The Rum Dogs
The Rum Dogs are led and fronted by Aussie guitar and harmonica player Mike Crome who formed the band with Paul Meek (Bass, Drums, Mandola) and Johnny Winters (Fiddle) back in 2013, melding the songs and ethos of Mike's passion for Country & Irish music with Paul's dynamic multi-instrumental groove and unique voice.
Over the years an array of fantastic musicians have played in the Rum Dogs, becoming part of the pack. Once a Rum Dog...
The Rum Dog Collective
The Rum Dogs can perform as a duo, trio or four-piece with Bass, drums and a melody instrument. Depending on the gig and who's available the band composition often changes but Aussie Mike Crome is the constant around which the musicians work their magic.
Whatever format and venue you see them in, you'll see that they are a breed apart.
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Introducing....
The Rum Dogs
A pack of rovers squeezing musical
joy out of guitars, harmonicas, double basses, accordians, fiddles, percussion and voices in various combinations — a funky, folky sound performed with humour and passion. "Absolutely crackin".
"We're always lookin' for the Groove"
Christmas eve in the drunk tank possibly the most fun I've ever had behind bars
Maddi Cassells
The Rum Dogs have to be seen to be believed, something for everyone. Thanks guys!!!
Stefan Vince
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Paul 'Lone Dog' Meek
Drums, Bass, Mandola, Banjo and vocals
Paul is an exciting musician with a captivating voice. He has been influenced by music from all over the world including Africa, France and Germany, all places he has lived. He has the dubious distinction of almost suffering "death by function band" which led him to explore alternative genres and instruments such as the Mandola and Double bass.
Ali Howie
Double Bass
Glasgwegian architect Alastair Howie comes to Norwich and the Rum Dogs via Bristol, bringing with him a funky edge to his playing which reflects the hip nature of those two cities. Big white bass, snazzy outfits, Scottish accent - and a great songwriter as well. The Rum Dogs perform several of his songs
Hugh Stanners
Accordion & Trumpet
Hugh is the terrier of the Rum Dogs. He won't give up once he gets the groove. He's a professional musician who has played with Norwich bands, such as the Vagaband , Johnny Jump and Klesmer group Moxy Garbanzo. Hugh's trumpet solos are something to behold.
Biographies
Mike Crome
Guitar, harmonica and vocals
Probably Norfolk's only Left-handed Aussie playing Country & Irish music. A part of the Norfolk scene for 30 years in bands such as Map of Tasmania, Mapotazi, The Rum Brothers, Johnny Jump and The Dog Days of Summer. His musical influences include Dylan, The Pogues, Steve Earle, Nick Cave, Lou Reed & Johnny Cash. He's currently playing a Gretsch Electromatic, a Yamaha APXL and Lee Oscar Pro-harps.
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Matt Thompson
Fiddle
Matt is the latest addition to the Rum Dogs litter. He's a great fiddle player and singer. As well as making occasional appearances in the Rum Dogs line-up, Matt also plays in the Traditional Irish folk duo, The Donnybrooks in partnership with Rum Dogs front man, Mike Crome, keeping it all in the family
Tom Wilson
Accordion
Tom is normally one half of Norwich's famous "Foreign Locals" duo, but he stretches himself across several other bands when he can, and he's been making guest appearances with the Rum Dogs for almost a decade. As well as the Accordion, he also plays double bass, keyboards, flutes, fifes and recorders.
Pablo Cook
Drums and Percussion
Pablo takes drumming and percussion to another level, a talent that has seen him touring the world with top bands. He's a rare bird in the Rum Dogs menagerie these days but every so often, if we're lucky he'll drum with us.
KT Black
Sax, Flute & Whistles
Katie has played on and off in Mike's bands since the 90's. She's now touring the world with the awesome brass driven punk band Faintest Idea. She's still a Rum Dog though .
Ali Houiellebecq
Sax, Flute & Recorder
Ali's a fabulous, creative musician who brings her love of cabaret, circus and performance to any gig she plays.
Maddi Cassell
Fiddle
Maddi performed with the Rum Dogs for one great summer a few years ago before she moved to Glasgow to do her Masters and stayed, but when she next visits, we hope she can join us for a gig.
All the others
Fiddles, basses, drums, horns, mandolins and much more
Over the years there have been many other fine musicians who've had a gig or two with the Rum Dogs or been in the bands that have evolved into the Dogs.
In particular, fiddle player Johnny Winters who co-founded the band with Mike and Paul. The legendary (Norwich) Double Bassist Paul Fitzgerald who brought the Rum Brothers and the Dog Days of Summer together through his degree programme at City College.
Jo and Tim from the Dog Days , now rocking it with Jo Carley and the Old Dry Skulls.
Brian Korteling is another great drummer who worked with us during our Butcher Boy residency, along with Dave Jewson, Tom Hartley and Joe Hull. Then there's saxophonist Laurie Acourt and psychadelic banjo and whistle player Pete Alison.