Doing his whisper to a crescendo thing on German TV. I always liked Ronnie Earl, a bit fiddly in places, but he plays with real passion, fire and intensity when he builds the tune. Great tone and an absolutely killer band. Too many British bands play a slow blues in a very flat way. This [...]

I stumbled (geddit?) across these Maryport pictures while surfing on Flickr. Don’t worry they are not mine.

Bill Sheffield at Worthenbury Village Hall, Friday 28th July 2006 This appearance of Bill Sheffield formed part of the very popular Going Up The Country series of acoustic blues gigs held at the village hall in Worthenbury near Wrexham. On this occasion, the man from Atlanta Georgia was admirably backed by fellow Atlantan Paul Linden [...]

Age 71. http://www.legacy.com/Obituaries.asp?Page=APStory&Id=11498

Clearly recorded in the ’60s but I have no idea who the band are or indeed where it was recorded. A great clip though, what a great laid back vocal performance and killer harp tone. Click here to enjoy Sonny Boy Williamson doing Your Funeral and My Trial.

This should please the rocky guitar lovers who saw Popa Chubby recently. He’s a big guy, I should go out on the pull with him; he’d make me look slender. Not exactly my blues bag but here is the clip. Enjoy! Thanks to Grahame for the link.

rudy2 Saturday 5th August 2006 on stage at 830pm. Rudy has played with B.B King recently in Italy, appeared with John Mayall and Carey Bell, and recorded with Jack Bruce and Brian Auger. He has played the Great British Festival in Colne and is now coming back to the UK for a short tour, which [...]

Three Time British Blues Connections best harmonica player Errol Linton and his Band are heading for the Tartan Heart Festival in The Highlands and have two dates to fill Wed 9th and Thursday 10th August, any offers considered, as long as there is PA and accommodation available.

As offered in this post earlier today. The harp player was indeed the very excellent Mitch Kashmar, whose album last year, Nickels and Dimes, was one of my favourites.

** RECOMMENDED** I saw Bill Sheffield a few years ago when the Wrexham boys had him at the rugby club. Let me tell you I was mightily impressed, he’s a great singer and a super showman. Unfortunately I can’t go this time as I have a leaving do straight after work.

Or you could just use the northwest blues calendar. 27-Jul – Bob Cheevers – The Penny Bank, Lancaster 27-Jul – Denise Marie – Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley 27-Jul – Tantrum – Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth 28-Jul – After Hours – Kings Arms, Clitheroe 28-Jul – Bill Sheffield and Paul Linden – Worthenbury 28-Jul – Bob Cheevers [...]

YouTube : For those of us who didn’t get to see Junior Watson this year. Here you go….. click here. A pint for the first one to name the harp player. Junior Watson blows my mind – an incredible guitarist!

On July 25, 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria collided with the Swedish ship Stockholm off the New England coast, claiming the lives of 51 people. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Songwriter [...]

A top lineup this year in Maryport. Here is the main stage schedule. Friday 28th July 7.00 p.m. -12.00 p.m. 7.00-7.30 A Lesser Concern 7.45-9.00 Kitto (Australia) 9.30-10.30 Tony Joe White (USA) 10.45-12.00 Geno Washington and The PurpleAces (USA) Saturday 29th July (Afternoon session) 2.00 p.m. -6.00 p.m. 2.00-3.00 Hamilton Loomis (USA) 3.15-4.30 Kyla Brox [...]

Ryan Hartt is a great player based on the East Coast of the USA he’s also got a kicking band. For today’s last posting check out some tips on the use of hands and hand positions in amplified harmonica playing. If you want to check out the band in action then go here then check [...]

30-Sep Sherman Robertson – Southport Arts Centre 06-Oct Stefan Grosman – Southport Arts Centre 21-Oct Walter Trout – Southport Arts Centre 04-Nov Eugene H. Bridges – Southport Arts Centre