Si Cranstoun the ‘King of the Vintage Scene’ to appear at The Apex
From his early days on the streets of London, to becoming a regular attraction at major Swing and Blues Festivals in the UK and Europe, Si Cranstoun has established himself as “King of The Vintage Scene” and he is set to appear at The Apex, next month.
As the London-born son of a ska music promoter, Si’s formative years were spent busking with his brother in The Dualers.
“It’ll always hold a magic for me,” he remembers. “But the not-so-great things were bad weather, competition, the drunks…”.
Si spent 20 years as a street busker (Tony Blair once gave him 30p) until he finally landed a breakthrough deal with music giants Warner in 2013.
His distinctive tenor highs echo that of Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke and other American singers of that era; he has enjoyed Radio 2 playlist status and rave endorsements from influential DJs like Terry Wogan and Chris Evans.
Si’s vocals complement his six-piece band’s blend of Doo Wop, Rock n’ Roll and the early sounds of Soul and his show, “Twisting The Night Away” is a highly charged toe-tapping journey, driven by retro dance rhythms and spearheaded by Si’s ability to write songs that could have been hits in the 1950s.
He explains: “When it comes to taste, it’s ’40s, ’50s, ’60s all the way” he says. “The rocking rhythm ‘n’ blues stirs my soul. But all the songs have a quirky slant and they all originate from my colourful mind.”
Si Cranstoun is at The Apex on Sunday, June 19, at 7.30pm, see www.theapex.co.ukor ring 01284 758000 for more information or to book tickets.