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BLUES NEWS & INFORMATION
Posted 12 Jun 2008
Posted 20 Apr 2008
| RAY MANZAREK & ROY ROGERS Ballads Before The Rain ~ Friday Music CD ~ FRM-1084 The legendary co-founder of The Doors, Ray Manzarek and the critically acclaimed slide/blues guitarist Roy Rogers have put their artistic minds together and have truly created a captivating new duet album for Friday Music entitled Ballads Before The Rain. The nine instrumental works that make up this debut album are sonically some of the finest recordings to be released this year, and we are very proud to have both of these fine gentlemen on board with this incredible new release. Audiophile fanatics and fans alike will truly dig the amazing new takes on Doors classics like "The Crystal Ship" and "Riders On The Storm", as well as the other blues/jazz/classical tracks that define the utmost level of musicianship that each of these award winning composers/producers/performers display. The much emulated keyboard technique of Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers' solid guitar work carry on throughout all of the works contained on this debut release. Not foreign to the classics, the two even combine their talents and visit Eric Satie's Gnossienne No. 1 as well as deep blue etchings from Roy Rogers himself on Remembering You and Ruby Red Nails. Both Manzarek and Rogers tour extensively, as a duo and as soloists, or leading their own bands as Ray does with Riders On The Storm w/ Robbie Kreiger from The Doors, and Roy as Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings. Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers- Ballads Before The Rain: This historic meeting is now waxed and ready for their legions of collective fans to enjoy. A session fit for a king indeed! Track Listing: Gnossienne No.1 B.E. In Memorium El Amor Brujo Remembering You The Crystal Ship Love Is A Dangerous Place Ruby Red Nails Riders On The Storm American Pastoral List Price $14.98 ~ In Stores Now |
Posted 20 Mar 2006
| Dedicated Blues night every Tuesday THE CRICKETERS ARMS, Coney Lane, Keighley, Yorks PRESS RELEASE Following the recent closure of Bradford's premier venue, The Melborn, which hosted gigs by up and coming musicians for the past fifteen years, The Real Ale Award Winning Cricketers Arms in Keighley have decided to take the ball and run with it! John Mitchell, landlord of The Cricketers Arms, said "The lack of live venues in the Bradford District is restricting the development of local artists and talent. We feel that it's all good and well providing music training to young people, and encouraging them in the creative arts, but without tangible outlets and performance platforms, what are we giving them? So, we have decided to take the bull by the horns and start putting on, mainly, acoustic sets at the pub on a regular basis. It's quite a change for a small pub like ours, but we feel very strongly that Bradford has always had a tradition in new music and it'd be a real shame for that tradition to die. The more live music the better." The Cricketers Arms starts it's live events on FEBRUARY 9th 2006, with Bradford-based band, REAL EYEZ, a trio of brothers who have performed within the Bradford region for many years. A soul/reggae fusion act, Real Eyez have had a recent residency at Bradford's The Love Apple, performed Bradford Festival 2005 and a recent music seminar at The Alhambra Studios, amongst other notable events. Further local performances are to be announced. In addition to the live events scheduled, The Cricketers Arms will add a new perspective to this years' Bradford Festival in that, for the first time in Festival history, there will be artists and performers at The Cricketers AS PART OF the Bradford Festival more news to be announced. For further information about The Cricketers Arms in Keighley, to enquire about forthcoming live events or to perform, please contact Jon or Vicky Mitchell on 01535 669912. The Cricketers Arms is on Coney Lane in Keighley 5 mins from Keighley Rail & Bus Stations. Email: worthbrew@aol.com / Website: http//members@aol.com/worthbrew |
Posted 7 Mar 2006
| RUNNING HORSE, NOTTINGHAM We have received the following email from Barry Middleton regarding the future of Nottingham's world famous blues venue The Running Horse. "As from April 3rd 2006 The Running Horse will be under new management, as for the music I can not say what will be happening, the new people have declined the offer of my list of contacts. However I shall be putting on Live Music featuring the bands we all know and appreciate at a venue less than a mile from The Runner. The current web site will be adapted to the new venue and the mailing list will continue to inform you of the up and coming bands. Thank you for your support over the years. Barry Middleton |
Posted 7 Mar 2006
| NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2006/07 Kevin Thorpe's OUT OF THE BLUE 'Out Of The Blue was put together in 1994, by singer, guitarist and award winning songwriter Kevin Thorpe, to fulfil a one-off gig at the Colne Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival. They received such a rapturous audience reception that they decided to stick around. Out Of The Blue respect the blues tradition but they like to stretch the outside of the envelope. They look beyond the tried and tested 12 bar formula to create a modern, thoroughly original sound that fuses jazz, rock and of course blues. Whichever way you chew it, their music, with Kevin Thorpe's gravel and grit vocals, definitely comes from the heart to stir the soul. Lead guitarist Eddie Tatton is one of the hippest guitar players on the scene today, his inventiveness never ceases to amaze. Eddie's solos push back the boundaries of electric blues guitar, his unique style melding the poise of Robben Ford, with the grace of Larry Carlton to bring an unparalleled sophistication to Out Of The Blues' overall ensemble sound. In addition Out Of The Blue have the very gifted keyboards player Jon Dyke ( Elkie Brooks Band, Patricia Kaas, Larry Garner Band) and a dynamic rhythm section with Nigel Lobley on drums and Jeremy Meek on bass (Paul Carrack, Joan Armatrading), making them, for the discerning blues punter, the most rewarding live aesthetic experience available.' Scott Duncan, Blues in Britain Magazine. Out Of The Blue have played major club and theatre dates all over the UK and Europe and regular guests on the Paul Jones Blues Show on BBC Radio 2. Kevin has played in the USA with Paul Rishell and Annie Raines at various Eastern Seaboard venues including the prestigious House of Blues in Boston; for these dates the band was augmented by guitar legend Ronnie Earl. In February 2001 Kevin and Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges gave four performances at The Budweiser Low Country Blues Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Out Of The Blue have toured the UK and European festival circuit with appearances at Burnley Blues Festival, The Great British RnB Festival at Colne, Oxford, London, Edinburgh Jazz Festival,GuinnessTemple Bar Blues in Dublin, Chalons-en-Champagne, Cognac and Coutances. Out Of The Blue have also opened for the late Junior Wells, Robert Cray, Larry Garner, Robben Ford, Sherman Robertson, Peter Green and Tracy Nelson. OOTB were the choice of backing band for Phillip Walker and also the legendary Memphis Horns at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, the Temple Bar Festival and subsequent tour of Europe. Out of the Blue have two albums available on the Armadillo label: 'Blues In A Bottle' [ARMD 00002] and 'Shadowplay' [ARMD 00012] Tel +44(0)1777 702402 +44(0)775 362 5518 More info and reviews: http://www.bluearmadillo.com/pages/artists/out_of_the_blue.shtml Full MP3s www.myspace.com/outblue |
