BIG DEZ

BIG DEZ

BIG DEZ is a blues rock band formed in 1996 by guitarist-singer Phil Fernandez and keyboardist Bala Pradal. The group develops a repertoire built around English and American blues, and spends much of its early time rehearsing in a garage in the suburbs of Paris.

Line-up

The band is reinforced by bassist Lamine Guerfi, harmonica player Marc Schaeller, drummer Stéphane Miñana and guitarist Rodolphe Dumont.

Activity and performances

BIG DEZ plays regularly in bars across the Paris region and also tours in the United States, including Chicago, Austin and Saint Louis, where the group builds connections with local musicians. It also appears on the European festival circuit. In 2009, with support from Blues Sur Seine, the band represents France at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

Recordings

Under the leadership of Phil Fernandez, the group records original material for its first album, Sail On Blues, made in Austin, Texas. This is followed by Night After Night, You Can Smile, Late Live, which draws mainly on live recordings from the 2009 European tour, and Lazy Star. Across these recordings, the band’s sound combines electric blues with rock, soul and funk influences, alongside humour and melancholy.