"Blue Beat & The Tumblin Donkeys", based in Switzerland, fail to be defined by one single label/genre. The band's songwriter and singer/guitarist, Beat Hüppin, states that it's really all about writing and performing great songs, regardless what label might get attached to them. When asked about his influences, he names bands and artists like Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, Jerry Reed or Warren Zevon, but also many influences from rock or even hard rock. 

A true eclectic, one might say. The first BBTD album "The Long Run" (Country Elite Special/Turicaphon), released in September 2007, displays Beat as a prolific songwriter, with 14 out of 15 tracks being original compositions of his, from more traditional country to some tunes that really bring out Beat's rock influences.

Following the release of the album, the band got airplay in several countries: Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, good ol’ U.S., Australia and of course in their homebase Switzerland. On top of it, BBTD got credited for one track being used in the soundtrack of a sequel of the very popular TV show "CSI Miami". Quite an unusual achievement for a songwriter from the land of cows and cheese, isn’t it.

The story is about to be continued with the second BBTD album entitled "Fingers In The Pie", which was released in September 2008 on Beat's own label "More Guitar Records". 17 new songs were included on this album (!) and showcase Beat's remarkable talent as songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, while he also produced, recorded and mixed the album all on his own. Beat continues to explore his very own crossover style between rock, blues and country, while "Fingers In The Pie" features somewhat more rock influences than his first effort.

Other than on BBTD's album releases, where the songs are performed by a complete band, their live appearances take place in a reduced two-piece setting with two guitars and singers – reduced to the basic stuff. The music adopts kind of a singer-songwriter mood, more strongly emphasizing the meaning of the songs.

A bit of personal information on Beat can be found on his website right [here].