The Hep-Tights
Greasy Blues and Rockin' Rhythms
Led by Saxophonist Ed Croft, The Hep-Tights are a powerhouse quartet, weaving the rich textures of blues, the sultry rhythms of soul, and the raw energy of rock and roll. The Hep-Tights bring a fun, fresh vibe to their live performances, blending old-school cool with a modern edge.
With the soulful melodies of the saxophone, the guitar’s searing riffs, and a driving rhythm section they keep the pulse alive and grooving, drawing inspiration from the likes of King Curtis, Booker T. & The MG’s and other great rock & roll innovators. The Hep-Tights offer a unique fusion of genres, perfect for anyone who craves both sophisted and greasy blues, soul and rock & roll.
The Hep-Tights bring it to the stage with soul, swagger, and undeniable boogaloo.
Each member brings his own distinct flavor to the music, collectively creating a seamless synergy that keeps crowds moving with music that speaks both to the heart and feet.
Ed Croft
Band Leader/ Saxophone/ Vocal
Back in 1982, while still in high school, Ed got his start with the San Diego band N-E-1 (Anyone) whose local hit tune 1-2-3 received substantial airplay on 91X and KROQ. This tune landed the band opening gigs with The Clash, Madness, Bad Manners, Oingo Boingo and many others. He also played with the oldies rock band The Wanderers.
From 87 to 91, Ed was the lead Tenor Sax for the Navy Band New Orleans. He also had regular gigs with Cajun/Zydeco groups File (Fee-lay), The Basin Brothers and Rocking Dopsie.
After the Navy, Ed moved to Fort Collins CO to attend Colorado State University. While in school he played with numerous blues acts, The Fort Collins Wind Symphony, The Porters Irish Trio and his own group Bluesology and The No Exit Horns.
Moving back to San Diego in 94, Ed played with numerous bands most notably Buddy Blue and later his own group, Muggles Meshugana Lounge.
In 2001, he moved back to New Orleans where he played with Sun Ra's trumpet player Michael Ray and The Cosmic Krewe, funk group Greenhouse and latin groups, Ritmo Caribeno and Fuerza Latina.
Another move in 2010 landed Ed in Los Angeles where he played with FEAR and The Midnight Death Trap Quartet.
Finally, in 2014, Ed was back in his hometown of San Diego. This time playing with amazing local groups such as Blue Largo, Black Market III, The Fire Brothers, Salty Papa, Rey Wolf, The Farmers, Sven Erik-Seaholm, T.A. Tomlinson and The Brian Jones Rock and Roll Revival.
In late 2024, Ed brought together Tony Tomlinson (guitar, vocal), Heath Cooley (drums, vocal) and Mike Jones (bass, vocal) to form a roadhouse, juke joint inspired band, like the early days of rock and roll, The Hep-Tights.
(Photo: Rodrigo Izqiuerdo)
Tony Tomlinson
Guitar/ Vocal
Heavily influenced by the Excello and Chess labels, and players such as Frank Frost, Lazy Lester, and Slim Harpo, Tony lays down clean rhythm guitar and stinging lead work. He's always in the groove.
Tony was the driving force behind the Fremonts, a Southern California institution, for over 20 years. During that time, the band played festival stages, clubs, and concert venues across the southwest.
During the Fremonts run, they won multiple awards, visited the top ten on the Billboard Blues Album Charts, and were featured in music publications around the world.
In additon to playing with the Fremonts, Tomlinson has backed James Harman, Billy Boy Arnold, Johnny Dyer, Juke Logan, Rod Piazza, Big Jay McNeeley, John Primer, Oscar Wilson, Alabama Mike, Billy Watson, and many others.
His new project T.A. Tomlinson & Co, is a departrure from the swamp blues of the Fremonts. Tomlinson's original material draws heavily upon early Rock'n'Roll and Rhythm & Blues.
(Photo: Scott Blinn)
Mike "Sandalwood Haze" Jones
Bass/ Vocal
Born and raised in San Diego, Mike Jones, a.k.a. Sandalwood Haze, is one laid back, cool and humble guy. In fact it was a challenge getting him to share his history with you all.
With that said, he has been playing bass for over 30 years locally, along with national and international tours. We are sure he has stories to tell but he let's his bass do the talking and The Hep-Tights are good with that.
Mike has played with many legendary San Diego bands, and for good reason, he grooves, locks it in and enjoys playing music. Always with a smile, Mike has performed with the following groups and in no particular order: Blue Largo, Bill Magee Blues Band, Mississippi Mudsharks, Dark Globe, Tomcat Courtney, Fred Heath, and The Freemonts, just to name a few.
Although his career has been mostly Blues, Mike is well versed in many musical styles and he now shares his musical experience with The Hep-Tights. We say buy this man a beer, but do not challenge him to a game of pool. You will likely buy him another and another. Cheers!
(Photo: Scott Blinn)
Heath Cooley
Drums/ Vocal
Originally from Mesa, AZ, Heath started playing the drums as a teenager, playing blues and rockabilly in various clubs and bars throughout the state of Arizona.
In the early 1990s, Heath moved to California and quickly joined the San Diego based rockabilly/psychobilly band, The Hooligans. A five-year run with the group garnered an indie record deal, two albums, compilation CDs, European distribution and two west coast tours. Seeking more opportunities, Heath moved to Los Angeles to continue a career in music. Heath spent the next 18 years in Los Angeles playing with several musical projects, bands and genres performing in all the premier venues throughout the city. He co-founded a few indie-alternative rock groups (Solarcade, The KIllbirds) that saw a couple record deals and studio albums while getting the opportunity to work for five years at Universal Music Group.
In 2013, Heath and his wife moved to Napa Valley for a much needed change of scenery and lifestyle. Now working in the wine industry for 9 years, Heath continued to play at wineries and bars with a rock/soul, Stevie Ray Vaughan cover band called The Sticky Notes along with his own home-grown group called, J & The Rosés. However, after evacuating from a few wildfires that ravaged the area, the Cooleys felt it was time for a change once again and moved back to San Diego in early 2022, bringing Heath full circle and allowing him the opportunity to immerse himself back into the local music scene and the city that he loves. Besides playing with The Heptights, Heath also plays with The Fire Brothers.
(Photo: Scott Blinn)