Formed in 2013, the rhythm & blues outfit, Dezzie D And The Stingrayz blend 1940s and '50s swing with R&B drawing from their influences: Ruth Brown, Ann Cole and Etta James.
With a sound that harks back to a period when music encapsulated the swingin’ good times, Dezzie D And The Stingrayz have become regular performers in SE Queensland.
Ahead of a show at the Brisbane Jazz Club this weekend – along with a stream of local shows across the next few months – the Brisbane band share how they prep prior to each show.
Dezzie D (vox)
Dez spends countless hours doing hair and make-up prior to gig, organises setlist, runs through songs. Leaves home 1.5 to 2 hours before a gig. What people think she does: Shows up looking FABULOUS.Andrew 'Saggi' Saragossi (sax)
Andrew shows up 15 minutes before the gig looking fabulous with sax in tow. What people think he does: Shows up 15 minutes before a gig looking fabulous.Alan 'Butch' Bellert (guitar)
Butch never plays over a bass solo. What people think of Butch: He is a talent, a natural and doesn’t rehearse countless hours to get it right.Grant 'Snow White' Watson (bass)
Grant is always f...ing grumpy. Never play over MY bass solo. What people think of Grant: He looks cool. He’s a great bassist.Greg Baikaloff (drums)
Greg lugs his gear down a flight of stairs, packs the car, drives to the gig, arrives at least one hour prior to gig time, unpacks the car and lugs gear into venue, sets up on stage, goes and moves his car, has a coffee, stretches, says g’day to all band members as they arrive. Goes through material. What people think of Greg: One of the best drummers in SEQ. Dependable guy.Dezzie D And The Stingrayz Tour Dates
Fri 29 Jul - Brisbane Jazz ClubSat 6 Aug - Eat Street Markets (Brisbane)
Sat 13 Aug - Lefty's Old Time Music Hall (Brisbane)
Sat 20 Aug - Broadbeach Jazz Festival (Gold Coast)
Fri 26 Aug - Bribie Island RSL (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 3 Sep - Royal Mail Hotel (Brisbane)
Fri 9 Sep - Lefty's Old Time Music Hall (Brisbane)
Sat 1 Oct - Eat Street Markets (Brisbane)