Posted 17 Jan 2006
| Tring Blues Festival 10th-12th March 2006 The Court Theatre at Pendley, Station Road, Tring, Herts HP23 4QZ Advance tickets and enquiries Tel: 01296 634991 Friday 10th March Dr Feelgood, The Heaters, The Krissy Matthews Band Saturday 11th March (12 3pm) The Robin Bibi Band hosting Jam Saturday 11th March (evening) Paul Lamb & the King Snakes, Big Dez, Roadhouse, Del Bromham Sunday 12th March (daytime 11am 4.30pm) Guitar & CD Sunday CD & guitar sales plus guitar workshops and demonstrations Sunday 12th March (evening) Little Toby Walker, David Bristow Press Release ~ 16th January 2006 Tring Has The Blues Rocking the Blues will once again stage the annual, popular Tring Blues Festival in 2006, over the weekend of 10 12th March. The event has a superb array of blues artists and bands commencing on Friday 10th March with Dr Feelgood. Formed in the 1970's, Dr Feelgood has become one of the most popular live Rhythm & Blues acts in the world, still thrilling the crowds with the vitality of their explosive live shows. Support on the evening comes from Essex blues band The Heaters, playing a mixture of blues from all the greats and The Krissy Matthews Band featuring the extraordinary talents of 13 year old blues guitarist Krissy Matthews from Bicester. On Saturday 11th March, there is a Blues Jam on Saturday lunchtime hosted by one of London's finest guitarists, Robin Bibi and his Band. In the evening, internationally renowned Paul Lamb & the King Snakes, take to stage for some rousing Chicago style blues unlike no other outside the US. Back by popular demand, Paul Lamb is hailed by aficionados around the world as Europe's foremost blues harmonica exponent. Paul Lamb & The King Snakes create a live experience that few bands the world over can imitate. "5 times voted best UK blues band". Also, on the Saturday evening bill is the band Big Dez. Awesome 'Parisian Texan' style blues band with the larger than life hot guitar playing of Phil Fernandez. After recording two albums in Texas they are on their first UK Tour. "Fernandez¹s slashing guitar combines Albert Collins¹ icy tension with Johnny 'Guitar' Watson¹s metallic crunch" - Blues Revue USA. Completing the Saturday night line up is the rocky band Roadhouse and Stray's lead guitarist Del Bromham with his acoustic blues show. Sunday 12th March daytime, sees the return of the 'Guitar & CD Sunday' with guitars, basses and related items for sale alongside cd dealers selling a comprehensive range of cds There are guitar demonstrations including workshops with Little Toby Walker, Papa George, plus harmonica workshops with Storm Warning's Son Maxwell. Top British bluesman, Papa George, will perform at lunchtime (1pm - 2pm) a range of self penned blues songs and well known blues numbers on his National Steel guitar. To round off an excellent weekend of blues Little Toby Walker, Memphis International Blues Challenge Award winner from New York City, plays in the evening supported by David Bristow. Little Toby Walker is an exceptionally gifted fingerstyle guitarist, singer, songwriter and storyteller whose music draws from traditional and contemporary blues, roots music, western swing and ragtime. A remarkable, humorous and entertaining storyteller, Toby paints pictures of his travels to Mississippi, Arkansas, Virginia, and North Carolina in the minds of each member in the audience as he tells them how he learned the blues at the feet of many old time blues musicians. Further information and advance tickets for individual Tring Blues Festival events and hospitality packages (from £39 to include evening ticket, signed cd, buffet and complimentary drink with live blues pianist at The Pendley Manor Hotel) call 01296 634991. Alternatively, you can purchase from Rocking the Blues, a 2 night hotel package to include all tickets from £109 at Rose & Crown Hotel, Tring or from £159 at the 4 star Pendley Manor Hotel 100 yards from the venue. Hotel prices are per person based on 2 sharing. Single rooms and one night hotel packages are available on request. All Tring Blues Festival information is available at www.rockingtheblues.com Ends |
Posted 12 Jul 2005
| UNDER THE RADAR AGENCY CONTACT: Miki Nord / Charles 'Rags' Ragsdell / Jack 'Sulli' Sullivan / Nancy 'Nanner' Tresnak Phone: (651) 488-6671 / Email: press@utrbooking.com UTR booking agency, 1961 Rice St., Roseville, Minnesota 55113-6805 UNDER THE RADAR MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW PRO-ACTIVE BOOKING AGENCY! In a continued effort to help "Keeping The Blues Alive", Miki and Jed Nord, managing partners of Under The Radar music group, announced today the creation of Under The Radar booking agency. Under The Radar music group is a full service musician support company founded on 26 years of top-flight industry experience and management. We recognize and respect the needs of all artists, signed and unsigned. Bottom line, musicians need to be free to create and be unencumbered by the mundane aspects of the music business. The creation of Under The Radar booking agency helps complete Miki and Jed's vision of offering artist full-service support. This is a collaborative effort by several individuals committed to helping artists share their talent with their fans. By taking a proactive stance with the press and the use of other creative marketing tools, they also anticipate increasing revenues for the venues their artists work with. The UTR booking agency consists of: Miki Nord: Miki is one of the most successful managers in the blues music industry. The mere mention of her name elicits responses such as "Oh Miki, she's wonderful," "I love her," "She is so much fun," "She is a smart business woman," Well, you get the picture! With over 26 years of service in this industry, working with blues greats Luther Allison, Tommy Castro, Jonny Lang and Susan Tedeschi (to mention a few), Miki has truly paid her dues while remaining loyal to her principles of fairness and a dynamic work ethic. Her experiences in the music industry has taught Miki many things and given her clear insight as to what is needed to help "Keeping The Blues Alive." It is her vision that brought together the collaboration that is Under The Radar booking agency. Miki and her husband Jed spend their free time with their family, and visiting blues festivals and clubs. Charles 'Rags' Ragsdell: Rags started his musical journey at the age of seven, learning to play trumpet and clarinet as his older brother and sister took lessons. Rags would borrow their instruments after school, and had learned enough to play both proficiently before starting beginning band class. Rags went on to study music education at Arkansas State University, and then traveled extensively as a musician and sound engineer before getting out of the music business in the late 1970s. He became a very successful sales and marketing executive, eventually founding his own company, The Futurity Group, in 1997. Despite the business successes, Rags always wanted to get back to the music industry. To satisfy that urge, Rags became heavily involved in the Kansas City Blues & Jazz and Spirit Festivals, the Kansas City Blues Society, and the Blues Foundation, and was a Blues DJ on 90.1 FM KKFI for several years. Rags looks at UTR as the perfect way to once again become involved in the music industry, while still making use of his corporate experience. Rags and his wife Lori spend their free time traveling to photograph blues festivals. Jack 