Blues in the North West UK

More on the new site

2006-11-25T20:27:00.000Z

All of the domain nonsense is now resolved and the new permanent address for bluesinthenorthwest.com is

http://www.bluesinthenorthwest.com

Thanks
Ken

New Website is LIVE!

2006-09-02T09:58:00.000+01:00

Hello,

I am pleased to announce that the all new bluesinthenorthwest.com website is now live. Please point your browsers to the new site as this blog will no longer be updated.

http://www.bluesinthenorthwest.com

The new site will continue to present the same old stuff that you have been complaining about for the last year but will have some additional stuff.

One of the enhancements is that I will be delivering is a database on northwest blues bands and blues venues. So all you bands and venues out there prepare to send me your details.

Thanks for all the support in the last year - long may the blues scene thrive in this region. See you all at the new site.

Gig : After Hours - Dickie Doodles - 02 Sep

2006-08-30T21:48:00.000+01:00

A late gig addition for the upcoming weekend for After Hours at Dickie Doodles, Kendal on 02 Sept.

They also play at The Talbot, Burnley on 30 Sept.

Gig list for September

2006-08-29T20:34:00.000+01:00

02-Sep - KylaBrox - LH Studio Grand Theatre, Blackpool
02-Sep - Last Chance - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
02-Sep - The Badge - Bowering Park Hotel, Liverpool
03-Sep - Radio KFK - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
03-Sep - The Badge - O'Connor's Bar, Ormskirk
06-Sep - Smokehouse Blues - The Welcome, Whitfield
08-Sep - Eddie and Frank Thomas - Worthenbury
08-Sep - Hitman Blues Band - Warrington Blues Club
08-Sep - Olly Allcock - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
09-Sep - Slingshot - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
10-Sep - Hitman Blues Band - Navy Club, Maryport
10-Sep - Olly Allcock - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
14-Sep - F and E Thomas - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
15-Sep - Appleby Beer and Blues Festival
15-Sep - The Groovecats - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
16-Sep - Appleby Beer and Blues Festival
16-Sep - Smokehouse Blues - The Talbot, Burnley
16-Sep - Trafficker - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
17-Sep - Appleby Beer and Blues Festival
17-Sep - Baudelaire Bros - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
21-Sep - Wabash Cannonballs - Fletcher Cockermouth
22-Sep - Joe Bonnamassa - Manchester Academy
22-Sep - Les Wilson and Mighty Houserockers - Hookers
22-Sep - Wabash Cannonballs - John Paul Jones Whitehvn
23-Sep - Under Influence - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
24-Sep - Joe Bonnamassa - Boardwalk, Sheffield
24-Sep - No Time for Jive -Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
28-Sep - Ana Popovic - Alexander's, Chester
28-Sep - Sam Kelly - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
29-Sep - Nimmo Bros - Thornton Lttle Thtre - Cleveleys
29-Sep - Sam Kelly's Primo - Warrington Blues Club
30-Sep - Revelator Band - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
30-Sep - Sherman Robertson - Southport Arts Centre

Gig : Frank & Eddie Thomas - Worthenbury - 08 Sep

2006-08-29T20:11:00.000+01:00

Angels On The Backroads - the history of Highway 61

Brothers Eddie and Frank Thomas from Iuka, Mississippi make a welcome return to Worthenbury on Friday September 8th as part of their latest UK tour following their last sell out tour in April 2005.

Professional film maker Frank, who has worked in Hollywood will present a film of Highway 61 the legendary music highway from Memphis to New Orleans encompassing all of the sites, scenes and sounds that made this highway the most famous music trail in the world whilst Eddie a most accomplished multi instrumentalist adds the narration in an amusing and informative style whilst playing the songs of the legendary blues and jazz men like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson.

Tickets for this unique evening cost £10 and can be reserved by ringing 01948 770215 (eves)

Cancellation : Kyla Brox - Harbourside Club, Liverpool

2006-08-28T20:20:00.000+01:00

Lionel writes with sad news of a cancellation and other Harbourside Club news......

Unfortunately, the Kyla Brox gig due for 13th September at the Harbourside Club has been cancelled. The next gig will welcome Phil Bates (ex ELO PartII) on Wednesday, 25th October. Phil performs a brilliant acoustic set. I'll send you more details nearer the time of the gig. Following that, Kevin Thorpe's Out Of The Blue will be appearing on Wednesday, 6th December. Many of you will remember that cracking band from a few years back. Kevin has recently reformed it with all the old favourites on board. Next year will see Doug McLeod (USA), Geoff Achison (Australia) and the return of Little Toby Walker (USA).

NEW WEBPAGE COMING SOON

2006-08-28T11:26:00.000+01:00

I'm really busy with the launch of the all new bluesinthenorthwest.com website right now. It will be here soon and will have all the stuff that you currently get with the blog but with some advanced features.

WATCH THIS SPACE

News from the King Bz

2006-08-27T20:29:00.000+01:00

The King Bz write in to tell us......

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Chantelle McGregor into the King Bz, an absolutly outstanding player who has played for amoung others Bonnie Rait, Joe Bonnamassa and many many more, Her Bio will soon be on the Web-site in the next couple of weeks so just keep checkin www.kingbz.co.uk for any updates.

We would also like to wish Tony Carter (TC) all the very best for the future "keep on blowing dude"

So on to next year, soon we hope to be in the studio to record our first album of original material, with also a tour of Europe planned and possibly the US its looking like the King Bz are about to fly again we will keep you posted.

New UK Blues Podcast

2006-08-27T09:05:00.000+01:00

JimmyC emails to announce the launching of his brand new Podcast, Jimmy says....

Hambone's Blues Rumshack will concentrate on playing and promoting British Blues bands and internet sites for bands like Podshow, Garageband and MySpace.

Episode one featured tracks from Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Cephas and Wiggins, MG James, Dave Arcari, Lazy Poker and Shetland's very own and the program house band the Rumshack Blues band.

I'm looking for bands to get in touch if they want to be played by supplying CD's of their music, so if you could give me a mention on your blog and pass the word around of the podcasts existence I would very much appreciate it.

The link is at http://www.shetlandpodcaster.co.uk

Tribute to Sam Myers on Jonesy's Blues Show

2006-08-24T21:02:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to catch Jonesy's blues show tonight, it was very good indeed. If you didn't get the chance to catch the show, he did a great tribute to the recently departed Sam Myers including the copper bottomed classic "Sleeping in the ground", there was also an excellent session by Mary Flower; you can listen again to the show by clicking here.

Question: What got you into the Blues?

