Bio

Renowned for his charismatic, passionate performances Sandy has devoted his life to music: touring, performing, recording and producing across North America and around the globe for over 30 years. This well respected Canadian musician and bandleader sings, composes and plays guitar, drums and harmonica.
Long recognized as one of the country’s foremost blues drummers, Sandy has been featured on more than 20 records. In 2001, at the top of his game, Sandy was thrown a curve ball that any musician would dread; he developed tendonitis in his left arm. In 2004, after a long hard-fought battle, he reluctantly had to give the sticks a rest. For many, this could have been a curtain call but quitting or giving up was just not an option for this consummate musician so… Sandy went to work! Armed with only his love of music, his talent and relentless resolve he turned his focus to singing, songwriting and guitar, ultimately forming Sandy Bone & The BreakDown. Bringing together an ensemble of superlative west coast talent, (~Dave “Double D” Dykhuizen: guitar, lap steel, vocs ~Dave Webb: piano, hammond ~Steve Knelson: drums ~Pat Darcus: stand-up bass, vocs) The BreakDown is a dynamic roots oriented band who work a refreshing spin into the fabric of their blues, much of which is original material. With one eye on the road and one to the sky, always between the fence posts, they deftly weave threads of R & B, swing, country, rock-a-billy, folk and rock & roll into heartfelt tales of life & death, women & whisky, home fires & travel, love & heartbreak and, of course, trains!
A list of some of the musicians/bands SandyBone has performed and/or recorded with includes:

Pinetop Perkins, Clarence “Big” Miller, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Russell Jackson, The Twisters, Big Time Sara, Lou Pride, Sue Foley, Mitch Kashmar, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Big Jack Johnson, Sonny Rhodes, Tim Williams, Diana Braithwaite, Chris Whitely, Steve Marriner, Wes Mackey, Bill Johnson, Steve Kozak, Back Alley John, Drew Nelson, Harpdog Brown, Johnny Ferreira, Shuggy Otis, Long John Baldry and Amos Garrett. He has also shared the stage with Kim Wilson, Linton Garner, Sonny Rhodes, Jeff Healey, Matt Minglewood, Dutch Mason, Suzie Vinnick, Jordan Cook, Donny Walsh, Big Dave McLean, Eddie Shaw, Sneezy Waters, Tom Lavin and many, many more

Sandy has been awarded directly or collectively:
~The Canadian Independent Music Award
Best Canadian Blues Record (2003)
~Juno Nomination
Best Canadian Blues Record (2003)
~Maple Blues Nomination
Best Canadian Blues drummer (1999, 2000, 2003)
~Real Blues Award
Best Blued Drummer (9 times consecutively 1995-2003)
~Real Blues Award
Best Blues Songwriter (2003)

“…may well be the best singing drummer on the entire Canadian blues scene.”
Peter North, Blues Music, The Edmonton Journal (2001)

“Down The Line is an extraordinary debut album which thoroughly showcases wonderful and rich lyrics, musicianship, and vocals. It is an album that instantly made me a fan of SandyBone & The BreakDown…” John Vermilyea The Blues Underground Network (2012)

Proudly presenting their much anticipated debut release “Down The Line”, please do check out the music of SandyBone & The BreakDown!