'Sulli' Sullivan: Sulli is not only a great blues harp player, he also has over thirty years of experience in circulation sales for large publishing houses such as Hearst Publications. The support of live music has always been a first love of Sulli's, and as a contributing writer for www.Blueswax.com, Sulli has gained a unique education as to the challenges faced by both the bands and their supporting venues. By using his extensive marketing background, Sulli views UTR as the perfect way to help both the artist and venues to continue to prosper and contribute to "Keeping The Blues Alive." Sulli spends his free time chasing a little white ball around the links, as well as chasing after that next great interview for BluesWax. Nancy 'Nanner' Tresnak: Nanner has always had a fondness for music and travel, and is one of the founding partners in the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. Nanner spent over 20 years developing networks and systems in the telecommunications and retail industries. As technology grew into our everyday life, she tried to marry her passion for music and her system design abilities to help Roger and Julia Naber evolve the web presence for the Grand Emporium. Nanner feels her experience with the Blues Cruise will be beneficial to our artists and the venues they play in. Nanner spends her free time with her cats Garbo and Prudence, and socializing while listening to great blues music! UTR booking agency is proud to represent for immediate club, theater and festival bookings: Daniel 'Slick' Ballinger, The Imperial Crowns, Earl Thomas, Tom Hambridge, Michael Powers, Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors, Sylvie Lewis, Syl Johnson, Omar and the Howlers, Aynsley Lister, The Blues Caravan Tour (Ruf Records) and in cooperation with Blue Mountain Artists, The Reverend Billy C. Wirtz. You can learn more about Under The Radar booking agency and the artists they represent at www.UTRbooking.com. |
Posted 10 Dec 2004
Posted 6 Jan 2004
| Guernsey Blues Festival 2-4 April 2004 MICHAEL MESSER & ED GENIS (concert & workshops) / NATIONAL DEBT (great roots/country/blues band) - COBO BAY HOTEL / ST JAMES, GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS Weekend Workshops with Michael and Ed, Preferential hotel rates etc Full details from www.weekendblues.org |
Posted 4 Jan 2004
| Barton Blues & Roots Club at the Carnival, Barton on Humber, Lincolnshire The Carnival Inn is no stranger to live music, having hosted numerous high profile concerts and dances over the past year. Landlord Steve Lewis is a blues & roots fan and is hoping to build up a regular following in this bustling town, situated on the south bank of the Humber estuary and adjacent to the Humber Bridge. The club will host the best of UK blues and roots artists on the third Friday in every month, and hopes to build up a regular clientele of blues & roots music lovers. The inaugural event of this newly formed club takes place on Friday 16th January 2004, and features solo artist King Rollo. King Rollo is a consummate guitarist and vocalist, and is widely known through-out the country for his authentic delivery of delta classics as well as his own compositions delivered with energy and passion. Every King Rollo concert is a hugely entertaining and satisfying event, and he has recently been heard on Paul Jones' Radio 2 rhythm & blues programme. The Hull-based Freddie James Band is booked for Friday 20th February 2004. |
Posted 25 Dec 2003
| Sad news from Detroit
The Great Butler Twin and legendary harmonica blues man, my friend Clarence Butler passed away yesterday December 22nd. He is survived by his twin brother Curtis. No insurance, no money for a funeral. |
Posted 6 Nov 2003
Posted 6 Nov 2003
Posted 3 Sep 2003
Posted 16 Aug 2003
| Bullfrog Blues Machine 2003 saw the release of 'Blue Tattoo', the latest CD from Dutch blues band Bullfrog Blues Machine. For further info about the band and CD visit the band's website at: There is also a World Blues Link section with a wealth of interesting blues links that will take you on a tour round the world of blues via a host of countries! The band's bass player Chris Janssen from Nijmegen, who is both musician and blues promoter also has his own website at: ~ Blues Link ~ |
Posted 16 Aug 2003
Posted 8 Aug 2003
| THE BLUES IN BRITAIN An open invitation to all invoved with Blues in the UK. Are there common problems ? Will the Licensing Bill mean no more blues in your local venue. Do you feel the Blues is healthy in the UK ? An interest group meeting, ' The Blues in Britain' is to take place on 11th September at Lakeside Arts Centre as part of this year's MODAL Festival. Promoters, agents, musicians ,labels, journals, web-masters......a panel led discussion on the state of British blues, it's development and it's future. A networking opportunity to air views, discuss problems and successes and share strategies at a difficult time for British Blues. This session is followed by 'Audience Development-the Jazz Perspective' Times 2-3.30pm ' The Blues in Britain' 4-5pm 'Audience Development- the Jazz Perspective'. All interested in attending please email paul.morgan@nottinghamcity.gov.uk / kevinthorpe@blueguitar.co.uk / markringwood@btinternet.com or call Paul 0115 9158606 / Kevin 0772 362 5518 or 01623 825714 Below is a programme of events for MODAL Modal 2003 11th-14th September 2003 STOP PRESS - Estelle Morris confirmed as keynote speaker! The programme now looks like this: Thursday 11th: Interest group meetings including The Blues In Britain, Jazz Development, National Campaign for the Arts and Arts Council East Midlands Evening: Opportunity to see La Musgana and Romano Drom in performance Friday 12th: ESTELLE MORRIS MP, newly appointed Minister for Arts will deliver the keynote address - you heard her here first!! Panels include: INTERNATIONALISM Scotland-Brazil A unique experiment to pitch together musicians representing a wide range of musics from each country. Tamsin Austin (The Arches, Glasgow) explains what happened, why it was so successful, and what the next step will be. ADAPTING TO SURVIVE - LEARNING FROM RECORD LABELS IN EUROPE Debate on lessons we can learn from the changing shape of the industry in Europe with a panel including specialist record labels and distributors from the UK and Europe Also: International investment in music - the economic arguments Celtic Connections debate Friday evening showcases from: BJ Cole, Eric Windrich, Dochas, Tom Arthurs' Centripede, Mr Gone, Yuseff, Fantazia, Love Grocer, Nizlopi, Derrin Nauendorf, Romano Drom and Willard Grant Conspiracy Saturday 13th Panels include: THE LONG JORUNEY HOME Last year's festival throughout the East Midlands highlighted the music and cultures of displaced people, this year Refugee Week has been a huge national success. What next ? Are there lessons to be learned by us all as we strive for greater cultural diversity and understanding. Panellists include: Lucy Crompton (Refugee Week) and Bea Tobolewska and Beth Noble (Long Journey Home) ONE WAY STREET? Everyone wants to play in the UK and very often there's substantial funding available to help overseas artists to do this. But what happens when a UK artist wants to play overseas ? Is it a level playing field or biased towards certain musics outside our sector ? Panellists include Janine Irons (Dune Records) RESEARCH OR BE DAMNED! Julia Payne's recent AFO report into the economic significance of festivals paid dividends for the Bridgnorth Folk Festival. Could it help you ? Panellists include: Julia Payne (The Hub), Alan Surtees (Bridgnorth Festival) NICHE MARKETING Marketing in an urban area faces different challenges to a rural area and vice-versa, true or false ? If it's true then what lessons can be learned. If it's false then who's got the best new ideas ? Panellists include Pete Mustill (Broad Sheep/Mid Border Arts), Paul Boakye (Editor www.drumonline.net , Mark Ringwood (agent/promoter/broadcaster) Also Licensing Law and Communications Bill debate Saturday evening showcases from: Mark Latimer, Kevin Brown and Moussa Kouyate, JC and Angelina Grimshaw, Tomorrow's Warriors, Lob, Aida Nadeem's Ethnic Synthetic, Weird MC, La Sonera Calaveras, Nigel Burch, Horse, Fatman Kicks Cat and Balogh Kalman Sunday 14th Plenary session, conference report backs and resolutions Sunday lunchtime showcases from Trevor Watts and Magic Car ALSO: Surgeries on presentation skills, legal matters and business skills MODAL EXPRESS: For delegates travelling from London to Nottingham we can also offer the Modal Express train at a bargain rate of 15 pounds return. Book by calling Lakeside on 0115 846 7777 or see the Modal website: www.modal.co.uk / Further information from: 0870 243 0278 or celia@modaluk.uklinux.net |