2006-08-24T19:27:00.000+01:00

I am quite disappointed by the lack of responses to my post of a couple of weeks ago. Come on! I know you all want to tell your stories. Email me now!

Today's YouTube is Lester Butler and Alex Schultz

2006-08-22T23:35:00.000+01:00

I always loved the Red Devils and I always loved Alex Schultz (in fact Alex is on many of my favourite recordings of all time). So when these gentlemen got together to make the "13" album in 1997, I was delighted.

I am equally delighted to present a YouTube film of one of the band's rehearsals in Europe. Schultz is amazing...... and I think that the drummist is the legendary Eddie "Lips" Clark.

Gigs for the rest of August

2006-08-22T23:34:00.000+01:00

24-Aug - Boogie' Bill Roberts - The Red Cat, Wheelton
25-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
25-Aug - The Badge - The Hanover Hotel, Liverpool
25-Aug - The Stumble - Barrow R & B Club,
26-Aug - Cat Dog - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
26-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
26-Aug - John O Leary - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
26-Aug - Slingshot - The Musketeer, Leigh
26-Aug - The Badge - The Stag Inn, Orrell
27-Aug - Ben Ruth - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
27-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
27-Aug - Lightnin Willie - Maryport Navy Club
27-Aug - The Works - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow.
28-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
31-Aug - The Badge - The Red Cat, Wheelton

Gig : Paul Rogers at The Lowry, Salford Quays

2006-08-22T23:31:00.000+01:00

John Welsh tells me that Paul Rogers is playing a gig at Salford Quays on 08 October.

Take a look at the Paul Rogers website for a bit more information.

Review : Shana Morrison in Cockermouth

2006-08-22T23:22:00.000+01:00

shana2

Here's the review. Sounds like it was a great night.

I'm back

2006-08-21T11:11:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone.

Try this bit of YouTube slide guitar for starters. I have never seen anything like this before.

Gig : Tonight Worthenbury

2006-08-18T17:36:00.000+01:00

I can't make it as I'm still enjoying el sol y muchas cervezas in Valencia, however those still in Blighty can pop down to Worthenbury tonight to see Zach Parrish.

ZACH PARRISH & BRAD WHEELER
As part of their UK tour, American musicians Zach Parrish from Austin, Texas on guitar and Brad Wheeler from Ogden, Utah on harmonica will be appearing at Worthenbury Village Hall on Friday August 18th as guests of the "Goin' Up The Country Blues & Roots Club".

Playing a good mix of authentic Delta blues and American roots music, they
will be on stage at 9pm. Doors open at 8pm and the tickets cost £8.
Info line 01948 770 215

Greetings from Spain

2006-08-17T20:47:00.000+01:00

Just a quick hello to let you know that I'm still alive - if a little browner.

New domain names

2006-08-08T19:11:00.000+01:00

There's a new and improved way to get to this blog.

I have registered the following domain names and pointed them here. This is in preparation for a full blown website to be launched later this year.

Please update your bookmarks to
www.bluesinthenorthwest.com
or
www.bluesinthenorthwest.co.uk

Cheers
Ken

Righto - I'm off!

2006-08-08T18:55:00.000+01:00

I'm taking a well deserved break. Back in two weeks or so.

Cheers
Ken

8th August

2006-08-08T13:25:00.000+01:00

Just realised that today is 8th August. I always have a little celebration on this date every year as my last cigarette was on 8th August 1988 - 8/8/88. I have been an ex-smoker for 18 years.

Hello to all other ex-smokers.

Gig : Zach Parrish - Worthenbury Fri 18 Aug

2006-08-07T21:12:00.000+01:00

This is my last chance to mention Zach Parrish and Brad Wheeler at Worthenbury on 18 Aug.

Zach Parrish is a guitarist from Austin, Texas who plays a mean slide and National Steel and is on his first UK tour accompanied by harp player Brad Wheeler from Ogden, Utah.

Downloads from Zach's website suggest a great gig so go on down to the country for a great night of blues for £8.

Blues Interviews

2006-08-07T18:42:00.000+01:00

Two brand new interviews have been posted on the "Two for the Blues" shoe website from WORT FM 89.9 Madison, WI.

The new interviewees are Magic Slim and Jerry McCain. Check out the link to play online or download.

Today's video clip - Carey Bell

2006-08-07T18:37:00.000+01:00

Carey Bell playing the Muddy Waters classis I'm Ready. With Debbie Davis on guitar.

My route to the Blues - JimmyC

2006-08-07T18:30:00.000+01:00

You are a man after my own heart, I owe the same debt to John Peel, it was Elmore James for me. Also Tommy Vance played a lot of vintage sessions on the Friday Rock Show which got me into Peter Green and Fleetwood Mac.

Paul Jones was a Godsend when he started. My tapes of the sessions are up in the loft must get them out and digitize them sometime soon.

Got back into music when I got broadband a couple of years ago, listening to blues radio stations, downloading concerts.

[Note from Ken : I too have a load of cassettes from the early Paul Jones shows.]

My route to the Blues - Grahame Rhodes

2006-08-07T18:26:00.000+01:00

As you know Rory Gallagher is my main-man and when still at school I acquired a second-hand Italian import of the seminal "Live in Europe" album (1972) - it didn't have the gatefold sleeve like the UK version. This was undoubtedly when my love of the blues started - from the amazing guitar on "Messin' With The Kid", to the acoustic picking on "Pistol Slapper Blues" and the mandolin-driven "Goin' To My Home Town". From hearing this stuff I suppose I went back and sought out the original sources of some of these songs.

Like you I have always loved The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and in about 1981/82 saw them support Rockpile at Liverpool University, on a bill that also included a solo Elvis Costello set as a warm-up for a tour - all for £2.50 if I remember right. The hordes that stayed in the bar for the T-Birds missed a treat!

Other early blues memories were seeing Muddy Waters support Eric Clapton at the Manchester Apollo - I remember the band delivering a couple of tremendous shuffles before the great man strolled on; also seeing in Manchester the very great Albert King at the tiny International Club. My pal Tony and I were in the club early and as we headed for the bar this imposing figure was seated at another bar puffing on a pipe - the legendary Albert himself! To round off a trio of famous Manchester gigs we also caught Stevie Ray Vaughan at the Apollo - a gig plagued by PA problems that was recorded by the BBC and later played on the Paul Jones Show - happy days indeed!

