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Live, fast and furious.....
 | If you haven't been to a Jalapenos gig, then you don't know what you're missing. If you like your music in the style of good ol' rock, with.... just maybe a hint of a few other high quality ingredients thrown in for good measure, then check our gig guide and come have a look for yourself. We hope that the reviews below will give you just a little taste of exactly what The Jalapenos are all about, and if you want to review any of the performances, just email them right along to us.
Muchas Gracias
The Jalapenos |
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Iron Door Club – 24 November 2001
 My 50th birthday and an evening of great entertainment with firstly Nils Lofgren at the Floral then local band The Jalapenos at the brilliant Iron Door venue in Birkenhead. Just a quick note on the Iron Door – this is a real “live band venue” and it has a feel of the 60’s/70’s about it. A great atmosphere bringing out the very best in the bands that play there. Very much a modern day “Cavern” feel to it. But what about The Jalapenos? This three piece plays Rock ‘ n’ Roll the way it should be played – with energy and bags of enthusiasm. They are excellent musicians and a really really tight and very much animated band. Charlie Davidson on Burns or Danelectro guitars, Diamond Dave on drums and Doctor Martyn on bass are all entertainers and real characters. They deliver classics such as Great Balls of Fire, Shakin’ All Over, Jail House Rock and many many more. They usually throw in the odd surprise and this time a song by the Sex Pistols appeared part way through the second set – nice one. A great medley of TV and film theme tunes was also thrown in to great effect. The sound of good old rock n roll echoing around a packed Iron Door was brilliant. How on earth do you play a guitar behind your head and get a great sound while dancing around the stage is beyond me. Don’t get the impression that this band is only for 40 plus aging rockers, its not. The Jalapenos are young (well youngish) and even my 15-year-old musically aspiring daughter who loves Stereophonics, Wheatus and Feeder was very impressed when she saw them at a gig in the recent past. Youthful audiences who may not always know all the songs will still enjoy a Jalapenos performance. Their CD “Red Hot” is now available and includes a huge number of songs including many classics and some of their own but if I’m honest the sound quality on the CD does not do this band justice. The Iron Door really rocked to this one – but that’s how it should be. If you remotely like the music of the 50’s/60’s get along to watch this band. You wont regret it. As Diamond Dave would say – “Its time to get down and dirty…”
Reviewed by Tragic Sally – 24 November 2001 |
Just the ticket...
| Don't get too excited, it's not a review of the band,but just thought it would be really nice to replicate this colourful advert which appeared in the Wirral News some time ago. It advertises a few of the bands which were appearing at The Iron Door Club in Birkenhead at that time. Why not don your best shades, loudest shirt and slope along to the club and come and see The Jalapenos in real action next time they're on there - it has a 2am bar!!!! |  |
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Hornblowers, Birkenhead - 23rd May 2003
 Well, once again it proves the theory that real rockers do play well on a Thursday night (Edward De Bono 1965). The return of Wirral’s favourite sons, The Japalpenos, to the mighty Hornblowers pub in Birkenhead saw them perform with the usual fun, gusto and exuberance – an excellent performance that had the audience jumping. For a three piece band, Charlie, Dave and The Doc really do give out something very special when they play – last night it was a mix of their rock n’ roll list of hits, followed by a section of – well, punk faves, Egyptian themes, jungle rhythms and much more!!!!! But this seemingly unlikely mixture was pulled off with great aplomb. Two great sets concluded with two encores and a final Hippy Hippy Shake – nice one to finish and everyone went home happy. It’s easy to say that you must go and see The Jalapenos, but you MUST go and see The Jalapenos, they are a breath of fresh air and a throwback to days when bands really did have fun playing and the audience really enjoyed being a part of it – GO AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!! The lads are also working on a new cd as a follow up to Red Hot – watch out for this one – almost certain to include more of their own material. |
Stanleys Cask - 17th June 2003
Jalapenos – Another Hot One
A hot early summers evening in arguably the smallest live music venue in Wirral. Stanleys Cask, in Wallasey only needs 20 people in to look crowded but the atmosphere is always great on a Tuesday night. This time the energised Jalapenos entertained with their unique blend of showmanship and rock and roll classics – and not forgetting one or two of their own songs. News from The Jalapenos is that their new CD is on its way and should be ready for release in August. Slightly different this one as it features a bit of sax. One great thing about The Jalapenos is their ability to continually develop and improve their set – I have never actually seen them play the same set twice. This time they played several new songs including a dynamic version of Walking the Dog. Two encores concluded the night – Wipe Out and Hippy Hippy Shake – both delivered in their unique style. Nice one Jalo’s……..