Posted 22 Jul 2003
Posted 24 Apr 2003
| The Earthwise Company Aspiring to the special things in life; Good food, good music, good company. The Earthwise Company (ltd) is a Lincolnshire based company who would like to welcome you to Bank Farm licensed bar, real food café and restaurant (Anderby road, Chapel St. Leonard's, Skegness). Good food and ethical trading that will be of direct benefit to the local community, British farmers, the environment and third world producers. We had hoped to be totally organic, and in the main we will be, but we had to weigh up the effect of food miles on the environment compared with buying non organic local produce. All our vegetables will be local organic (as available), our dairy produce locally produced and mostly organic, but unfortunately we could not find local organic suppliers of meat and therefore opted to buy top quality non organic Lincolnshire produce. We would welcome enquiries from local producers, both organic and conventional. Any imported produce such as tea and coffee will be organic or fairly traded (or both) ensuring a good standard of living for third world producers. . We have taken this trading position for several reasons. Firstly because we feel very strongly that business and sustainability can be shown to go hand in hand and that making a profit need not be at the expense of the environment, animal welfare or our health. It is important that we support our local producers, not only because it makes long term economical sense to do so but also because it is the profitability of these local producers that determines the future of our local communities. Our local communities are increasingly precious. It is also important that we support third world producers through fair trade rather than through free trade. Fair trade gives the poorest people in the world the chance to be self reliant, to fully support their dependents and to educate their children. More and more people are choosing organic food not just because they want food that tastes better than the fast food we have become accustomed to but also as a means of protecting their family's health at the same time as safeguarding the health of the environment and we support their decision entirely. We feel that GM food does not offer the best options for our farmers, for our health or for our environment and therefore we will endeavour to ensure that all food served in our restaurant is GM free. But Bank Farm is not all ethics and no pleasure! Far from it. We will be hosting live music at every opportunity from next month and we hope we will provide something for everyone's taste, both in food and in music. Our food menu varies from the conventional steak and chips to tapas and salsa and our music from jazz to reggae. Although we will be putting on some more well known musicians we are also looking for local musicians to come and play both in the bar and the restaurant, either during the day or in the evening, (outside when the weather is favourable) and would welcome enquiries from those who are interested . We will also be running a 'jam night' on Tuesday night's where local musicians come along and play and learn together and of course non musicians are welcome to come along and listen. We want Bank Farm to be more than just another tourist venue and to that end we will actively support community involvement. . We are already planning local artist exhibitions and art classes and we are open to further suggestions. Of course our facilities can be used for private parties, weddings etc. Most organic pre-packaged food that we use in the restaurant will also be for sale in our shop on the same premises. Contact: Kate O'Connell, The Earthwise Company Ltd, Reg no 4690883 Wayback, Sea Road Anderby, Skegness, PE24 5YD Tel 01507 490112 or from Bank Farm 01754 871445 |
Posted 24 Apr 2003
Posted 24 Apr 2003
Posted 24 Apr 2003
| Southern Blues (Band) Update Since their first appearance in September 2001, Southern Blues have become one of the most popular bands on the South Coast, packing venues whenever they play. Giglist |
Posted 11 Apr 2003
Posted 9 Apr
| End Of Sunday Blues in Hull We have received the following Press Release from Freddy James: PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE DISSEMINATION ... After much deliberation it has been decided to discontinue the weekly Sunday Blues sessions. The appeal of the Sunday pm gig-slot in Hull was, perhaps, overjudged ... even when The Hull Daily Mail "got it right" for The Cadillac Kings appearance on 23 Apr (23rd March?), the turnout was disappointing, this despite a low-price ticket policy with concessions for the unwaged etc. Thanks go to everyone who has been involved with Sunday Blues over the past 6 months ... the bands & artists, the media, the venue and, most of all the small nucleus of Sunday afternoon Blueshounds who were determined to have a good time & to enjoy the excellent performances each week. This coming Sunday, the 13 Apr, will be the final Sunday Blues session featuring a second appearance by "Blues Basement". Freddy James for:Sunday Blues |
Posted 15 Mar 2003
| BOOGIE WOOGIE EXTRAVAGANZA ~ FRI 9 MAY The three finest young boogie woogie pianists in the land, BEN WATERS, DINO BAPTISTE & DAN McALLISTER take the stage for an evening of solo splendour and a key board extravaganza when all three will appear together and do "battle" at the BLACK BOTTOM CLUB in NORTHAMPTON Tickets for this one off are a mere £12.50 apiece, available from Mick at thegeorgeinn@euphony.net or, sound.sounds@btopenworld.com. Late bar till 2am ish. Further details can also see info at www.soundsounds.com |
Posted 14 Mar 2003
Posted 14 Mar 2003
