Big River

ALAN:
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica & Mandolin

AYNSLEY: 
Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars

KENNY:
Vocals, Bass Guitar, Sound & Lighting 

MAL M:
Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars

MAL B: 
Drums & Percussion 

Big River are influenced by: The Eagles, Neil Young, Steve Earle, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Outlaws, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Blackberry Smoke, CSNY, Pure Prairie League, Tom Petty, The Georgia Satellites, The Allman Brothers, Poco, America, The Steve Miller Band plus many more West Coast, Southern Rock and Country Rock bands. 

Alan formed Big River midway through 2008 with long term friend Billy. He used to be with a band called Country Crazy before forming Big River with Billy.  

Aynsley was recruited to give the band another strong vocal and additional Harmony Lead Guitar sound. Aynsley ( a.k.a 'Young Neil Young') plays with Tramp Juice every so often but is a solid and valuable member of Big River.    

Billy (Drums & Percussion) played with local band Reload for two years and also with Wishbone Ash tribute band Wishblowin' Ash.  

Kenny (Bass Guitar/Vocals/Sound & Lights) has been around for a number of years playing bass with the Screaming DT's and many other bands and recording artistes across the north east. Not only does he play tight and cracking bass lines but he also looks after the BR sound and lights.  

In mid 2016 unfortunately Billy suffered from serious health problems so sadly and very reluctantly had to give up playing in the band. Billy was replaced by Colin in Dec 2016 on drums who originally joined to help out but ended up enjoying a 2 year stint. Big River was his first band since gaining experience over many years sitting in with bands at buskers nights. He has now moved on to pastures new.   

Mal M joined Big River around Feb 2017 and brings a wealth of experience in both vocals and rhythm guitar, throwing in the odd lead break.  He has played in several bands over the years and toured the UK heading up his own very successful Bob Dylan tribute band.  

Mal B is Big River's new drummer and percussionist. Mal has a wealth of playing experience behind him and has been a semi pro drummer for more than 35 years. He has played with many professional bands on the circuit, the last one being the mighty Beckett. We are looking forward to Mal B settling in and bringing a great sense of rhythm to the band. He has a habit of pulling drum patterns to pieces and plays with impeccable timing, so that should keep us on our toes.

The band have been through several periods of transition recently but now have a more settled line up which is pretty solid going forward.

All of the band members have gained extensive musical experience playing a variety of styles of music in bands throughout the UK both in live and recording environments.   

The agreed ethos for Big River was to create a vocally strong band with exceptional harmonies, playing songs that are not usually covered by local bands and after almost 12 years as an outfit, have a growing number of enthusiastic followers and are growing their fan base rapidly. The band look forward to increasing their appeal during 2019 and beyond...    

Big River gig with a 2.5k PA and full light show. All of the back-line equipment is PAT Tested and of the highest quality and produces that great Southern Rock/Country Rock and West Coast Rock sound, and with 3 and 4 piece harmonies makes for 2 great sets of pure entertainment. We are also in the process of applying for public liability insurance.  

Big River are available for gigs and festivals throughout the North East of England and the Scottish Borders.

For bookings, please click contacts page for information...