[Note from Ken : I too was at the SRV gig in Manchester years before I even met Grahame, in fact I was still living in Huddersfield]

August Gig List

2006-08-07T18:25:00.000+01:00

09-Aug - Tantrum - The Edge, Poulton Le Fylde
10-Aug - Mark Townson - Red Cat, Wheelton.
10-Aug - Rudy Rotta - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
10-Aug - The Badge - The Handsome Cab, Lytham.
11-Aug - Rudi Rotta Band - Barrow R & B Club
11-Aug - Tantrum - The Red Lion, Longton, Preston
11-Aug - The Convulsions12pm - Thornton Little Theatre
11-Aug - The Section - The Imperial, Morecambe
12-Aug - Tantrum - The Barge, Brighouse
12-Aug - The Badge - The Bradwell, Stoke On Trent
12-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
13-Aug - Errol Linton - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
13-Aug - Sean Webster Band - Maryport Navy Club
14-Aug - All Round Man - Zoo Bar, St. Helens
14-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
14-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
15-Aug - Nick Dow - The Brown Sugar Bar, St.Annes
17-Aug - Lightnin Willie - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
17-Aug - Slingshot - The Red Cat, Wheelton
18-Aug - Derrin Naundorf - The Met, Bury
18-Aug - Stormwarning - Barrow R&B Club at The Duke
18-Aug - Tantrum - The Sun Dial, Low Bentham
18-Aug - The Badge - The Bowring Park Hotel, Liverpool
18-Aug - Van Morrison - Chester Live 06
18-Aug - Willie Logan - New Inn, Hoff
18-Aug - Zach Parrish and Brad Wheeler - Worthenbury
19-Aug - After Hours - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
19-Aug - Alligator Joe - Black Bull, Brookhouse, Lanc.
19-Aug - Westlife (tee hee) - Chester Live 06
20-Aug - Society's Child - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
20-Aug - Storm - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
20-Aug - Stormwarning - Navy Club, Maryport
24-Aug - Boogie' Bill Roberts - The Red Cat, Wheelton
25-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
25-Aug - The Badge - The Hanover Hotel, Liverpool
25-Aug - The Stumble - Barrow R & B Club,
26-Aug - Cat Dog - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
26-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
26-Aug - John O Leary - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
26-Aug - Slingshot - The Musketeer, Leigh
26-Aug - The Badge - The Stag Inn, Orrell
27-Aug - Ben Ruth - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
27-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
27-Aug - Lightnin Willie - Maryport Navy Club
27-Aug - The Works - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow.
28-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
31-Aug - The Badge - The Red Cat, Wheelton

Question? What got you into the Blues?

2006-08-06T09:07:00.000+01:00

Shortly my posts will dry up for a week or two as I am about to take my summer holidays. I would like to ask you this simple question - what was the first thing that you can recall that got you into the blues? I know that we are all different and I suspect that our routes to being here are very different, I also suspect that one's age is a big influence on one's route to the blues. So either let me have your stories by emailing them to me or leave comments to this post in blogger. I'll kick things off with my tale.......

I'm 43. My first memories of liking blues go back to the late 1970s. I remember liking a few pieces of music that I later realised were blues based. Firsty Dr. Feelgood had a few hits around that time, I remember "Milk and Alcohol" very well; secondly I was a bit of a punk (well it was the late 70s) and I often listened to John Peel. At the time Peely was playing tunes by George Thorogood.

As my tastes developed I began to love rock music (again late 70s early 80s) and it was searching for guitar solos that led me to the Brit blues boom of the 60s. The first music that I understood to be blues was probably the John Mayall tunes with Eric Clapton. I began to search out blues records and a highlight years later was finding a couple of the early Fabulous Thunderbirds LPs in the music section of the Huddersfield Library.

The Radio 2 blues show with Paul Jones started in the mid 80s I think; this was perfect timing for me. He played it all (still does actually) and I listened religiously. He played the first harmonica blues that I remember hearing; I was fascinated by the sound and bought my first harmonica soon after. All the harmonica blues that he played were influential to me but Idid take a liking to the West Coast guys (like many other harp players). James Harman and William Clarke are still great loves of mine. The first great harmonica player I saw live was Paul Lamb in the Band on the Wall in Manchester.

OK, that's me! Over to you. I'll post the best stories.
Cheers

Today's YouTube is Stevie Wonder

2006-08-06T09:05:00.000+01:00

From Sesame Street of all things playing Superstition. This is sooooo good.
Stevie Wonder being funky always makes me smile.

Floyd Dixon passes

2006-08-05T18:39:00.000+01:00

It's not been a good month for blues people. I just realised that I forgot to post that Floyd Dixon passed away at the end of last month. I paste below the article from the excellent Blueswax email newsletter.

West Coast Jump Blues and R&B pianist, vocalist, and songwriter Floyd Dixon died on July 26 in Los Angeles, California, of kidney failure. He was 77. He was one of the artists, along with Charles Brown, Ruth Brown, Amos Milburn, Ray Charles, and Louis Jordan, who influenced the transition of the music of the Swing Era into Rhythm & Blues.

Dixon was born in Marshall, Texas in 1929, and the family moved to L.A. when he was 13. A self-taught pianist, he began with a smooth piano style in the Charles Brown mode, but soon developed a more rocking, jumping style. Bandleader Johnny Otis encouraged him to record while still working a day job in a drug store. He sang and played in the band of bassist Eddie Williams on Supreme in 1947, then recorded for Modern in 1948 and had a top ten Billboard R&B hit with "Dallas Blues" in early 1949 (whereupon a Williams record with Dixon, "Broken Hearted," made the chart later that year). Another Dixon hit that year on Modern was "Mississippi Blues", and he switched to Peacock in Houston for "Sad Journey Blues" (also released on Aladdin), and to Aladdin for "Telephone Blues" (with Johnny Moore's Three Blazers) and "Call Operator 210" (also released on Imperial) in 1950-2.

His "Hey Bartender" in 1954 for the Cat label (a subsidiary of Atlantic) did not make the chart, but eventually became his signature tune. He also recorded for Specialty and other labels. By that time Dixon was an established star on the West Coast, and he was one of those who encouraged Ray Charles to switch from his suave Nat “King” Cole style to a more Gospel-inspired delivery.

Dixon’s career cooled off, and he nearly dropped out of music altogether, living in Paris, Texas. Then he was invited to perform in Sweden, and found an international following. In 1980, he joined the European Blues Caravan tour with old friends Charles Brown and Ruth Brown. He toured in the U.S. with then-unknown Robert Cray, as well as Little Charlie & The Nightcats. In 1984 he received a Billboard Blues Award for "Hey Bartender" when it was covered by the Blues Brothers, and a Billboard Country Award the following year, when it was recorded by Johnny Lee.

