Inate

Long time blues aficionado and music historian, Chuck Beattie (aka Dr. Blues) fronts a Chicago-Style Blues band based in Western North Carolina. Originally from Rocky Mount, NC, Beattie grew up in a household filled with music. He credits his mother, a piano player and teacher, for the inate talent and musical appreciation that has driven him all his life. As a young man, Beattie was influenced by James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and a host of other important African American musicians performing in the segregated clubs of his hometown. It was Chuck and his beloved brother, Gerald, who played pickup gigs for some artists while they were off contract in the south such as Mel and Tim, Otis Clay, The Kelly Brothers and many more. This gave him his first chance to play in a real band. Still in high school, Chuck recognized that music was his true calling.

Colin Blunstone made his name with the legendary 1960s band The Zombies, who are still active to this day. After leaving The Zombies, Colin embarked on a long and successful solo career, enjoying hits such as 'Say You Don't Mind' and 'I Don't Believe In Miracles'. Planes (1976) and Never Even Thought (1978) were recorded for Elton John's Rocket Records label and amazingly have never been released on CD. Both albums have been remastered from the original quarter-inch tapes. Planes was produced by Gus Dudgeon and opens with 'Beautiful You' and the Elton John-penned title track, both of which were chosen as singles. It also boasts a reworking of The Zombies classic, '(Care Of) Cell 44' and a third single, Kiki Dee's 'Loving And Free'. Never Even Thought begins with the lead single, Richard Kerr's 'I'll Never Forget You'; the other tracks chosen as 45s were 'Ain't It Funny' and 'Photograph'. Rod Argent guests on the album.