WILL TANG “Blues” (Zen Music – ZM01010) With the exception of the final track, the thirteen tracks of this album were all recorded live in Hong Kong – three in 1998, three in 1999 and five in 2002. The final track was recorded at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool in 2004. In the words of [...]

Although published by Armadillo Music in the UK, this first solo album by Stevie Nimmo was recorded at the Zone Studios, Dripping Springs, Austin, Texas. Stevie is backed on the album by a fine collection of American musicians: Lloyd Maines on pedal steel, Dobro and slide guitars, mandolin and banjo; George Reiff on bass guitar, [...]

The encouragingly high attendance at the Golf Club confirmed that the blues night has become one of the most popular features of the annual Lymm Festival. On this occasion, the headline act was locally-based The Escape Committee, who had graced the main stage of the Warrington Blues Festival in both 2009 and 2010. Eighteen-year old [...]

This was the third visit to the Marina by this brilliant ensemble that combines the very best of Australian and British blues artistry. Singer/guitarist Geoff Achison was backed by his customary band that comprises the rich talents of Paul Jobson on keyboard, Sam Kelly on drums and Spy Austin on bass guitar. They bounced into [...]

Guitar Shorty Bare Knuckle Alligator Records ALCD 4934 Singer/guitarist, David ‘Guitar Shorty’ Kearney, was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Kissimmee, Florida, where he began playing the guitar at an early age. He received his nickname at the age of 16 when a club displayed the notice ‘The Walter Johnson Band featuring Guitar Shorty’. [...]

The Nimmo Brothers The lively set delivered by the Tommy Allen Band was a perfect prelude for the bill toppers from Glasgow, who cranked up the energy even further. Backed by the superb rhythm section of Matt Beable on bass guitar and Craig Blundell on drums, they opened with “All Because Of You” with Alan [...]

As is customary on these occasions, the Norman Beaker Band were on stage ready to perform a couple of numbers before the star of the show was introduced. “I’m delighted to say that tonight we have a brilliant singer/guitarist to entertain us.“ enthused MC, Ray O’Hare. Norman tried to look suitably modest. “However, before that,” [...]

Oli Brown “Heads I Win Tails You Lose” Ruf Records RUF 1160 Oli Brown is one of the brightest young singer/guitarists in the UK, who has been attracting an increasing amount of praise and admiration from the blues cognoscenti. The latest dignitary to add some momentum to Oli’s burgeoning career is none less than the [...]

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. [...]

This gathering of The Warrington Blues Club was held at its alternative venue, Grappenhall Cricket Club. On this occasion, the music was provided by the richly talented Wilde siblings, Dani and Will. Will ‘Harmonica’ Wilde fronted the first set, backed by Don Graham on rhythm guitar, Alan Taylor on drums and Jonny Chase on bass [...]

This gig had Cheshire written all through it, combining the talents of Runcorn-based Smokehouse and Northwich’s own Tom Doughty in the palatial surroundings of Lymm Golf Club. The event was organised by Dave Sawyer as a fundraising Winter warmer for the Lymm Festival to be held in June/July. Tom Doughty opened the proceedings with a [...]

This was the third gig arranged at Garston Royal British Legion by John and Lorraine Welsh, following the well-supported appearances of The Stumble and The Producers. It was the Hamilton Loomis Band’s sole performance in the north west of England on their UK tour and more than 260 of their fans converged on Liverpool. A [...]

Having travelled all the way from Guildford in Surrey, Debbie Giles’ Midnight Train deserved a much bigger crowd than that which assembled in the Burtonwood Catholic Club. Fortunately, however, as Debbie warmly acknowledged, the sparse gathering proved to be a receptive and attentive audience, which contributed significantly to the undoubted success of the event. Expertly [...]

John and Lorraine Welsh have put together a magnificent programme of Liverpool-based gigs for 2010, which will see the return of a number of top class, internationally acclaimed performers. Details of the fabulous line-up are as follows: Friday, 12th March – The Hamilton Loomis Band (at Garston Royal British Legion) – the young man from [...]

Ken, Grahame and Pete have admirably covered the pick of the past twelve months. I fully endorse most of their chosen performances. The particular highlights at Liverpool Marina were Big Pete and The Backbones, Hamilton Loomis and Geoff Achison and The UK Souldiggers. At the Burtonwood Blues Club, The Dani Wilde Band was a very [...]

It’s very hard to believe but it is twenty years since the phenomenon that is The Hoax was formed. The gig at The Band On The Wall was one of just three appearances by the temporarily reformed quintet in the UK as part of a mini tour to celebrate its birth that long time ago. [...]