In 1993 Dixon received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Pioneer Career Achievement Award. The album Wake Up And Live! on Alligator won the 1997 Handy Award from The Blues Foundation for "Comeback Album of the Year." Another CD, Fine, Fine Thing, came out on HighJohn in 2005, and in June this year, Dixon recorded a live CD/DVD with pianists Pinetop Perkins and Henry Gray, to be released on HighJohn.

Bonus YouTube clip

2006-08-05T18:33:00.000+01:00

Phrasing and tone is what blues harminica is all about. Walter Horton had heaps of both. This clip of Horton with Ronnie Earl must have been recorded about the same time as one of my favourite Horton records "Little Boy Blue".

As a bonus here's La Cucaracha from the same session.

Magic!

Today's YouTube is Albert King

2006-08-05T18:29:00.000+01:00

I'll play the blues for you by Albert King with a very long haired Hollywood Fats on rhythm guitar. Shame the interviews cut in to spoil the music.

Arthur Lee passes

2006-08-05T11:44:00.000+01:00

Again not blues but very influential. Check out the link.

Not blues but Deep Purple

2006-08-05T08:51:00.000+01:00

I know that many of us came to blues through rock music (I certainly did). So how many of you Deep Purple fans like this mash up of Deep Purple and The Beastie Boys?

It works for me.

UK Weather

2006-08-05T08:43:00.000+01:00

Well our heatwave seems to have deserted us for now. It's damp and overcast here in Chester this morning. However I think back to those complainers a couple of weeks ago and, to be honest, reading this entry (and the link to the story from the entry) we don't have it that tough here in little old UK.

I was in Dallas in 1998 and even in October the temp was in the high 20s and early 30s (or into the 80s for those older than I).

I love Chuck's reference to the valve amp.

New William Clarke CDs released

2006-08-01T19:37:00.000+01:00

Available here on eBay from Bill's wife Jeannette, via Jeannette's daughter.

Orlando Shearer with The Cadillac Kings

2006-08-01T19:32:00.000+01:00

Orlando Shearer with The Cadillac Kings

The ace bass player Orlando Shearer has left The Cadillac Kings. He's done a great job for the last four years. I wish him very well.

I am assured by the band that they will not be turning up next time with a bad-haired guy with a shiny red, five (or six) string electric bass, strung up high under his armpit, thumb slapping through a rack processed 1000W transistor amp.

Kyla Brox Cancelled

2006-08-01T19:31:00.000+01:00

The Liverpool gig on 13 Sept has been cancelled.

Ronnie Earl on YouTube

2006-07-31T20:34:00.000+01:00

Doing his whisper to a crescendo thing on German TV.

I always liked Ronnie Earl, a bit fiddly in places, but he plays with real passion, fire and intensity when he builds the tune. Great tone and an absolutely killer band. Too many British bands play a slow blues in a very flat way. This is nothing like flat. Enjoy!

If you get bored with the twiddly, move forward to three minutes in to hear the lovely Hammond or to five minutes in to hear the amazing build.

Photos from Maryport

2006-07-31T20:21:00.000+01:00

I stumbled (geddit?) across these Maryport pictures while surfing on Flickr. Don't worry they are not mine.

Review : Bill Sheffield Worthenbury - Friday 28th July 2006

2006-07-31T19:39:00.000+01:00

Bill Sheffield at Worthenbury Village Hall, Friday 28th July 2006

This appearance of Bill Sheffield formed part of the very popular Going Up The Country series of acoustic blues gigs held at the village hall in Worthenbury near Wrexham. On this occasion, the man from Atlanta Georgia was admirably backed by fellow Atlantan Paul Linden on harmonica and Dave Saunders of The Producers fame on acoustic bass guitar.

To open the show, a couple of medium-paced shuffles were mingled with some brilliant Piedmont-style finger-picking on “Cherry Blossom Time” and Blind Willie McTell’s “Georgia Rag”. The excellent ballad, “13 Hours On The Highway”, was followed by “Back In My Baby’s Arms”, with some fine, lyrical harp playing from Paul Linden. The nicely varied set also included splendid versions of Tom Waitt’s “An Invitation ToThe Blues”, Duane Allman’s “Little Martha” and John Brim’s “Ice Cream Man”.

Bill Sheffield’s finger-picking style is heavily influenced by Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Blake and his slide technique by Blind Willie Johnson. Blake’s inspiration was showcased in a great delivery of “Diddy Wah Diddy”, which boasted extra helpings of wonderful finger-picking and excellent harp work from Linden. There was also a tremendous, rousing performance of “House of the Rising Sun” that gave full vent to Sheffield’s impressively powerful vocals. His beautifully controlled slide technique was at its best on “Hey, Romeo” and “All My Love’s In Vain” before the upbeat rocker, “Keep It Clean”, provided a lively finale to a terrific show.

Dave Saunders was, as always, highly effective, providing impeccable bass lines throughout the evening, while the richly talented Paul Linden’s contribution was fundamental to the success of the occasion. As an added bonus, the regular core of the consistently large audience was enhanced by the presence of young Amelia Lloyd, who, accompanied by her father, Adrian, was attending her first-ever blues gig. At eight-years of age, she can surely claim to be Bill Sheffield’s youngest fan. Who said the future of the blues is in danger?

Lionel Ross

Jesse Mae Hamphill passes

2006-07-31T19:34:00.000+01:00

Age 71.
http://www.legacy.com/Obituaries.asp?Page=APStory&Id=11498

Today's YouTube is Sonny Boy Williamson - one of the all time greats

2006-07-29T12:25:00.000+01:00

Clearly recorded in the '60s but I have no idea who the band are or indeed where it was recorded. A great clip though, what a great laid back vocal performance and killer harp tone.

Click here to enjoy Sonny Boy Williamson doing Your Funeral and My Trial.

Today's YouTube is Popa Chubby funking it up.

2006-07-27T20:00:00.000+01:00

This should please the rocky guitar lovers who saw Popa Chubby recently. He's a big guy, I should go out on the pull with him; he'd make me look slender.

Not exactly my blues bag but here is the clip. Enjoy!

Thanks to Grahame for the link.

Rudy Rotta : Appleby 5th Aug

2006-07-27T19:54:00.000+01:00

rudy2

Saturday 5th August 2006 on stage at 830pm.

Rudy has played with B.B King recently in Italy, appeared with John Mayall and Carey Bell, and recorded with Jack Bruce and Brian Auger.

He has played the Great British Festival in Colne and is now coming back to the UK for a short tour, which will include a support role in Perth to the Jeff Healey Band and dates in Inverness, Aberdeen, Wolverhampton and Oxford.

