Ollie Austin's All Star Country Band
Ollie Austin "Best Of Friends" Tour 2008
Click Here For Tour Dates
It's a really exciting time for us as we have joined up with our dear friend Ollie Austin to put on a really exciting brand new show. It's something that we have been talking about for a while and now have finally got off the ground and out on the road.
Ollie Austin & His All Star Country Band.
"Best Of Friends" Tour 2008 Ollie Austin - Lead Vocal Rythym Guitar Mervyn Futter - Lead Guitar, Maria Futter - Bass Guitar, Debbie Allen - Keyboards & Accordian, Les Wright - Pedal Steel Guitar, Andy James - Live Drums (Photo Right) Taken At Leiston Theatre 2007 |
 Ollie Austin & The All Star Country Band |
Ollie has got one of the greatest country voices on the circuit, he's a lovely man and for many years has wanted to work more in the theatres, but for a theatre show he wanted to do something a little special, he really fancied the idea of putting together a live band for just the theatre shows.
We had several meetings with Ollie and were really excited as is was something that we would love to do, so we talked about what instruments he would like in the band, and musicians he knew and we knew and before long we were in rehearsals putting together a brand new show for the theatres.
The Band is just for special theatre dates but it's a great evening of country music sung by the smooth golden voice of Ollie Austin, it's also the chance to see Ollie as you have never seen him before, stood up playing the guitar with a live 5 piece band behind him.
So be sure to come and see the show at a venue near you very soon, Merv & Maria open the show, then Ollie Austin & His All Star Country Band take to the stage to give you a great evening of entertainment that will have you singing and clapping along, so make sure you book your tickets........
 |
On Lead guitar is Mervyn J Futter who has successfully performed both with his own band, solo and works with his daughter as one half of the very successful country duo "Merv & Maria" . Merv will be playing electric guitar and providing harmonies as well as doing duets with Ollie on some numbers |
 |
On pedal steel and harmonies there is Les Wright, one of England's leading steel players, Les has played in many bands and his own duo "The Wrights" and can be described as a "steel master" and brilliant exponent of the steel guitar. The expertise he offers to this band can be heard all the way through the performance and in particular when he plays his steel solo that must be seen and heard to be believed |
 |
Bass guitar is played by Maria Futter, who would normally play rhythm guitar, this young lady has outstanding talent and an excellent solo voice, no doubt inherited from dad Merv and the other half of the duo with her father when not performing with this outfit. Maria also sings harmonies and in the show a great number with Ollie in duet which will have the audience more than a little impressed. |
 |
On keyboards they have the lovely Debbie Allen, again Debbie had her own very successful band and has joined up with these musicians to add keyboard depth and expertise, A master of the keyboard and also a music teacher. Debbie will be joining the harmonies and will be doing a duet with Ollie of a very popular song. During the show Debbie will be giving a solo performance of a lively number on accordion that will get the audience swinging. |
 |
On drums is Andy James who played in the Strand Pop band and then with Alf Gosling in the A4s Country style, he has also played Jazz Rock and Blues. Andy has done session work with singer songwriter David Welfane with his recording "Made Of Glass". Andy is very much looking forward to this Theatre tour, he fits in very well with the band. His experience and solid time keeping is laying an excellent foundation for the band. |
Fronting this show will be Ollie Austin, he will be singing the lead vocals and playing rhythm guitar, the show has many of the songs that are requested by audiences on a regular basis and some that are rarely heard at dance performances, A mixture of ballad and up tempo numbers with the full backing from this full line up including duets, harmonies and a few surprise solo's from the band. The show content allows the opportunity for the audience to sing along and add some fun with really good songs known by everyone.
The band made their debut performance at the Leiston Theatre on November 4th and the fireworks started from the first song called Rainbows and Roses. The E Mails and phone calls of congratulations have been pouring in to this office and it seems that Ollie walking about on stage singing and playing on Rhythm guitar took the fancy of the many people who have said what a great show this is.
The band are now looking forward to the next excursion into the Theatre with this exceptional show of real country music. Many of the audience have told us that the next date is already in their diary for another helping and they are looking forward to another night to remember. A return visit to this Theatre is already being planned for next year with many of the audience wanting to book their seat as they left.
Come along and judge for yourself, you wont be disappointed, it's great value for money and a real pick you up, that's what the public are telling us in their responses coming in on all the messages. The next confirmed date so far is February 24th but we are hoping to get another before then if it can be arranged, so watch this space.
