Dezzie D and the Stingrayz at Coolie Rocks On
Editor’s note: For an experienced band leader and lead singer, there are literally thousands of songs they could choose to put in their setlist. So, how does one choose? What’s the deciding factor?
With Dezzie D and the Stingrayz playing Sunday Feb 25 at the Royal Mail, Goodna, as the feature host band for the 2024 restart of the BASEQ jams, I reached out to Dezzie D and asked her about what the criteria was for songs end up on the Stingrayz setlists.
Mostly, I listen to works from artists from the 1950’s and a deciding factor on whether tunes are selected, are if they have a good groove, interesting hook and riveting horn lines. if I like it, I like to cover it. The 1950’s was such a rich period in music. From Big Band jazz, swing and jump blues as a precursor to rock and roll, a very creative time.
I really love Etta James, Ruth Brown, Little Willie John, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson. much of this music is timeless and still relevant as danceable and listenable. One of my favourite tunes I love performing with my band which has a great hook and awesome horn lines is the scratch, written and performed by Ty Tyrell. A real audience favourite and something they would never have heard before.
Having said that, doing songs people immediately recognise is not the norm for us as much of our setlist are obscure covers from the 1950’s. 11 years ago I had an idea of forming a band to cover some cool rhythm and blues tunes and perform tunes covered or written by females. There weren’t very many females in the 50’s writing their own material, but I have found a few and covered their tunes. We cover 4 from Etta James and Ruth Brown also some from Varetta Dillard and Carol Fran. These female artists are so inspiring that I’ve written some originals that we’re now including as well.
Dezzie D and the Stingrayz at Blues on Broadbeach
One of my favourite tunes I love performing with my band which has a great hook and awesome horn lines is The Scratch, written and performed by Ty Tyrell. a real audience favourite and something they would never have heard before. I do sway toward clever lyrics and cheeky messages within songs. I do really love much of Leiber and Stoller’s lyrics. I think a lot of Ruth Brown also for this. Sam Cooke is also one of my favourites.
Most of the songs covered by the Stingrayz are fun tunes, with great grooves but I do also love covering ballads. I love performing i’d Rather Go Blind, by Etta James and another tune made famous by Brenda Lee, “Break It To Me Gently”,
We have recently included a few more recognisable tunes into the setlist. Sam Cooke’s tune Twisting The Night Away and another being a Berry Gordy tune first sung by Barrett Strong in 1959 then covered in 1961 by The Beatles and in 1962 by the Rolling Stones… can you guess?? We will do this tune at the jam at the Royal Mail… so come along and you can hear it then…
Running a band is difficult at times. I have had great support from my husband and manager of the band Steve Done. He is in charge of looking after the bookings/logistics (for Australia and New Zealand) and our website and engaging venues. We have been fortunate to have been included internationally at new zealand’s bay of islands blues and jazz festival also playing at blues on broadbeach, cooly rocks on, jumpers and Jazz In Warwick, Agnes Waters Blues Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Greazefest, Mitchell Creek Rock and Blues Festival and Redland Bayside Blues festival.with regular appearances at the Brisbane Jazz Club and the Royal Mail, home of the blues, we continue to be relevant in the scene. We have produced two cds over the period of 11 years, cranked and scorched.
The Stingrayz have had a few different line ups. I am lucky enough to be performing with some fine, young jazz trained musicians who are interested in being part of the Stingrayz and who enjoy imparting our love for rhythm and blues onto our audience. Tyler Cooney plays Lead Guitar, we will have Bec Olec playing tenor saxophone at the jam at the Royal Mail, Elliott Parker on bass, Sam Castan on drums. Two other members of our band are Alex Price who plays either tenor sax or baritone and Clint Allen who plays trumpet.
Being on stage and performing is great. I love having a good time and sharing this love with the audience. if we can bring some joy into your life and impart our love for what we do onto you, then it has been a good day.
Dezzie D and the Stingrays having fun
