blues news – blues reviews – blues gig guide
Just one week to go before this year’s Worthenbury Festival.
Here is the official flyer for the always excellent Festival on 03 July.
Set in the beautiful North Wales/Cheshire borders just a few miles SE of Wrexham. Less than an hour from Manchester and Liverpool. Great music, camping, real ales, good food and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Incredible value for just £20.
Download the flyer in full size from here.
Stephen Dale Petit
O2 Academy 2 Liverpool
Mon 19 Jul 10
Door time: 7.00pm
Show time: TBC
Stephen Dale Petit paid homage to the Blues with the album ‘Guitararama’, and the one time London Underground busker is attracting increasing critical acclaim.
For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.
“We started as a straight blues band”, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before.”
In addition to Wilson, the current Thunderbirds line-up features Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Bermudes on bass.
“To be in the T-Birds, you need to understand the different styles of music and different ways of playing,” Wilson comments. “You have to be willing to adopt a more contemporary style. The guys we have now are able to do that.”
The band continues to tour extensively, in both the U.S. and Europe. Wilson is currently writing songs on his own, with band members and other writers.
“I’ve primarily been a solo songwriter, but I’m looking forward to experimenting with the guys in the band,” Wilson says.
The thread throughout the T-Birds career has been the respect the group commanded for its peerless musicianship and devotion to the sounds of blues, R & B and rock ‘n roll. In fact, Muddy Waters called Wilson his favorite harmonica player and vocalist. “Muddy Waters was very good to me,” Wilson says. “He almost adopted me. I’ll never forget him.”
Part of the summer pops series.
The Cadillac Kings will play on the opening night of the 2010 Hebden Bridge Arts Festival. I know that Hebden Bridge is not strictly in the region but it’s just outside our area, it’s a lovely place and the Caddies are so damn good.
http://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/festival/2010/events/26.html
The Robert Cray Band
Fri 02 Jul 2010
The Philharmonic Liverpool
For thirty-plus years Robert Cray has laid down track after track of good-time, low-down blues. He’s won five Grammy’s and been nominated for 11 more. Cray’s virtuosity has led to collaborations with Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry and Bonnie Raitt. His new album This Time arrives at a vital juncture in the musician’s career, marked by creative renewal and a key reunion with an old performing partner, bassist Richard Cousins. Cray and his band are sounding superb.
Support is from the ever excellent Andy Fairweather Low.
http://www.liverpoolphil.com/2331/events-contemporary-music/robert-cray-band.html
** PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE **
Arthur Ebeling (Rhythm ‘n blues guitarist singer/song writer)
Blue Sky Cafe, Bangor
July 13th 7.30pm start, food served from 6.30pm.
Arthur Ebeling is known in Holland as one of the most authentic, awesome and all around rhythm ‘n blues guitarists and singer-songwriters. http://www.arthurebeling.nl/images/introgroot.jpgAppreciated for his intricate and divers techniques, conveys an obvious love for his Gretsch-guitar, music and performing. Arthur takes his audience on a journey of unending surprise and delights. Arthur’s music is an unique, recognizable, timeless and catching mix between rhythm ‘n blues, rock ‘n roll, country-blues – in a jazzy sauce. With Ray Charles he shares his soul, with Tom Waits his rawness and with Eddie Cochran his rock ‘n roll.
Ebeling-originals are very own, recognizable, varied and just lovely – they sound like you’ve known them for years. In his song worldly wisdom and romance clash, heartache and and humor meet. His wry lyrics give way to an unconventional vision of life.
Arthur plays solo as well as with one or more members of his band. Solo, playing the guitar like nobody does, becoming one with his Gretsch, and stamping his foot, he sounds like a whole band. With double bass, saxophone and percussion, the Arthur Ebeling Band is out of this world (too).
Arthur Ebeling may be from Holland, but if you didn’t know, you might think that he had come all the way from New Orleans.
Arthur Ebeling starred in the 1996 tour ‘Gretsch on the Road’. He plays in Holland, Europe and the rest of the world. He has toured succesfully in England, the USA, Russia, Brazil, France and Belgium and most recently in Spain. He has opened shows for artists like Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Ann Peebles and Joan Armatrading.
Tickets £6.50, available from Cob Records in Bangor and Blue Sky.
Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged will be appearing on 19th July 2010 as part of the Llangollen Fringe Programme this year.
Tickets are £15.
The Alabama 3 offshoot will be playing the Royal Pavilion for this year’s Festival. Featuring acoustic stripped down versions of Alabama 3′s songs, the lineup is Robert Love (vocals) Devlin Love (vocals) Rock Freebase (guitar) and Harpo Strangelove (harmonica).
“The ghost of Mississippi Fred McDowell haunting the fingers of Rock Freebase on guitar, Rob ‘Larry’ Love’s larynx looser than Howlin’ Wolf. Devlin Love’s vocals as sweet as Sister Rosetta and Harpo Strangelove’s harmonica cooking up a Sonny Terry vibe – welcome to the Delta Blues alive and kicking in 2010″
Llangollen Fringe always include blues events as part of their programme and this year we welcome one of the best live bands in the country. The event is being held in the International Pavilion in Llangollen, where a local audience will join with blues fans from much further afield to create the great atmosphere that is special to the Llangollen Fringe. Tickets are now on sale through our website www.llangollenfringe.co.uk and the Box Office 0800 1455 779. Doors open at 7.30pm
THE ROSEVILLE BAND
Ironworks – Oswestry
08 July 2010
Based in Wrexham, North Wales, The Roseville Band bring a soulful, bluesy rock based around the nucleus of guitarist brothers Andy and Stevie Jones. The pair grew up in a house – Roseville – in the Flintshire mountains, which over the years drew a community of friends and musicians from the surrounding area and eventually, The Roseville Band was formed.
Based around songwriter Andy’s distinctive vocals, backed by a sturdy rhythm section and augmented by a two-piece horn section, the six-piece line-up draws influence from the heartfelt, soulful and gritty music of Neil Young, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and The Band and – just as importantly – from the attitude of bands like Glasvegas, Arcade Fire and Flaming Lips, whose conviction and dedication to uniqueness has steered them beyond trends to places of unfettered artistic integrity.
Dubbed ‘the Welsh Kings of Leon’ by the NME, The Roseville Band have gained sessions and airplay on XFM Manchester, Juice FM, and – of course – BBC Wales, as well as gaining airplay in the US and throughout Europe in 2009. The band chalked up triumphant performances at Glastonbury Festival, Cardiff Calling and The Square Festival, appearing alongside the likes of Super Furry Animals, Supergrass & The Streets. All this, tied in with a commendably intense work ethic (well over a hundred gigs in their two years of existence), has led to their reputation as committed performers of powerful songs becoming firmly established.
Following on from a string of UK festival appearances during 2009, their debut album has been recorded with producers Dom McCready and Lance Thomas (whose CV includes Ladytron & Simian), and is ready for release.
Dedicated, inspired and inspiring, The Roseville Band have always been ones to let their music do the talking, now it’s time for us to listen.
The Calva Bar, University of Cumbria, Fusehill St, Carlisle
Saturday 26th June GEOFF ACHISON AND THE UK SOULDIGGERS
An Australian guitarist who is equally adept on acoustic and electric guitar. He is on a world tour taking in the USA and UK. He plays Roots / Blues / Rock with a unique soul edge bringing a depth of feeling and emotion that betrays a rare talent.
He is touring with a cracking backing band including Sam Kelly on drums, Paul Jopson on keyboards and Spy Austin on bass. His unique vocal style and stylish guitar combined with the class of the Souldiggers makes a great night out.
Check out: www.geoffachison.com
Tickets £10 in advance (see below), £12 on the door.
“Possibly one of the most gifted musicians to arrive on the scene…” The Times, London UK (Live gig review)
“Geoff is one of the finest guitarists I know with a completely individual style.”
The football world cup will be shown in the bar at 7.30 and Geoff will play straight afterwards. Food is available. Doors open 7.00 so game on…
For further information email Chris Denton on cjdentoncumbrian@aol.com
Three northwest bands have been confirmed for the British Stage at the Colne Festival over the Aug Bank Hol period.
Forty 4 – Friday 9pm
Atlanta Roots -Friday midnight
Tommy Allen Band – Sunday 9.30pm
Friday shows to be broadcasted live by BBC Radio Lancashire.
Warrington & Burtonwood Blues Club
Presents
Friday June 18th
The Paul Cox Band
(Paul Jones consides Paul to be the best Soul/Blues singer in the land)
Also on the bill – Charily Fabert – From Paris, France
( Charily is being talked about as the new Ian Siegal/Ian Parker)
All at Burtonwood Catholic Club
Phipps Lane
Burtonwood
WA5 4HQ
01925 444332
Doors open 8pm
£10 On the Door
This is there only show in the north
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42idR2NCO4I
Geoff Achison and The UK Souldiggers
at Liverpool Marina on Wednesday 23rd June 2010
(doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8.45pm)
Yes, the man from Melbourne is returning to the UK for another extensive tour, which happily includes a visit to Liverpool. As before, his gritty vocals and phenomenal guitar playing will be augmented by the UK Souldiggers.
The Souldiggers comprise a wonderful array of musicians: Sam Kelly on drums, Paul Jobson on keyboards and Spy on bass. Together with Geoff, they present a formidable blues ensemble that will match any line-up in the country. Their musical catalogue covers a wide range of the blues spectrum, with frequent glimpses into the jazzier and funkier corners of the genre.
Geoff Achison’s performances are unfailingly energetic and his highly individual guitar playing never ceases to amaze. This is very definitely one gig not to be missed.
For more information, please visit www.geoffachison.com
Liverpool Marina is situated at Coburg Wharf, Sefton Street, Liverpool L3 4BP.
Tickets for the concert (£12 each in advance and £13 on the door) are obtainable from John Welsh on 0151 428 2855 or by email to johnswelsh@hotmail.com.
Aussie Rory Ellis who was the undoubted star of the 2009 Worthenbury Festival is back on Friday June 11th, this time at the village hall, doors 8pm for 9pm start.
Rory possesses a superb baritone voice and plays guitar and banjo and is again accompanied by the fantastically talented Alex Roberts on lap steel guitar.
His official press release is :-
“Rory Ellis is the quintessential Australian singer/songwriter with buckets of talent, heaps of stories to tell, and impossible to pigeonhole. He’s a blues man, a soul belter, a red-dirt country man and a home-grown folkie.
Rory has performed at major festivals all over Australia for many years and in recent years has performed all over the UK playing at major festivals, venues, Art Centres and theatres and supported greats like Richie Havens and Eric Bibb.”
There is great interest in this gig and tickets are selling steadily. To reserve one at £10, please mail me @ pete@hookerblues.co.uk . I’m away for a week so will reply to mails after June 4th.
Thursday June 3rd Gig: Dave Peabody and Colin Earl
Title: Gig:Dave Peabody and Colin Earl
Description: Dave Peabody and Colin Earl
Thursday June 3rd Blue Sky Cafe, Bangor
Award winning UK Blues guitarist and singer Dave Peabody is joined by ace pianist Colin Earl for an evening at this great cafe/bar. Dave has been a consistent performer on the Blues scene since the mid-sixties and has appeared on over 40 albums. He’s played, toured and recorded with many of the leading US Bluesmen and is also renowned as a fine photographer. Colin Earl was a founder member of Mungo Jerry and played on their first three albums including the gigantic hit “In the Summertime” (23 million sales so far !) before heading to the States in the 70’s to play with US rock giants Foghat. As a duo Dave and Colin play a rollicking mix of Blues and Boogie picked from the large repertoire they’ve gathered over many years on their respective Blues and rock scenes.
Doors open at 6.30 Gig 8pm Ticket sales from Cob Records or Blue Sky £8.00
Food served from 6.30 set 2 courses £8.95 Menu Local free range pork burger OR home made veggy burger in a locally made bun with chips and salad . Dessert or fresh strawberry and creme fraiche cup cake…yum yum
Thursday 3rd June 2010 at BJ’s Blues Club,
The Hop Pocket, Carr lane, Chorley
TIN PAN ALLEY
Tin Pan Alley specialise in Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughan songs with a mixture of ‘Blues Legends’ like Buddy Guy & Freddie King in a very wide ranging repertoire of quality blues and rock songs that include many great ‘crowd pleasers’ which include great renditions of classics by Free. By request Thursdays set will be more rock orientated than before with shades of Southern Rock too ! It’s going to be another night to remember at BJ’s with one of the hottest bands in the North West!
Dave Arcari live at the Ruby Lounge, Manchester
SCOTTISH alt.blues artist Dave Arcari returns to Manchester for a show at The Ruby Lounge in the city’s Northern Quarter on Thursday 10 June (tickets £8/£6adv/doors 7.30pm). Special guests for the show are Pablo’s Finest Hour and Plastic Poets.
The show is part of Arcari’s summer tour which takes in most of the UK and culminates in two slots at Glastonbury Festival at the end of the month (June). Aside from festival appearances in France and Switzerland and a few ad hoc dates over the last month or two, Arcari has been concentrating on writing material for a new album scheduled for release on 1 November.
Arcari’s latest album Got Me Electric is getting rave reviews and strong radio airplay which are helping him build on recent successes as a finalist in the UK Indy Music Awards and an industry showcase at Canada’s NxNE music convention. Over the last year Arcari has delighted audiences at Belgium’s Peer Festival (alongside Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and Steve Winwood), BluesAlive in the Czech Republic and Poland and a series of headline shows in Finland, Estonia, Germany, Ireland as well as across the UK.
Showcased over five CD releases to date, Dave Arcari’s National guitar-driven alt.blues owes as much to trash country, punk and rockabilly as it does pre-war Delta blues.
Photo Tanya Simson
Latest Comments