Reviewed by Martha Arty (June 2003)
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Fogherty's, Liverpool - July 9th 2003
 Jalapenos – men in bad shirts! 9.30pm at a packed Foghertys in Liverpool. It’s rock date Wednesday 9th July. The Burns Marquee screamed and the Fender Jazz roar into life. Strategic spotlights glinted off well positioned cymbals. The men in bad shirts were turning it on and another Jalapenos performance was kicking. The audience gravitated to the stage like bees to a honey pot – no doubt, this band are red hot favourites with the Fogherty clientele and it is easy to see and hear why. One by one rock'n'roll classics succumbed to the Jalapenos unique treatment. Talk in the pub was of a new forthcoming CD, the band confirmed that “Tear It Up” will be out within the month -definitely one to look out for soon. Sweat dripped as the pace built. The mid-week crowd were exhausted just watching this one but still the show went on reaching new highs. In the thirty or so times I have seen The Jalapenos I can honestly say that I have never seen them play the same set twice. Not only that but they regularly add four or five new songs to their already huge repertoire. Awesome riffing from Charlie, dynamic bass from Martyn and superb percussion from the man at the back – Diamond Dave. Not that he stays at the back of course, as inevitably he goes walk about armed only with a snare and sticks. In fact the whole band go walk about on occasion leaving an empty stage but still the music goes on. This band rarely miss a beat and you wonder how they do it given their animation and unorthodox behaviour. Two sets gave the audience some mid-session respite and a chance to grab a drink or two. Close on midnight and it was all over after three fine encores finishing on a high octane Hippy Hippy Shake. Local serial Jalapenos fan Hayley Farrell (see photo) was not short of a word or two of praise for the lads “Best band to play Fogherty’s by a mile.“ - see guestbook for more - Thanks Hayley from The J's. Few I spoke to could argue with that and Hayley should know a thing or too as her Dad was a member of the original well known Liverpool band, Colonel Bagshot. Phew, I must be getting old – it's going to take two days to recover from this one.
Tragic Sally – July 2003
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Fogherty's, Liverpool - 9th July 2003
The Jalapenos at Fogherty’s last night, and I have to shock a waiting world by giving the band a poor review – yes folks, The Jalapenos were ONLY brilliant last night! Performance: whizzing at about 100mph (breakneck speed) Energy: limitless, 110% sweat sapping and non stop - these guys will be dead by the time they're 150 years old mark my words! Musicanship: must be 100% talented musos with a genuine love for the music and completely off their trolleys - yeah! Crowd Reaction: no problems,150% ecstatic reaction, foot tapping, finger snapping and the odd hundred cries for more, more, more!) Dance Gauge: undoubtedly 200% the place bopping and heads nodding just as it should be.
Short but sweet, The Jalapenos IS one of the best acts around, rock music in the purest sense. If you have the chance to see them, don’t miss out – get out of your chair and make the effort. Honest lads playing music with an honest enthusiasm which I defy any other band to match or even come close too. A joy to watch, a joy to listen too and a must see band - so go see!
Maddie – July 2003 |  |
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Pacific Rd Theatre, 23rd April 2004
 | The Jalapenos jumped onto the stage with their electric rock and roll show and Hawaiin shirts. If you have never seen these guys before, you really are missing out. Energy, passion and a total love for the music shines through every performance. They really do give value for money, as the audience verified. The highlight of thier show was when the drummer rolled the snare around the stage during a song and managed to keep the beat going! Even if rock'n'roll isn't your bag, these guys will keep your attention and entertain you no end.
