Bruce Waddell

• Genres: Rock
• Instrument: Bass

Biography

Also sometimes known as "Bugs Waddell," especially in the early and middle 1960's, this bassist was a virtual fixture on the British blues scene. He worked extensively with Dave Greenslade as a member of Chris Farlowe's Thunderbirds in the mid-1960's; they also backed Farlowe (billed as Little Joe Cook) on his recording of "Stormy Monday Blues" from 1965, originally released on the Sue Records label, and which was later used on one of the blues collections associated with Martin Scorsese's documentary on the subject. Waddell played a bit in Hamburg, sometimes with fellow Thunderbirds guitarist Albert Lee and drummer Barry Jenkins of the Nashville Teens. In 1966, Jenkins -- who by then was a member of the Animals -- offered Waddell the chance to join that group in a new line-up and was turned down (Danny McCulloch eventually took the bassist spot). Instead, he soldiered on and eventually formed the Hill with drummer Colin Davey, keyboard man Peter Robinson, guitarist Steve Hammond, and cellist Paul Buckmaster. They played with Chris Farlowe on his album From Here To Mama Rosa. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide