Tag Archive for 'merseyside'

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 and the first appearance of the highly talented Mark Flanagan, best known as the guitarist in Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. 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 Galveston, Texas, combines supreme artistry with a spell-binding stage presence. He presents funky-edged good-time blues at its very best.

Friday, 23rd April – The Mark Flanagan Trio (at Garston Royal British Legion) –out of the shadow of the Jools Holland Orchestra, Mark Flanagan delivered a brilliant set on the main stage at last year’s Burnley Blues Festival where he matched his undisputed mastery of the guitar with equally fine vocals.

Thursday, 20th May – The Backbones (at Liverpool Marina) – fronted by singer and supreme harmonica player, Big Pete van der Pluijm, The Backbones are one of the very best blues bands in Europe, who  provide a stunning programme of Chicago-style blues infused with the powerful influences of Junior Wells and Lester Butler.

Wednesday, 23rd June – The Geoff Achison Band (at Liverpool Marina) – now resident back in his native Australia, after a triumphant two-year stint in the USA, Geoff Achison guarantees a vibrant, unforgettable show, with his exceptional guitar playing and  distinctive, gritty vocals.

Friday, 17th September – Hans Theesink (at Garston Royal British Legion) – on his previous visit to Liverpool (at the Marina), the Dutch master charmed the very appreciative audience with his warmth, his rich voice and his consummate skills on acoustic guitar. A class act.

October (date to be confirmed) – Toby Walker – another prize import from across the Pond, Toby has become one of the firm favourites at the Marina with his combination of scintillating finger-picking guitar work, fine vocals and fascinating reminiscences.

Thursday, 4th November – Doug MacLeod – our third guest from the USA will be welcomed back with open arms. He complements his fabulous vocals with highly accomplished guitar work, while humour is never far from the surface in his lyrics and his wonderful anecdotes.

Tickets are available from John Welsh by telephone (0151-428 2855) or by email (johnswelsh@hotmail.com)

Lionel Ross

Hamilton Loomis
at Garston Royal British Legion

Friday, 12th March 2010 (doors: 8pm, show starts at 8.45pm)

Singer/guitarist Hamilton Loomis is one of the young artistes at the forefront of bringing the blues into the 21st century. Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, he honed his multi-instrumental, musical skills at a very early age, learning to play drums, piano, guitar bass and harmonica by his early teens. At the age of sixteen, he played alongside Bo Diddley, who later became his friend and mentor. He has also been greatly influenced by Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Stevie Wonder and Prince, which accounts for the funky edge to his musical style.

Hamilton will be backed by his excellent band, which comprises fellow countrymen, Stratton Doyle on saxophone and keys and Kent Beatty on bass guitar, and the pride of Birmingham, Jamie Little, on drums. The same band is featured on more than half of the tracks on his latest album, Live In England, which were recorded at his 2009 visit to Liverpool Marina. Hamilton’s brilliant, energetic performances have earned him a large fan base in this country and early booking is strongly recommended.

Links : www.hamiltonloomis.com and www.myspace.com/hamiltonloomis

Garston Royal British Legion is situated at Haig House, Woolton Road, Garston, Liverpool L19 5NQ, just around the corner from Liverpool South Parkway station.

Tickets for the concert (£13.50 each in advance and £15 each on the door) are obtainable from John Welsh on 0151 428 2855 or johnswelsh@hotmail.com.