Don't miss this one.

Book your tickets now at Ticketweb or ring Dez on 01768 351317 they are £9.00 in advance.

There are plenty of good B+B in Appleby why not make a weekend of it??

Can you help Errol Linton?

2006-07-27T19:52:00.000+01:00

Three Time British Blues Connections best harmonica player Errol Linton and his Band are heading for the Tartan Heart Festival in The Highlands and have two dates to fill Wed 9th and Thursday 10th August, any offers considered, as long as there is PA and accommodation available.

Grahame wins the free pint

2006-07-26T21:47:00.000+01:00

As offered in this post earlier today.

The harp player was indeed the very excellent Mitch Kashmar, whose album last year, Nickels and Dimes, was one of my favourites.

Gig : Bill Sheffield - Worthenbury Fri 28th July

2006-07-26T21:23:00.000+01:00

** RECOMMENDED**

I saw Bill Sheffield a few years ago when the Wrexham boys had him at the rugby club. Let me tell you I was mightily impressed, he's a great singer and a super showman. Unfortunately I can't go this time as I have a leaving do straight after work.

August Gig List

2006-07-26T21:19:00.000+01:00

Or you could just use the northwest blues calendar.

27-Jul - Bob Cheevers - The Penny Bank, Lancaster
27-Jul - Denise Marie - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
27-Jul - Tantrum - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
28-Jul - After Hours - Kings Arms, Clitheroe
28-Jul - Bill Sheffield and Paul Linden - Worthenbury
28-Jul - Bob Cheevers - New Inn Hoff
28-Jul - Funky Dory 8.Opm - Maryport Navy Club
28-Jul - Jeff Chapman's Roosters - Barrow R & B Club
28-Jul - Jeff Chapman'S Roosters - Barrow R & B Club
28-Jul - The King Bz - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
29-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
29-Jul - Buzzard - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
29-Jul - The Badge 1pm - Bickerstaffe Music Festival
29-Jul - The Badge - 9.0pm - Tapps Wine Bar, Formby
29-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
29-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow.
30-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
30-Jul - Tantrum 12.30 - Maryport Navy Club
30-Jul - The Morning After - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
30-Jul - The Section - John O'Gaunt, Lancaster
31-Jul - Backwater Blues Band - Zoo Bar, St.Helens
01-Aug - Eric Sardinas - Telford's Chester
01-Aug - Nick Dow - The Brown Sugar Bar, StAnnes
03-Aug - Bounty Hunters - Harbourside Club, Liverpool
03-Aug - Matt Taylor - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
03-Aug - The Headz (Latino Blues) - Red Cat, Chorley
04-Aug - Matt Taylor - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
04-Aug - Sean Webster - Barrow R&B Club
04-Aug - The Badge 10pm - 'Lithy', Renshaw St. L'pool
05-Aug - Andy Newsham - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
05-Aug - Ben Ruth - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
05-Aug - Route 666 - The Griffin, Earlestown
05-Aug - Rudy Rotta - Appleby Blues Club
05-Aug - The Badge - O'Connor'S Bar, Ormskirk
06-Aug - Interceptor - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
06-Aug - Lyndon Anderson - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
06-Aug - Sean Webster Band - Maryport Navy Club
07-Aug - Bad Luck And Trouble - Zoo Bar, St. Helens
07-Aug - Nick Dow - The Falcon, Poulton Le Fylde
09-Aug - Tantrum - The Edge, Poulton Le Fylde
10-Aug - Mark Townson - Red Cat, Wheelton.
10-Aug - Rudy Rotta - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
10-Aug - The Badge - The Handsome Cab, Lytham.
11-Aug - Rudi Rotta Band - Barrow R & B Club
11-Aug - Tantrum - The Red Lion, Longton, Preston
11-Aug - The Convulsions12pm - Thornton Little Theatre
11-Aug - The Section - The Imperial, Morecambe
12-Aug - Tantrum - The Barge, Brighouse
12-Aug - The Badge - The Bradwell, Stoke On Trent
12-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
13-Aug - Errol Linton - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
13-Aug - Sean Webster Band - Maryport Navy Club
14-Aug - All Round Man - Zoo Bar, St. Helens
14-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
14-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
15-Aug - Nick Dow - The Brown Sugar Bar, St.Annes
17-Aug - Lightnin Willie - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
17-Aug - Slingshot - The Red Cat, Wheelton
18-Aug - Derrin Naundorf - The Met, Bury
18-Aug - Stormwarning - Barrow R&B Club at The Duke
18-Aug - Tantrum - The Sun Dial, Low Bentham
18-Aug - The Badge - The Bowring Park Hotel, Liverpool
18-Aug - Van Morrison - Chester Live 06
18-Aug - Willie Logan - New Inn, Hoff
18-Aug - Zach Parrish and Brad Wheeler - Worthenbury
19-Aug - After Hours - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
19-Aug - Alligator Joe - Black Bull, Brookhouse, Lanc.
19-Aug - Westlife (tee hee) - Chester Live 06
20-Aug - Society's Child - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
20-Aug - Storm - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
20-Aug - Stormwarning - Navy Club, Maryport
24-Aug - Boogie' Bill Roberts - The Red Cat, Wheelton
25-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
25-Aug - The Badge - The Hanover Hotel, Liverpool
25-Aug - The Stumble - Barrow R & B Club,
26-Aug - Cat Dog - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
26-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
26-Aug - John O Leary - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
26-Aug - Slingshot - The Musketeer, Leigh
26-Aug - The Badge - The Stag Inn, Orrell
27-Aug - Ben Ruth - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
27-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
27-Aug - Lightnin Willie - Maryport Navy Club
27-Aug - The Works - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow.
28-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
31-Aug - The Badge - The Red Cat, Wheelton

YouTube : Junior Watson

2006-07-26T20:29:00.000+01:00

YouTube : For those of us who didn't get to see Junior Watson this year. Here you go..... click here.

A pint for the first one to name the harp player.

Junior Watson blows my mind - an incredible guitarist!

July 25th - On this day in music history 50 years ago

2006-07-25T16:10:00.000+01:00

On July 25, 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria collided with the Swedish ship Stockholm off the New England coast, claiming the lives of 51 people.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Songwriter Mike Stoller and his wife were on the Andrea Doria when it sank.
He lost all of his belongings and spent time in a lifeboat before he was rescued.

As his ship was coming into the dock in New York, he sees his writing partner, Jerry Leiber, jumping up and down and waving frantically.

Ahhh, that's sweet, figures Stoller. He's so happy to see that I'm OK.

