We are BB FACTORY

Harold Jackson - Vocals, Harmonica

BB Factory singer Jackson’s musical history starts in 1975 when he moved to Red Oak, North Carolina to live with his aunt to escape the gangster lifestyle of his native New York. In an inevitable rite of passage he picked cotton and tobacco, and used backboards driven by mules. He sung in the fields and absorbed the sound of the blues harp being played there. And so Jackson began to sing his own blues with family and friends.

Upon moving back to New York, his father placed Jackson behind the congas in his band. Although it was a Salsa band, they often played the blues for his son. It was during this time that Jackson picked up saxophone, guitar and keyboard, but singing the blues remained his first love.

When Pedro invited Jackson over for a jam at his studio after having met each other at a blues jam, they instantly recognised that they had both found a hybrid sound to be reckoned with.

Thereafter known as BB Factory’s “Toastmaster General”, Jackson is a natural singer able to transpose his voice from the soulful clean to the downright dirty blues shouting from the yesteryear. 

As a marine Jackson happened upon Australian shores in the 80's and as they say 'he came for the Pepsi but stayed for the Coke'.

Pedro Verhoeven - Guitar

Also known as “Pete” in his work behind the console at Clockwork Recording Studio, Pedro found a musical partner in crime when he crossed paths with Jackson at a jam night at The Wallaby Hotel on the Gold Coast.

Born and raised in Holland, Pedro absorbed his parent’s eclectic record collection at an early age, with strong favourites including titles by Wes Montgomery, Focus (Jan Akkerman), Toots Thielemans and particularly the Berlin Festival Guitar Workshop double album recorded live in 1967, which introduced Pedro to the Blues with it’s outstanding performances by Elmer Snowden and Buddy Guy.

Immigrating to Australia in the early 80’s, it was not until Pedro was 16 years old that his guitar journey began when his mum finally relented and bought him a $100 guitar for Christmas. He never looked back.

Several original blues rock bands ensued in the following years as Pedro developed his songwriting and production skills, but it was always the Blues that Pedro has gravitated towards and enjoyed playing the most. It was a hidden track on his album ‘Being’ (1999) that really showcased his passion for improvised blues guitar. This was a pivotal point after which the determination to find like minded band mates was born. The passing of B.B. King on May 14th 2015 solidified that notion and BB Factory was born.

Cvitan Barac - Drums

Since graduating from SCU in 1999 (BContempMus), Cvitan has established himself as a veteran of the blues scene, having been a member of Blind Lemon for 11+ years he has played all the major blues festivals including Byron Blues &Roots and festival, Blues onBroadbeach, the Gympie Muster and many more.

As a sideman, Cvitan has played drums with the likes of Ray Beadle Band, Phil Emmanuel, Phil Manning, Vasti Jackson, Geoff Achison, Lazy Eye, Ross Ward (Wards Express Band Blues Band), Mick Reid Boogie Band, Andrew Baxter Band, BrodieGrahamBand, Wiley Reed Band, Dee Dee Lavell Band to mention just a few.

Affectionately known as the “Human Metronome” or the “Manchine”, it was actually Cvitan’s ability to authentically play the full gamut of rolling, Texas, cross stick shuffles & swings that stood him out from the rest of the pack when Pedro was looking for BB Factory’s man behind the skins.

Bruce Crouch - Keys

Bruce’s keyboard skills provide complementary tones and then some. A self taught talent from an early age, Bruce is originally from the Brisbane area and now resides in Northern NSW. With influences from Blues, Jazz, Rock and Country, Bruce brings a unique smooth style to the ebony and ivory.  Smoky Hammond organ and classic pianos are at the heart of his performances. Some of the bands Bruce has been associated with include Brisbane’s favourite powerhouse party band The Massive Fergusons, The Blue Lanes, Mark Ds Big Three, and Free Soul Collective.

Craig Hamilton - Bass

Bass player Craig is originally from the Sunshine Coast and has played with a diverse cross section of bands over the years. One of the highlights was recording the Dave Hole produced Stones And Colours album (1995) and touring the UK and Europe throughout 1997 with the renowned international blues artist Rob Tognoni. He has lived in Brisbane for the last 15 years and made his mark with a number of blues bands including Howlin Time and Whiskey & Rye and various cover bands such as Rockbreaker, Down Under, Just Like That, A Noble Few, The Selfies, Flat Chat, We're No Angels, Harro's Party, Rastafarian Stagedivers, Space Cadet and Engineroom.

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