The Buz Magazine. June 2004
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Foghertys, Liverpool August 2004
It had been quite a while since I last caught the rock n’ roll delights of The Jalapenos live, so I wondered what had gone on in the past few months. Well, it’s got to be said that musically absence does make the heart grow fonder (and pump louder!!). The band has improved greatly – not that they were slouches before – they appear a lot tighter, a wee bit louder, but still exciting to watch and a joy to hear. A hot night at Fogherty’s in Liverpool, and The Jalapenos set out where they were going straight away with a lively and very visual first set – it wasn’t long before sweat glands were working overtime, for both the band and the audience. The band has started introducing some new and original numbers from the much awaited ‘Loquisimo’ album – one even based around a Japanese TV show, it really promises to be the best yet – can’t wait!!! - by the way Jalapeno boys, why not have ago at Shake Some Action by the magnificent, marvellous Flamin’ Groovies – now there’s a thought. Anyway….as the second half got underway, the audience got hot under the collar, and shirt, and trousers, and decided to have a good old fashioned bopping session to the front of the small stage – the music was appreciated and the audience reaction was appreciated by the band. The boys raced through some classics and some medleys – I think their musicianship has matured greatly over the past few months, as has the stage show. A great show, full of honest endeavour and wonderful music – The Jalapenos, put them on your must see them soon wish list, you won’t regret it.
Reviewed by Maddie August 2004
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Rock 'n' Roll all Knight...
 | ...and party every day! Having seen the Jalapenos at the Nag's Head in Macclesfield I was curious to see how they would fare in the larger environment of Cuban Knights. Needless to say they ROCKED!!!
The band seem to relish the increased stage space and all three went walkabout at various times in the set, Charlie causing a degree of consternation with the house photographer! As usual a great (and varied) set list, and a healthy smattering of their own songs. I'm sure that leg-stretchin' bit in "Wandering Eye" must be painful!
I doubt whether the regular crowd had seen anything like it before, but they all seemed to be instantly converted and begged the band for more. After several high-octane encores the Jalapenos left the stage but, I am assured, will be back to wreak yet more rock'nroll havoc at the Knights later this year. You have been warned!
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Hawkfrendz review
Trevor Hughes, of the now legendary Hawkfrendz mag, recently gave a one word (!) review of The Jalapenos : "Bouncy".
I couldn't agree more!
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Drink the place dry?
The main band that night, The Jalapenos, delivered in spades, and the clubhouse was packed for both of their sessions. Things were buzzing so well that there was an ominous threat of a beer drought looming, but last minute reserves brought up to the front under fire saved the day.
Back Street Heroes magazine (October 06 issue), reviewing the Stoke Harley Davidson Rally, June 06.
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In the entire history of the Universe...
 | One of the best boogie rock & roll acts ever. If you haven't seen this band yet then make a date in your diary!! The action never stops as the band dance and jump around the stage to classic rock & roll songs!! One of the best bands you'll see.
Limelines magazine, September 06.
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Rockin' at the Railway - Nantwich Festival 2007
After a day spent drinking in diverse taverns I made my merry way along Waterlode to the Railway, where I was led to understand something special was about to take place... and it was.
Upon arrival the band were setting up their gear with a determined look in their eyes - they clearly meant business. This was readily apparent from the opening number - "Johnny B. Goode", which most other bands only bring out for their encores. Not The Jalapenos. Oh no. This was only the first song, and already Charlie had played the guitar under his leg and the Diamond had gone to town on the drums...
Next was a jumping "Wooly Bully" followed by "Gloria", by which point the crowd (packed like sardines into a relatively small venue) were already going totally wild. From then on the band relentlessly turned up the heat, performing classic after classic interspersed with selected tracks from their most recent CD, "Go Ape!", and the occasional nod to their back catalogue. The only pause for breath (if you can call it that) came with a fabulous slow blues - Freddy King's "Have You Ever Loved A Woman?", complete a blinding guitar solo which earned a well-deserved round of applause from the whole room.
After that it was full steam ahead, and high-octane versions of "Train Kept A-Rollin'", "Great Balls Of Fire" and "Love Money And Noise", amongst others were delivered to maximum effect, until the Diamond announced the final song of the set : "Roadhouse Blues". After over 90 minutes of sweat-soaked mayhem, The Jalapenos delivered their masterstroke and went even wilder. A full 15 minutes long, it incorporated jigs, reels, rbits of classic rock riffs and even the "Dr Who" theme! Bloody hell!!!