| NEW TUESDAY NIGHT BLUES CLUB ~ LANCASHIRE The first "Tuesday Night Blues Club" event will take place at the Southern Hotel, Nell Lane, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester on 25th March 2003 from 8pm onwards. The night will be hosted by " Depot" and will run thus: 8:30-9:00 Depot 9:15-10:00 Open "spot" for those who wish to perform as a solo,duo or band or to jam with others. 10:15- 11:00 Depot Depot is a blues duo made up of Mat Walklate on vocals, harmonica & flute and Andy Pyatt on guitars. Their 4-track demo is available, please ask and I will send one. I have also included a list of reviews of the Depot demo from around the blues world. The club will run every Tuesday night and on most occasions it will run as outlined above with Depot being joined by Anthony Haller on double bass. A variety of special guests will also join us over the weeks. The emphasis of the club will be towards the acoustic side of blues but we're not strictly pedantic. We will provide a P.A. system and guitars and acoustic basses will be available to borrow. There will not be a drum-kit on the stand but percussionists are welcome to bring their instruments. One of our main aims is to make the club available to local, national and international blues performers. The open spot on a normal club night will offer local performers a platform to develop and publicise their material and should they wish to they can arrange to perform on a future Tuesday night as the headline act with Depot as support. National and international blues acts will also be able to headline at the club in the same way. I have already been in contact with a number of agents, promoters and performers and most have expressed an interest in appearing at the club within the next six months. At present there is very little live blues in Manchester and we hope to redress this by creating a convivial, accessible and enjoyable weekly event to revivify the blues fans of Manchester and hopefully convert more people to the warmth of the blues. To this end we will have blues CDs and magazines on sale and a wealth of useful information for people to take away. We hope to have "Soul-Food" on sale and the room itself is comfortable and well designed for live music. And there's a bar! The usual price of admission will be £3 but will probably increase if we have a touring European or American guest. Tel ~ 0161 881 0071 / email depot@talk21.com |
Posted 14 Mar 2003
| Harmonica Shindig. Mat Walklate (of The Moochers) will be hosting another afternoon devoted to all aspects of the harmonica on Sunday 23rd March at the Southern Hotel, Nell Lane, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, between 1.30 and 4.30 pm. The event will include demonstrations and discussions of the different styles of harmonica playing in Blues, Jazz and Irish traditional music and the makes and models of harmonicas used, focussing principally on diatonic, chromatic and tremolo instruments. For the first time there will be showcase performances by blues bands The Moochers and Depot, Irish traditional bands The Gallery and Shannagh and jazz group The Andy Pyatt Quartet, all of course featuring the harmonica. There will be sessions throughout the afternoon which will be open to all instrumentalists and an accomplished backing band will be present to support the players. As before there will be a great deal of harp-related printed material, catalogues and information about harmonica services and societies for people to take away, and I will be available to answer questions and give advice. Trade stands will be present allowing people to purchase harmonicas should they wish to. This will be the seventh Shindig I have organised and I am sure that, like its predecessors, it will provide a friendly forum for meeting other harp players and learning more about the instrument. Entry is £3 and includes a raffle with harmonicas, donated by Hering Hohner and Suzuki as prizes! |
| Tel 0161 881 0071 / email mwalklate@btopenworld.com |
Posted 14 Mar 2003
Posted 14 Mar 2003
Posted 5 Mar 2003
| DEEP BLUES ~ BBC RADIO 4 BLUES PROGRAMME presented by MICHAEL ROACH British based American blues guitarist Michael Roach is presenting a series of 3 programmes about the musical and cultural roots of the blues on BBC Radio 4. Deep Blue is broadcast between 1.30 - 2.00pm on Tuesdays. The first programme was on Tue 4 March, the second & third programmes will be broadcast on Tue 11 March and Tue 18 March at the same time. |
Posted 27 Feb 2003
| New Blues Club ~ Peterborough UK
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Posted 27 Feb
| HARMONICA SHINDIG Mat Walklate (of The Moochers) will be hosting another afternoon devoted to all aspects of the harmonica on Sunday 23rd March at the Southern Hotel, Nell Lane, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, between 1.30 and 4.30 pm. The event will include demonstrations and discussions of the different styles of harmonica playing in Blues, Jazz and Irish traditional music and the makes and models of harmonicas used, focussing principally on diatonic, chromatic and tremolo instruments. For the first time there will be showcase performances by blues bands The Moochers and Depot, Irish traditional bands The Gallery and Shannagh and jazz group The Andy Pyatt Quartet, all of course featuring the harmonica. There will be sessions throughout the afternoon which will be open to all instrumentalists and an accomplished backing band will be present to support the players. As before there will be a great deal of harp-related printed material, catalogues and information about harmonica services and societies for people to take away, and I will be available to answer questions and give advice. Trade stands will be present allowing people to purchase harmonicas should they wish to. This will be the seventh Shindig I have organised and I am sure that, like its predecessors, it will provide a friendly forum for meeting other harp players and learning more about the instrument. Entry is £3 and includes a raffle with harmonicas, donated by Hering Hohner and Suzuki as prizes! |
Posted 27 Feb
| ROCK'N'BLUES IN CARDIFF We have received details of an rock'n'blues / rock'n'roll club in Cardiff, Wales. Vistors to our site may find details of interest, so if you live in south Wales / West country or are travelling or working in the area, why not go along and support the MS1 Club. Here are details of forthcoming gigs: This coming Sunday the 2nd we have Ex-Rolling Stone 'Mick Taylor' playing. Tickets are priced at £13.00. We have 2 very impressive tribute bands lined up on Saturday the 8th of March - Bootleg Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin tribute) and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath tribute). Tickets are priced at £8.00. Roger Chapman is playing on Friday 21st of March. Tickets are priced at £13.00. A Whole Lotta AC/DC are playing on Saturday 22nd of March. Tickets are priced at £6.00. Nik Turner's Space Ritual are playing on Monday the 24th of March. Tickets are priced at £11.00. Stan Webb's Chicken Shack are playing on Thursday the 27th of March. Tickets are priced at £9.00. Dumpy's Rusty Nuts are playing on Saturday the 29th of March. Tickets are priced at £7.00. Chris Farlowe is playing on Sunday the 30th of March. Tickets are priced at £10.00. Our Web Site is located at: http://www.ms1club.co.uk Contact : Tom, MS1 Event Promoter, The MS1 Club, Tel: (029) 20 301000 / Fax: (029) 20 303727 / E-Mail: tom@ms1club.com |
Posted 12 Feb
| BLUES CD MUSIC WEBSITE We have received info about a Specialist blues CD music website, check it out at: They also operate a mail order system for customers without access to the web, or who are still nervous about buying on line. To keep customers informed of our new releases and special offers we produce a quarterly catalogue and would be happy to send you a few copies for distribution to your club members at gigs, etc. |
Posted 19 Jan 2003
| RICK PAYNE ~ Music on TV (Sun 19 Jan) Those who have seen Rick playing at Spalding Blues Club a while back may be interested to know that he does a lot of incidental music for BBC TV and that next up is Sunday 19th Jan 6.30 Natural World 'Killer Bees' - listen out! |
Posted 12 Dec
| LARRY LADON Larry Ladon is an internationally known blues artist from Nashville, TN. He has performed for the Blues Estafette, as well as the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland. Check out his website by clicking below.
