My Dyin' Day
12. Guns Of Brixton ( Feat Paul Simonon )

The Black at Boppers are

Roy Phillips — Vocals
Jon Best — Guitars, Harmonica & Vocals
Colin Owens — Drums & Vocals
Dylan Clarke — Stand Up Bass & Vocals

They will be appearing at the Brook in early December supporting the SAS Band although tickets for those gigs are always scarce, they have a few dates in London lined up but hopefully they will be back playing their home town soon and at a venue near you.

Its good to see a Southampton band get recognition and its even better when they are as lively as the Boppers.

Photo: Action Images

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