Black Jack (heavy metal band)

Blackjack was an Australian Heavy metal/classical band that was active in the 1980/90's

History

Blackjack formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1979, and released a demo 1982 and one EP on the Metal for Melbourne label in 1985, Five Pieces o' Eight that was recorded at 'Saturn studio' with George Simak (Taramis). A much anticipated first and second album was recorded, but never released, due to work loads and the death of two of their members. Their music al style included elements of NWOBHM, classical, Power metal and Doom metal. Fronted by the enigmatic Rick Giles, they are still currently active, re-recording at their own studio/live venue 'Guruland studio's', 'Voodoo lounge', with engineer Kevin Welgus there is a serious chance of a live re-appearance as rehearsals between the members are currently underway and playing more acceptable rock for the moment under the guise 'Rick Giles' CRACKERJACK' in Victoria.

Last Known Line Up

Rick Giles: Vocals/perc.and prod. *'H.R.H' Greta Tate: management(metal for melbourne)
Mick Burns: Drums/perc. *'Blackbeard' Ian, stage production and drum tech
Daryl Williams: Bass/ prod. *'Admiral' Brian, publicity and touring management
Jonny Giles: guitarrez/violin/piano *'Squire' Gary Doyle,

Former members

Paul Gleason aka 'Jackie' : Bass (1979)
John Van Tongaren aka 'Thunderfoot' : Drums (1981–1985)
Bruce the 'Bruce-stir':(thunderfoot's drum tech)

These members played on Bass and Drums, respectively,and were replaced by Daryl Williams aka 'Buzzard' on Bass and Mick Burns on Drums prior to BLACKJACK's only release, the Five Pieces O' Eight EP.

Discography

Five Pieces o' Eight (1985)

Track Listing for Five Pieces O' Eight EP (Vinyl Version)

1. "Introduction"
2. "Highwayman's Inn"
3. "Hot Rocket"
4. "Prelude No.3"
5. "Man At Arms"
6. "The Wizard"

Track Listing for Demo

1. "Crusader's Revenge"
2. "The Last Warrior"
3. "Death of an Animal" (live)
4. "Spanish Lover" (live)
5. "Back to the Mountain"
A studio 'demo tape', was released locally in 1979, with "Spanish Lover", "Black Russian", "Pyramid Hill" and "Fish Creek boogie". "Prelude no.1 and 2", were recorded also, but were scrapped in production. "Prelude no.3", was re-written and re-recorded for the EP