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Posted 12 Dec
| PHIL BRODIE BAND ~ NEWS We have some exciting news! January will see the opening of our website. We will gradually be putting as much info as possible on it, including a page for each band member, news, reviews, photos of venues (so "you" maybe on our website!), our music (eventually), links to other interesting sites, and of course THE GIG DATES. So please visit www.philbrodieband.com in the New Year. February we will be recording our first CD as "The Phil Brodie Band"!!! And putting some of our music onto the website! Hope to see you at some of the below venues, and please visit our new website in 2003. For now have a wonderful Christmas and hope you have a Happy New Year70;70; Phil, Neil, Gez & Bev PHIL BRODIE BAND ~ GIGS Fri Dec 13th...... G 'n' T Bar,Hoyland. Nr Barnsley Fri Dec 20th 70;70; Boot 'n' Shoe, Ackworth, Nr. Wakefield Sat Dec 21st 70;70; Pattsel Hall ( Private ) Sun Jan 5th70;70;70;.Bold Foresters, Botany Ave, Mansfield, 9pm start, Wed Jan 8th70;70;70;.Woodseats Hotel, Sheffield Fri Jan 10th70;70;..,The Greyhound. Dronfield Thur Jan 30th70;70; White Lion, Heeley, Sheffield Sat Feb 8th70;70;70;Chesters, Whittington Moore, Chesterfield Fri Feb 14th70;70;..The Leopard, Doncaster Fri Mar 14th70;70;..Lockwood, Nr Huddersfield Thur Mar 27th70;70;..Green Dragon, Kimberworth. Sun Mar 30th70;70;..Clowne Blues Club, Clowne Sun April 6th70;70;70;Bootleggers, Cleethorpes 5pm start (01472 690050) Sat April 19th70;70;.New Inn, Marsden, Nr. Huddersfield ANY OTHER INFO PLEASE RING BEV 0114 2891 279 OR EMAIL philbrodieband@hotmail.com |
Posted 5 Nov
| CLASSIC CLAPTON! Mansfield Palace Theatre - Saturday 9th November, 7.30pm
CLASSIC CLAPTON! The World's No1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band, featuring Clapton clone Mike Hall will be making their Mansfield debut at The Palace Theatre on 9 November. They will perform all of EC's classic songs including Wonderful Tonight, Tears in Heaven, Crossroads, I Shot The Sheriff, Cocaine and of course Layla! There will even be an "UNPLUGGED" segment. NEARLY 2 HOURS OF CLASSIC CLAPTON! The band was formed in 1985 in Newcastle upon Tyne. In guitar/vocalist Mike Hall, they have a front man who not only looks like Eric, he sings and plays guitar like him too! In 1999, Mike won a national look-alike competition held at Madam Tussauds in London. Mike has met Slowhand twice, and even received a message of encouragement from the guitar maestro (written on a Concorde menu). CLASSIC CLAPTON! have toured all over England, Scotland & Ireland including numerous sell-out shows. This year they have even appeared at The Royal Festival Hall, London, Belfast Waterfront Hall and Glastonbury Festival. Classic Clapton have recently been invited to undertake a tour of China. They will be performing at The Palace Theatre, Leeming Street, Mansfield on Saturday 9 November at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (concessions £9) from the box office - Tel: (01623) 633133. This will be their first concert Mansfield although they have previously performed very successful shows at Newark Palace Theatre and Worksop Regal Centre. Fans are advised to book early. The band comprises 4 excellent musicians:- Mike Hall (lead vocals/guitar), Ray Snowdon (keyboards/backing vocals), John Forster (bass guitar/backing vocals) and Lloyd Howell (drums). They have released a CD entitled "THE MUSIC OF ERIC CLAPTON" which contains brilliant cover-versions of 17 Clapton Classics and can be purchased at their concerts or from the email address listed below. TYNE TEES TELEVISION were so impressed by the band that they made a programme about them, called 'COVER THEIR TRACKS'. They filmed one of their concerts in front of nearly 600 ecstatic fans. It was shown in August 2000 and received rave reviews, leading to national recognition. Eric Clapton has been a major international star since the mid 1960's, when he revolutionised electric guitar playing, with his virtuoso performances in The Yardbirds, Bluesbreakers and Cream. In February 2002, he received a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental - ''Reptile'' the title track from his last album. He has a new live album ''One More Car, One More Rider'' released in November. Last year, Eric and his girlfriend celebrated the birth of a baby daughter. They married on New Year's Day 2002 on the same day as the baby's christening. They are now expecting a second baby. Slowhand has suggested that his 2001 World Tour may be his last, allowing him to spend more time with his family. If fans want to hear all of his hits played live, they really should attend a CLASSIC CLAPTON! concert. Should you require more information please do not hesitate to contact Mike Hall on:- |
Posted 4 Nov
| ROCKOLA CONCERTS & MANAGEMENT 12 Ben Jonson Close, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6BT, England Phone/Fax:+44 (0)1803 615277 Mobile:+44 (0)7736 731561 ~ E-mail: rockola.concerts@talk21.com 31 October 2002 ~ Press Release Following the break-up of British rhythm & blues favourites The Nightporters, a new booking agency and management company has been formed by the band's former guitarist Martin Vowles. Rockola Concerts & Management will be representing high quality touring blues and roots acts from around the world. An exclusive management deal has just been signed with the young British acoustic blues sensations Sugarland Slim. Festival appearances and tours are currently being booked for them and the following artistes for 2003:- Two Timers (UK) - All year & festivals Memo Gonzalez & The Bluescasters (USA) - March & festivals The Bruce Katz Band (USA) - March / April & festivals The Wentus Blues Band (FIN) - April / May & festivals Sean Costello (USA) - July Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat (USA) - September Anyone interested in the above acts should contact Martin on 01803 615277 or E-mail: rockola.concerts@talk21.com |
Posted 4 Nov
Posted 10 Sep 2002
| CLASSIC CLAPTON!