Naturally the crowd went absolutely nuts, and the band were called back for several encores, the first of which was Chuck Berry's "Bye Bye Johnny" with bits of "Batman", "Spiderman" and Dave's now legendary drum walkabout - note the subtle message on the drum skin! The band's de facto anthem, "Wipeout" followed and was riotously received with both Charlie and the Doc playing guitar and bass behind their heads! Calls for even more were answered with a pummeling version of "Jailhouse Rock" which led into a real surprise - a boogiefied, Status-Quo-on-steroids take on "Waltzing Matilda"! The crowd went absolutely ballistic and sang at top volume throughout. And as if that weren't enough, the band rallied for a final, frantic "Hippy Hippy Shake", by which point even those at the back of the room looked fit to drop!
The Jalapenos have to be the best band I have ever seen in a small venue - nobody comes close to the tightness, the choreography, the sense of fun, and above all the energy. I was amazed when Charlie, the guitarist, told me that this was their fourth gig in as many days. How the hell they keep it up is beyond me. The crowd all looked worn out, and not surprisingly! The band, however, were all smiles... to paraphrase one of their earlier songs, keeping music live hasn't killed them yet! Long may they rock.
Reviewed by Groucho Merckx
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Look After your Psyche!
 | Red Hot Rock'n'Roll from Diamond Dave, Charlie Davidson and Doctor Martyn. Probably the feistiest stage performance you will see this year bar none.
This three piece ensemble from the Wirral have links with the bike scene going back almost 25 years when their drummer Diamond Dave was the drummer with rally super-group and inveterate MAG supporters "Engine". When Engine split-up too many years ago, Dave went off and formed The Jalapenos and they have been gigging pubs, clubs and events ever since. Now they are back on the rally scene with a vengeance having owned the stage at You've Been Nabbed 15 & 16 and it seemed only natural to bring their unique blend of testicle tightening Rock & Roll to the 100% Biker Marquee at the Farmyard Party.
Rock & Roll from the 50's & 60's, R&B classics and a smattering of songs off their current album should prove to make their first 100% Biker performance an absolute smash. To be anywhere else on the Farmyard site while the Jalapenos are playing would be an indignity your psyche may never recover from.
From the blurb for the 100% Biker Marquee at the Farmyard Party 2007.
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Into the Valley...
 | Hats off to the Jalapenos who opened with a blinding set and really got the party started. There's nothing elaborate about the music at a rally. No costume changes, no over the top epics and little in terms of a light show, but it doesn't matter - three minute songs delivered with buckets of energy and sincerity is all we want and, when they're delivered as efficiently and with as much gusto as they were that night, there's very little arguing with the formula.
Rod Young writing in 100% Biker #92 about the Jalaps at the Into the Valley rally 2007.
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...and Further into the Valley...
 | The show had opened with a "warm up" band, The Jalapenos. Warm up? They set the place alight! They exploded into their set of 1950s and '60s rock'n'roll (as well as some newer stuff) and didn't stop for an hour, banging out wave after wave of some of the best music I've heard in a long time. They hit everyone with a huge wall of sound, mixing fast and slow numbers in just the right way to allow the audience to catch it's collective breath - but only just! - between crescendos.
Dave Elrick writing in Back Street Heroes #280 about the Jalaps at Into the Valley 2007.
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The Jalapenos get NABD
 | Three piece, The Jalapenos, apparently feature a member of those legendary doyens of 1980s bike shows, Engine. Of course, I'm far too young to remember Engine, so I can't tell you which one of the ridiculously energetic trio it was. Quite how they kept up their enthusiastic show for a full set I'm not sure, but I was exhausted just watching them.
"Blue" writing about the Jalaps at You've Been NABD 16 rally 2007 in Back Street Heroes magazine #280.
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What, only FOUR stars?!?!?
The website www.rateyourmusic.com has ratings for both "Loquisimo!" and "Go Ape!" both of which are given four out of five stars!
Personally I'd give 'em five. At least!!!
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JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!
"You guys seriously rock. Fantastic entertainment." - Jerry Richards, Hawkwind.
Why, thank you, Jerry. You're not so bad yourself!
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Once more into that valley...
The choice of Friday night's headline band was truly inspired. The Jalapenos are an in-your-face rock'n'roll trio without equal when it comes to live performance. I'm sure the marquee must have been wobbling like a fat bird on a treadmill as the frenzy of dancing bodies forced the temperature up to "sweating like a lion tamer's arse" levels (and yes, that's the technical medical term).
Review if the Jalaps at Into The Valley 2008 from Back Street Heroes magazine #291 (July 2008)
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