As the gangplank goes down, Jerry comes running up onto the ship. He is yelling, "Mikey! Mikey! We're number one! We're number one!"

Mike is confused and doesn't know what Jerry is saying.

"Some kid named Elvis has covered 'Hound Dog' and we're number one!"

Not a Blues story but certainly a key moment in Rock and Roll history.

The 8th Maryport Bitter and Blues Festival - THIS WEEKEND

2006-07-24T21:33:00.000+01:00

A top lineup this year in Maryport. Here is the main stage schedule.

Friday 28th July 7.00 p.m. -12.00 p.m.

7.00-7.30 A Lesser Concern
7.45-9.00 Kitto (Australia)
9.30-10.30 Tony Joe White (USA)
10.45-12.00 Geno Washington and The PurpleAces (USA)

Saturday 29th July (Afternoon session) 2.00 p.m. -6.00 p.m.

2.00-3.00 Hamilton Loomis (USA)
3.15-4.30 Kyla Brox Band (UK)
4.45-6.00 Matt Scholfield Band (UK)

Saturday 29th July (Evening session) 7.30 p.m.-12.00 p.m.

7.00-8.00 Dave Kelly and Paul Jones (UK)
8.30-10.00 Honeyboy Edwards, Homesick James, Robert Lockwood Jnr (US)
10.30-12.00 Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes (UK)

Sunday 30th July 2.00 p.m.-7.30 p.m.

2.00-3.00 Two Timers (UK)
3.15-4.15 Ian Siegal Band (UK)
4.30-5.45 Chris Farlowe (UK)
6.00-7.30 Eric Sardinas (US)

For you harmonica players

2006-07-24T20:42:00.000+01:00

Ryan Hartt is a great player based on the East Coast of the USA he's also got a kicking band. For today's last posting check out some tips on the use of hands and hand positions in amplified harmonica playing.

If you want to check out the band in action then go here then check out the other clips.

No more YouTube for a while. I promise.

Some Blues coming up in Southport

2006-07-24T20:34:00.000+01:00

30-Sep Sherman Robertson - Southport Arts Centre
06-Oct Stefan Grosman - Southport Arts Centre
21-Oct Walter Trout - Southport Arts Centre
04-Nov Eugene H. Bridges - Southport Arts Centre

How to save YouTube videos on your local machine

2006-07-24T20:25:00.000+01:00

We all know that YouTube can't carry on for ever, there are far too many clips posted by people who do not have the copyright. So if you find that rare clip that you cannot live without you can save to yuor local PC. I have not tried this so good luck.

1. Go to http://youtube.com

2. Find what you need. Once you play some video, check your web browser for the address of that particular video: it should be like http://youtube.com/sdflksjdflskdjflkdjfNAME OF VIDEO, etc.

3. Copy this address and go to: http://javimoya.com/blog/youtube_en.php

4. Paste copied address of chosen video on YourTube into the Search icon
"Download direct from most video sites" and click download. Save that
file

5. To watch that video, you'll need a flash player. If you don't have
flash player, just download it for free here:
http://www.download.com/FLV-Player/3000-2139_4-10467081.html

then install/run to make it functional

6. The last thing to do is to rename the downloaded video file: just add
an extention "FLV" and the end preceded by the dot. For instance, if the
original file was named "12435", you are to rename it as: 12345.flv

Then, given you have your flash player installed, just double click on
the downloaded file and enjoy the video.

Another YouTube clip - how rare is this

2006-07-24T20:21:00.000+01:00

Two of my favourite all time bluesmen. Muddy Waters and Hollywood Fats live in 1973.

Billy Branch on YouTube

2006-07-24T20:16:00.000+01:00

The band are a bit too pushy and not sitting back on the beat enough in my book. Still a great clip nevertheless. Billy Branch is very underrated.

Click here for the Juke Jam.

Happy Birthday to Keith Ferguson

2006-07-23T15:23:00.000+01:00

One of my all time favourite bands are the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Their first four albums of the late 70's and early 80's were very influential to me. A great choice of material and four top notch band members. The bass player in the early days was Keith Ferguson; he had many demons and did not survive. If he had lived, then today would have been his 60th birthday. Let's all reflect on his "elephant trunk" bass, he left a great legacy of recorded music and he will always be remembered.

http://www.angelfire.com/ma/rockincatbass/keith.html

Preview : Kyla Brox, Liverpool - 13 Sept 2006

2006-07-21T23:27:00.000+01:00

** CANCELLED ** ** CANCELLED ** ** CANCELLED **

The Kyla Brox Band

The Harbourside Club, Liverpool Marina

Wednesday 13th September 2006 (doors open at 8pm)

Kyla Brox, daughter of the legendary Victor Brox, is without question the finest, young female blues singer in the UK today. Her voice is magnificent, combining effortless power with exquisite control. As a considerable bonus, she is backed by an excellent band of musicians, who fully complement her wonderful talent. Their set combines excellent original material with well-loved standard numbers, including some from the songbook of Nina Simone.

The band is increasingly in demand in this country and abroad and can boast an ever-increasing fan base. They graced the stage of the Liverpool Blues festival last year and are booked to appear on the main stage of the Maryport Blues Festival at the end of July. This is a truly class act to savour.

Liverpool Marina is situated at Coburg Wharf, Sefton Street, Liverpool L3 4BP.

Tickets for the concert (£10 each) are obtainable from John Welsh on 0151 428 2855 or email: johnswelsh@hotmail.com.

** CANCELLED ** ** CANCELLED ** ** CANCELLED **

Review : The Stumble, Liverpool - 19 July 2006

2006-07-21T23:24:00.000+01:00

The Stumble at The Harbourside Club, Liverpool

Wednesday, 19 July 2006

It is a tribute to the Preston-based outfit The Stumble that, on a sweltering evening at the highly picturesque Liverpool Marina, their entrance on stage immediately triggered a mass exodus from the sun-drenched patio. The opening strains of “Hideaway” left no doubt that it wouldn’t be long before the heat of the performance would be even more intense than the outside temperature. Sax player, Simon Anthony, supplemented the starting quartet on the delivery of a slow blues instrumental before singer, Paul Melville, completed the line-up on a cracking version of “You Upset Me, Baby”.

The fast-moving first set comprised upbeat rockers, fast shuffles and out-and-out rock and roll, but the highlight was undoubtedly a stunning delivery of the slow blues, “All Over Again”, with fabulous vocals from Melville and superb solos from Colin Black on guitar and the aforementioned Simon Anthony. The closing number, “It’s A Lie”, was also brilliantly performed, smothered in distinctive echoes of Elmore James.