Regal Centre, WORKSOP - Friday 20 September CLASSIC CLAPTON! The World's No1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band, featuring Clapton clone Mike Hall will be making their very first appearance in Worksop on 20 September. They will perform all of EC's classic songs including Wonderful Tonight, Tears in Heaven, Crossroads, I Shot The Sheriff, Cocaine and of course Layla! There will even be an "UNPLUGGED" segment. NEARLY 2 HOURS OF CLASSIC CLAPTON! The band was formed in 1985 in Newcastle upon Tyne. In guitar/vocalist Mike Hall, they have a front man who not only looks like Eric, he sings and plays guitar like him too! In 1999, Mike won a national look-alike competition held at Madam Tussauds in London. Mike has met Slowhand twice, and even received a message of encouragement from the guitar maestro (written on a Concorde menu). CLASSIC CLAPTON! have toured all over England, Scotland & Ireland including numerous sell-out shows. Last year they appeared at Clapton's Fan Club Convention. Their 2002 tour included The Royal Festival Hall and Belfast Waterfront Hall. It culminated in a triumphant appearance at Glastonbury Festival in June 2002. They have recently been invited to undertake a tour of China. They will be performing at The Regal Centre, Carlton Road, Worksop on Friday 20 September at 8pm. Tickets are £10 (concessions £8) from the box office - Tel: (01909) 482896. This will be their first ever concert in Worksop. Fans are advised to book early. The band comprises 4 excellent musicians:- Mike Hall (lead vocals/guitar), Ray Snowdon (keyboards/backing vocals), John Forster (bass guitar/backing vocals) and Lloyd Howell (drums). They have released a CD entitled "THE MUSIC OF ERIC CLAPTON" which contains brilliant cover-versions of 17 Clapton Classics and can be purchased at their concerts or from the email address listed below. TYNE TEES TELEVISION were so impressed by the band that they made a programme about them, called 'COVER THEIR TRACKS'. They filmed one of their concerts in front of nearly 600 ecstatic fans. It was shown in August 2000 and received rave reviews, leading to national recognition. Eric Clapton has been a major international star since the mid 1960's, when he revolutionised electric guitar playing, with his virtuoso performances in The Yardbirds, Bluesbreakers and Cream. In a recent Channel 4 TV programme ''Top 10 Guitar Heroes'', Slowhand was voted greatest living guitar hero. In February 2002, he received a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental - ''Reptile'' the title track from his last album. Last year, Eric and his girlfriend celebrated the birth of a baby daughter. They married on New Year's Day 2002 on the same day as the baby's christening. Slowhand has suggested that his recent world tour may be his last, allowing him to spend more time with his family. However, he made a brief appearance at The Queen's Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace on 3 June. If fans want to hear all of his hits played live, they really should attend a CLASSIC CLAPTON! concert. Should you require more information please do not hesitate to contact Mike Hall on:- |
Posted 27 Aug 2002
| TOMMY CASTRO BAND Flying in from San Francisco for just one gig (their first appearance in the UK for some 10 years!) the Tommy Castro Band took the Great British R&B Festival at Colne by storm on Bank Holiday Sunday, with their sensational blues / rock / soul sound. For many in the audience, it was perhaps the first they'd heard of the band, after this performance the band left the Colne audience buzzing following their great show which included 2 encores, and gained many new fans! Tommy's blistering guitar work, drive and energy coupled his ability to associate with his audiences are reminscent of Bruce Springsteen. Tommy's superb band features Randy McDonald (bass), Keith Crossan (sax) & Billy Lee Lewis (drums). The group have toured throughout the USA, chosen by artists such as BB King and John Lee Hooker as guest stars for their tours. Indeed the band's 2001 release 'Guilty Of Love' features John Lee's final recording session. For further information about this exciting act head for the Tommy Castro Band's website by clicking on the link below, and when they return to the UK make sure your local arts centre / music venue books them and get along to see this sensational band!
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Posted 30 Apr 2002
| THE BOOGIE-WOOGIE PRESERVATION SOCIETY Info from Freddy James (Founder BWPS) The Boogie-woogie Preservation Society held it's inaugural meeting on Thu 25 Apr & will continue to meet each Thu in Ye Olde Black Boy, High St, Hull. |
Posted 26 Apr 2002
| ((((((((((((((((((( www.BluesFreepress.org.uk ))))))))))))))))))))) "The World's Favourite Online-only Blues Magazine" ___________________________________________________ We have received the following email press release from Ed at Blues Freepress. Blues Freepress just published ISSUE 7 (www.BluesFreepress.org.uk) Featured Artist...Pinetop Perkins (Exclusive Interview & pics)... The hottest Blues News on the planet...Blues lyrics... A Barbecue Bob item in this issue... Fun page... a hoot as ever...A glut of CD reviews... Shaky Ruth's regular insider Chicago report... And, as if that aint enough, our links section is beginning to be utilised as a 'Blues World Directory'... All our back-issues are viewable & the archive gets bigger each time we publish a new issue...Our interactive gadgets (guestbook,forum,hit counter,free classified ads, mailing list) all now contracted in from bravenet.com are working beautifully & are beginning to be used as a handy free publicity platform... ----------------00000--------------- Please note our email address has changed: info@bluesfreepress.org.uk ----------------00000--------------- I must apologise to all who have had emails bounced back & undelivered at our main hotmail address. Sudden terminations at hotmail are not uncommon & this one happened during a period of hardware upgrade, vacation & ISP changeover... If you find that you are listed in our Blues links directory then naturally we would appreciate a return link in your pages, if you don't see yourself listed then tell us & we'll slot you in. Hope you enjoy issue 7 of Blues Freepress, Good Blues To Ya ~ Ed Quillin Editor Blues Freepress Publishing Co-Operative (((((((((((((((((((( www.BluesFreepress.org.uk )))))))))))))))))))) |
Posted 9 Apr 2002
| SLACK ALICE Top blues / rhythm'n'blues band from Lancashire release their third full length CD during the summer of 2002, for details about the album and forthcoming gigs check out these Slack Alice webpages
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Posted 9 Apr 2002
| RUNNING HORSE, NOTTINGHAM Nottingham's Running Horse venue is now in the hands of music loving landlords Barry and Sally who have recently refurbished the venue, adding a raised viewing platform, and some fresh coats of paint. The venue still retains the intimate atmosphere it was known for in the 90's. Barry and Sally have some great blues and rock nights coming up, check out the Running Horse website for details.
