The Flaming Mudcats

Introducing The Flaming Mudcats

The Band Intro
“Blues sunny side up, easy -over, spicy or funky it’s all on the menu with these guys.”
Formed in 2008 in Auckland, the Flaming Mudcats are now regarded to be one of New Zealand’s premier blues acts. They have taken their show to festivals and clubs throughout NZ, Australia, the USA and the Pacific Islands. Their energetic live blues sets blend original material and covers drawn from their eclectic influences….a raw life potion of killer grooves, blazing licks and harp wizardry. Butt-shakin belters to soulful grinders with everything in between….welcome to the Flaming Mudcats show.

A firm favourite in Auckland’s Blues scene, The Flaming Mudcats are a band that is well versed on what it takes to please a crowd, exhibiting levels of professionalism and musicianship that makes it easy to become a dedicated fan.

It’s as distinctive as it is powerful, and has been influenced by a diversity of musical styles, which manifests itself into a unique musical hybrid as the band swings and shuffles taking you back to another time.

While their music may sound vintage, their attitude is definitely current.

Harmonica ricochets through the mix, incorporated with Jimmie Vaughan and Ike Turner-inspired guitar licks and backed by the band’s hard-working rhythm section (who are neither too loud or too showy), prove that the Mudcats are a band attentive to detail and which puts a premium on ensemble playing; a tradition that is rapidly becoming obscured and in a way which is rarely heard today.
They confidently move through different components of the blues — shuffles, soul, funk, four on the floor rock and roll and low down blues.

It’s plain to see right away that these guys love the music they make together. The Flaming Mudcats play the blues not just like they mean it, but like they have no choice in the matter.

Anyone who argues that good blues is getting hard to find has never heard of this band… chances are you couldn’t find a tighter good time band.

Their mission is to smile in your face and then kick you in the ass, musically speaking.
They succeed. Audiences have bruises to prove it!

Everyone can identify with the Mudcat’s brand of blues; it’s just that not everyone knows it.

Influences
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Walter, Jimmie Vaughan, William Clarke, George Smith, Doug MacLeod.

The band is fronted on vocals and harmonica by Craig Bracken with Doug Bygrave providing the six string firepower. Anchoring these two, is drummer Ian Thomson and “newbie” bassist Chris “Kit” Parfitt. With two highly-regarded albums of mostly original material, – 2011’s Gave You What You Wanted” and 2013’s “Mistress”, these guys are just getting started.