The second set opened with the excellent title track of the band’s recently released album, “The World Is Tough”. A varied programme of rumba-rhythmed, slow and rocking blues continued to delight the full-house audience before Paul Melville brought the house down with an incredible a capella rendition of Terence Trent D’arby’s “Sign Your Name”, for which he underpinned the rhythm with a coin and a pint glass. His vocal quality is sublime and a match for the very best of the current crop of British blues singers.

Lively performances of “Let The Good Times Roll” and “Leading Me On” and a tremendous version of “Gimme Back My Wig” brought the set to a breathtaking climax, showcasing in turn the considerable talents of Black, Anthony and Jon Spencer (on slide guitar). A fervently demanded two-number encore, featuring a belting delivery of “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” and some upbeat swing, completed the marvellous proceedings. The Stumble has developed into an excellent band, with its exceptional singer and two brilliant instrumental soloists backed by the rock solid rhythm section of Jon Spencer on rhythm guitar, Boyd Tonner on drums and Dave Heath on bass guitar. They are now poised to conquer the rest of the UK from their North West stronghold.

Lionel Ross

Nick Bold - Fletcher Christian

2006-07-20T21:28:00.000+01:00

nick2

Here's the poster.

July and August Gig List

2006-07-19T20:11:00.000+01:00

20-Jul - Bob Cheevers - John O'Gaunt, Lancaster
20-Jul - Nick Dow - The Red Cat, Wheelton
21-Jul - Franny Ewbanks - Matt And Freds, Manchester
21-Jul - Hokum Hotshots - Appleby Blues Club
21-Jul - Michael Roach - The Met, Bury
21-Jul - Ov8 - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
21-Jul - Smokehouse Blues - Halfway House, Runcorn
21-Jul - Tantrum - The Imperial, Morecambe
21-Jul - The Badge - The Victoria, Newton Le Willows
21-Jul - The Section - Dicky Doodles Bar, Kendal
21-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Barrow R & B Club
22-Jul - After Hours - The Talbot, Burnley
22-Jul - Betty's Blues - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
22-Jul - Nick Dow - Thornton Cleveleys Little Theatre
22-Jul - Route 666 - The Festival, Newton Le Willows
22-Jul - Slingshot - Golden ball, Longton, Preston
22-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
22-Jul - Uniting The Elements - D. of Edinburgh Barrow
23-Jul - Nick Bold Band - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
23-Jul - The Pop Monsters - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
23-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Maryport Navy Club
24-Jul - Nick Dow - The Falcon, Poulton Le Fylde
24-Jul - Sinnerboy - The Zoo Bar, St.Helens.
24-Jul - Tony Joe White - Telford's Warehouse, Chester
25-Jul - Shana Morrison - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
27-Jul - Bob Cheevers - The Penny Bank, Lancaster
27-Jul - Denise Marie - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
27-Jul - Tantrum - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
28-Jul - After Hours - Kings Arms, Clitheroe
28-Jul - Bill Sheffield and Paul Linden - Worthenbury
28-Jul - Bob Cheevers - New Inn Hoff
28-Jul - Funky Dory 8.Opm - Maryport Navy Club
28-Jul - Jeff Chapman's Roosters - Barrow R & B Club
28-Jul - Jeff Chapman'S Roosters - Barrow R & B Club
28-Jul - The King Bz - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
29-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
29-Jul - Buzzard - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
29-Jul - The Badge 1pm - Bickerstaffe Music Festival
29-Jul - The Badge - 9.0pm - Tapps Wine Bar, Formby
29-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
29-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow.
30-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
30-Jul - Tantrum 12.30 - Maryport Navy Club
30-Jul - The Morning After - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
30-Jul - The Section - John O'Gaunt, Lancaster
31-Jul - Backwater Blues Band - Zoo Bar, St.Helens
01-Aug - Eric Sardinas - Telford's Chester
01-Aug - Nick Dow - The Brown Sugar Bar, StAnnes
03-Aug - Bounty Hunters - Harbourside Club, Liverpool
03-Aug - Matt Taylor - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
03-Aug - The Headz (Latino Blues) - Red Cat, Chorley
04-Aug - Matt Taylor - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
04-Aug - Sean Webster - Barrow R&B Club
04-Aug - The Badge 10pm - 'Lithy', Renshaw St. L'pool
05-Aug - Andy Newsham - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
05-Aug - Ben Ruth - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
05-Aug - Route 666 - The Griffin, Earlestown
05-Aug - Rudy Rotta - Appleby Blues Club
05-Aug - The Badge - O'Connor'S Bar, Ormskirk
06-Aug - Interceptor - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
06-Aug - Lyndon Anderson - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
06-Aug - Sean Webster Band - Maryport Navy Club
07-Aug - Bad Luck And Trouble - Zoo Bar, St. Helens
07-Aug - Nick Dow - The Falcon, Poulton Le Fylde
09-Aug - Tantrum - The Edge, Poulton Le Fylde
10-Aug - Mark Townson - Red Cat, Wheelton.
10-Aug - Rudy Rotta - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
10-Aug - The Badge - The Handsome Cab, Lytham.
11-Aug - Rudi Rotta Band - Barrow R & B Club
11-Aug - Tantrum - The Red Lion, Longton, Preston
11-Aug - The Convulsions12pm - Thornton Little Theatre
11-Aug - The Section - The Imperial, Morecambe
12-Aug - Tantrum - The Barge, Brighouse
12-Aug - The Badge - The Bradwell, Stoke On Trent
12-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
13-Aug - Errol Linton - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
13-Aug - Sean Webster Band - Maryport Navy Club
14-Aug - All Round Man - Zoo Bar, St. Helens
14-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
14-Aug - The Resolve - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
15-Aug - Nick Dow - The Brown Sugar Bar, St.Annes
17-Aug - Lightnin Willie - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
17-Aug - Slingshot - The Red Cat, Wheelton
18-Aug - Derrin Naundorf - The Met, Bury
18-Aug - Stormwarning - Barrow R&B Club at The Duke
18-Aug - Tantrum - The Sun Dial, Low Bentham
18-Aug - The Badge - The Bowring Park Hotel, Liverpool
18-Aug - Van Morrison - Chester Live 06
18-Aug - Willie Logan - New Inn, Hoff
18-Aug - Zach Parrish and Brad Wheeler - Worthenbury
19-Aug - After Hours - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
19-Aug - Alligator Joe - Black Bull, Brookhouse, Lanc.
19-Aug - Westlife (tee hee) - Chester Live 06
20-Aug - Society's Child - Fletcher Christ Cockermouth
20-Aug - Storm - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
20-Aug - Stormwarning - Navy Club, Maryport
24-Aug - Boogie' Bill Roberts - The Red Cat, Wheelton
25-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
25-Aug - The Badge - The Hanover Hotel, Liverpool
25-Aug - The Stumble - Barrow R & B Club,
26-Aug - Cat Dog - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow
26-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
26-Aug - John O Leary - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
26-Aug - Slingshot - The Musketeer, Leigh
26-Aug - The Badge - The Stag Inn, Orrell
27-Aug - Ben Ruth - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
27-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
27-Aug - Lightnin Willie - Maryport Navy Club
27-Aug - The Works - Duke Of Edinburgh, Barrow.
28-Aug - Colne Blues Festival
31-Aug - The Badge - The Red Cat, Wheelton