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Posted 9 Apr 2002
| BluesNights Web home of the The Dorset Blues Society. DBS is a not-for-profit club for blues lovers everywhere and particularly for those visiting or living in the Dorchester and Weymouth areas. Made up entirely of volunteer blues enthusiasts from top to bottom our sole aim is to promote and keep the blues alive in this little southwest corner of England (and have fun doing it!).
www.bluesnights.co.uk |
Posted 25 Mar 2002
| Blues Drummer Wanted! Hi. How old are you ? ~ What level are you playing at ? We need a very good blues drummer to fulfill dates on a Europe tour in May, Interested in auditioning ? |
Posted 4 Mar 2002
| BIG BO McGEE (1928 - 2002) We have received the following email from the Alabama Blues Project regarding Big Bo McGee, who with Little Whitt made 3 memorable appearances in Lincolnshire, at the Lincoln Imp - Scunthorpe, Spilsby Theatre and an acoustic concert at the Eagle Lodge Hotel in Woodhall Spa in the spring of 1995. We'd like to offer our condolences offer our condolences to Bo's family & friends and we're sure we speak on behalf of the blues fans of our area too at this sad time. Sunday, March 3, 2001 ~ For immediate release: At 2 pm today the Alabama Blues Project received the tragic news of the death of Alabama blues musician Big Bo McGee. Bo was found dead Sunday morning at his home in Eutaw, Alabama. His death is a tragic loss that will be felt by his friends, fellow musicians and fans around the world. Big Bo will also be missed by the many children whose lived he touched through his work with the Alabama Blues Project blues education programs. Big Bo was born October 9th, 1928, in Emmelle, Alabama. He liked to joke that he was born in Alabama and Mississippi since his family's log house lay right across the state line. He said he used to sleep in Mississippi and eat breakfast in Alabama. Big Bo learned to play harmonica from his grandmother Emma Williams who was a locally well-known juke joint harp player and singer. Big Bo said that he never heard anyone who could play better than she could. She bought him his first harmonica for 25 cents when he was just five years old. Bo liked to practice for hours sitting in the pantry where he said the "sound wouldn't get away from me." At first Bo said he really did a lot of "squeaking and squawking...but after a while Grandma straightened me out. She always said, 'I want you to have your own style, you go out there and play what you feel. When you put your feeling into it then it got a meaning.'" Eventually, Emma Williams took Bo, age 10, to a local juke joint, sat him up on the piano and launched a blues career that spanned sixty years. In his early years he continued to play local juke joints, house parties, box suppers, and family reunions. Blind Lemon Jefferson and Washboard Sam were the first blues musicians he remembered hearing on records. He also listened a lot to "those hillbillies like Eddie Arnold and Jimmy Rogers." Big Bo always cited Little Walter as his biggest influence after his grandmother. In the early 1950s Big Bo joined forces with guitar player and singer Little Whitt Wells and called their band the House Rockers. Big Bo worked various day jobs including what he called a "suicide jockey," transporting hazardous chemicals and explosives. It was not until he was retired at 65 that he hit the road full-time and toured Europe with Little Whitt Wells. His list of accomplishments includes two tours of Europe, playing Alabama blues in Ireland, Scotland, England, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Holland, and Belgium. His CD, Moody Swamp Blues, recorded with Little Whitt Wells, was picked as CD of the Year in 1995 by Scott Duncan, editor of Britain's Blueprint Magazine. He has performed on many radio and television programs including one on the BBC in England and one on the popular public radio program, "Whad'Ya Know?" hosted by Michael Feldman. He has always been a wonderful musical ambassador from our state. Bo McGee has performed at some of the major blues festivals in the world including the most prestigious one, the Chicago Blues Festival. He received the Alabama Blues Project's Alabama Blues Ambassador Award in 2000. In 2001 he was the recipient of the prestigious State of Alabama Folk Heritage Award. The Alabama Blues Project together with the Alabama Blues Society have set up a Bo McGee Burial Fund to assist the family with funeral expenses. Tax deductible donations can be sent to: The Alabama Blues Project - Bo McGee Funeral Fund 2620 2nd Street E Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 The Alabama Blues Society has been planning their 10th anniversary blues show which was to celebrate Johnny Shines' life and benefit the ABS Benevolent Fund. Microwave Dave and the Nukes, Kent Duchane, Candy Shines, Debbie Bond, and Tommy Gardner were scheduled to play. In the light of this tragic news, all proceeds will go to benefit Bo McGee's funeral fund, and the lineup will no doubt increase as more musicians volunteer to help raise funds. The benefit will be held at the Cotton Club in downtown Tuscaloosa, April 20th. For more information phone 205-339-6547. Asked to describe his music Bo replied, " I play the real Alabama blues, the heart of the blues, the core, the real thing from the real people raised and born into the blues. It's an everyday thing with me since childhood. The blues tells a story. You know everybody got the blues. Old and young, black and white. Every livin' thing got the blues. The blues is everyday livin'. This music is a mind-pleaser and medicine for the soul. Music is kind of like a telegraph. When you get something heavy on your mind, your music is there to kind of calm you down. It is all about communication. When I play a song it's like I am reaching out to someone to communicate from my heart - not my head - its the heart that really counts. " |
Posted 15 Feb 2002
| THE CAHONIES A solid trio from the North West of England, The Cahonies play blues and R'n'B and cite influences as Stevie Ray Vaughan, the three Kings (Albert, Freddie and B.B), Buddy Guy as well as the rawer R'n'B of the early Stones & George Thorogood. The band originally formed as a side project of a 10 piece blues/soul band The Good Old Boys. Featuring Adrian Trelore (Guitar & Vocals), John (Bob) Gallacher (Bass & Cuban heels) and Phil Lister (Drums & wheels). You can see the band at the moment mostly touring in the North West of England, though they are keen to play further afield. Here is the latest gig list (as at 10 Feb 2002) 21/02/2002 Rose & Crown Ilkley
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Posted 7 Feb 2002
| IAN BRIGGS Harmonica player Ian Briggs has contacted us to tell us that now he is back playing full time, he now has a website where you can find out more details about Ian, including biography, forthcoming tours, tuition, merchanise, etc.
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Posted 4 Feb 2002
Posted 18 Jan 2002
