First things first – put the word ” Jazz ” to one side. This festival has twelve stages, only 2 of which are specifically Jazz related, covering a wide gamut of musical genres including, of course, Blues. A word about the the venue. It’s a racecouse, like Aintree or Chester for example, with the various [...]

There are few bluesmen that could successfully follow a Hamilton Loomis gig but, fortunately for the punters at Garston RBL, harmonica maestro, Simon Hickling, is one who sits comfortably in that exclusive category. Backed by his excellent band, the Honeyboy hit the floor running and maintained his customary, exhilarating pace throughout a highly entertaining performance. [...]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fidiNfCLeig

Here are some pictures from the recent gig from Blue Bark and Crossfire at the True Blues Club, Earlestown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHhKnc0XZrs A band I used to watch when I lived over in Huddersfield used to play Whipping Post whenever anyone started to dance in the pubs.  One would need 2.5 legs to dance to that.

Message from Lucas Campbell….. Thursday 29thAPRIL  at BJ’s  Blues Club, The Hop Pocket, Carr lane, Chorley 9.30 pm Start Free Admission! MIDNITE JOHNNY and SMOKESTACK LIGHTNIN’ Midnite Johnny and his amazing band debut at BJ’s This really is going to be another great evening to relish, hot on the heels of last weeks tremendous performance [...]

The lineup has been released for The 21st Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival  in Colne. Fri 27 Aug to Mon 30 Aug 2010 The International Stage Friday 27 August 2010 7.00pm    The Hamsters 8.45pm    Dr Feelgood 10.30pm    Nine Below Zero 12.00 midnight    Eddie & The Hot Rods Saturday 28 August 2010 2.00pm    Chicago Acoustic [...]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F1j9NTvTQk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F1j9NTvTQk

JIM CRAWFORD ‘Goin’ Up The Country’ at Worthenbury Village Hall: 23.04.10 The latest gig organised by the ‘Goin’ Up The Country’ guys, saw a welcome return to the intimate surroundings of Worthenbury Village Hall for the amiable, all-round nice guy, Jim Crawford – originally from Lancashire, but now residing in Appledore, in North Devon, who [...]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inVi7YnsJDY

JIMMY WARREN BAND “No More Promises” (Electro Glide Records) Following on from their recent “Live At Last” album, comes this extremely classy offering from the Illinois-based Jimmy Warren Band, “No More Promises” – led by the tasteful guitar and voice of Jimmy Warren, who despite only picking up the guitar at age 25, has now [...]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eSCODpo-BQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGh36cIQCzs

Noel, the Hoochie Coochie Mancunian writes to inform of the restart of the Manchester blues jam nights.  In February, the sessions were stopped at the original venue of The Crown, however a new venue is now on board. Manchester Blues Jam The Bull’s Head Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester. M45 8QP Excellent house band The [...]

My tickets arrived last week for The Linton Festival, so I thought that I would take the opportunity to feature a couple of festivals that will take place out of the region but could still be of interest to bluesinthenorthwest.com readers. Please be sure support the summer festivals in our region at Warrington, Worthenbury and [...]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dUUEehVDMM

One of the Worthenbury Blues regulars bought a ticket for the following gig but sadly can’t make it now. If anyone wants to but this ticket please email pete@hookerblues.co.uk and he will put you in touch.  Details below. Clapton/Winwood LG Arena, NEC, Birmingham May 18th Block B row Z20. Ticket is one of the higher [...]