Eric Sardinas at Telford's Warehouse, Chester

2006-07-19T20:05:00.000+01:00

Fans of the rocking slide guy Eric Sardinas should put 01 Aug in their diaries.

Sweet Sammy Myers passes today

2006-07-17T17:51:00.000+01:00

Sam Myers
A man I was lucky enough to meet and a giant of the blues. Sleeping in the ground. His good friend and protege Hash Brown sent the following message.

It is with great sadness in my heart that I tell you that my good friend and mentor Sam Myers has passed away at the age of 70. In the past year Sam has fought a battle with throat cancer, and had just finally been able to go home a week ago. He was looking healthier than he had been in years, and he was very happy to be able to go home. It really seemed like he was on the mend and the doctors said he probably had another 15-20 years in him. That was not to be.
This morning he began choking and after 30 minutes of working on Sam, the paramedics we're not able to resuscitate him. Please send out prayers to Sam's family and extended family members. I know there are many here who loved Sam for the man he was, and for his great contributions to blues music. He really affected me as a human being, and as a musician. I will post details of the funeral when they become available.
I love you Sammy,
GODSPEED,

Don't forget Shana Morrison on July 25th

2006-07-15T09:18:00.000+01:00

Support will be on stage at 800pm in the shape of A Lesser Concern, Shana on stage at 900pm featuring Saiichi Sugiyama on lead guitar.

Cover charge £3.00 by ticket to be included in free raffle on the night, are available from the venue on 01900 825856 or in person in the bar.

July Gig List - Updated

2006-07-15T09:09:00.000+01:00

15-Jul - Slingshot - Bay Horse, Horwich
15-Jul - After Hours - Old Black Bull, Preston
15-Jul - Face Value - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
15-Jul - Tantrum - Arndale Centre, Morecambe 12 noon
15-Jul - Tantrum - The Bay Horse, Thornton Cleveleys
15-Jul - The Section - Black Bull, Brookhouse
16-Jul - After Hours - The Black 'A' Moor, Preston
16-Jul - Diesel - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
16-Jul - Diesel - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
16-Jul - Maryport Navy ClubLes Wilson and the M H R
16-Jul - The Bluesblasters - Fletcher Christ Cockermth
17-Jul - Tantrum - Bootleggers Bar, Kendal
19-Jul - The Stumble - Harbourside Club, Liverpool
20-Jul - Nick Dow - The Red Cat, Wheelton
20-Jul - Nick Dow - The Red Cat, Wheelton
21-Jul - Hokum Hotshots - Appleby Blues Club
21-Jul - Michael Roach - The Met, Bury
21-Jul - Ov8 - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
21-Jul - Smokehouse Blues - Halfway House, Runcorn
21-Jul - Tantrum - The Imperial, Morecambe
21-Jul - The Section - Dicky Doodles Bar, Kendal
21-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Barrow R & B Club
22-Jul - After Hours - The Talbot, Burnley
22-Jul - Betty's Blues - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
22-Jul - Nick Dow - Thornton Cleveleys Little Theatre
22-Jul - Slingshot - Golden ball, Longton, Preston
22-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
22-Jul - Uniting The Elements - D. of Edinburgh Barrow
23-Jul - Nick Bold Band - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
23-Jul - The Pop Monsters - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
23-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Maryport Navy Club
24-Jul - Nick Dow - The Falcon, Poulton Le Fylde
24-Jul - Tony Joe White - Telford's Warehouse, Chester
25-Jul - Shana Morrison - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
27-Jul - Denise Marie - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
27-Jul - Tantrum - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
28-Jul - After Hours - Kings Arms, Clitheroe
28-Jul - Bill Sheffield and Paul Linden - Worthenbury
28-Jul - Bob Cheevers - New Inn Hoff
28-Jul - Jeff Chapman's Roosters - Barrow R & B Club
28-Jul - The King Bz - John Paul Jones, Whitehaven
29-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
29-Jul - Buzzard - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
29-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
30-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
30-Jul - The Morning After - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
30-Jul - The Section - John O'Gaunt, Lancaster

More great Worthenbury pictures

2006-07-14T23:03:00.000+01:00

There are some stunning pictures on the official website.

Review - Worthenbury Festival 1 July 2006

2006-07-14T22:49:00.000+01:00

As already mentioned I could not go to the festival - sorry Pete, I had no transport on that day. At least I got the chance to read Pete's excellent review below.

Despite the glorious weather, the attendance was down on what was expected. I really can't understand the xenophobic desire to watch a soccer team - having said that, I am a Welsh rugby supporter so perhaps I can!!

Nontheless there were around 300 people basking in the glorious sun listening to a superb day of music.

First off were local fundraising band The Kingbees with their enjoyable set of well presented 60s covers. These guys have raised £8000 for local charities in 18 months.

Next in the acoustic marquee was one of the surprises that we turn up every year (Lionel - you should have been here). Dave Arcari is a raw gravely voiced Glaswegian with stage presence - a mix of Shane McGowan and Tom Waits playing slide on a National Steel. His half hour slot of self peened tracks wetted people's appetite for his later half hour.

We then heard The Blues Missiles a Wrexham based band who were formerly known as The Madison Blues Band. A superbly tight band they have experienced lead guitarist PJ Davies who regularly jplays in a band in Austin. They have recently moved up to a four peice with Paul Fisher supplying excellent harp and keyboard in a set mixed with covers and originals. I suggest you catch these guys if you get the opportunity.

Wirral Guitar Festival

2006-07-14T22:36:00.000+01:00

This years Wirral Guitar Festival is 7-26 November. The programme, as ever, is interesting and varied. Check out this link to download the brochure.

July Gig List

2006-07-14T22:14:00.000+01:00

14-Jul - Les Wilson - Barrow R & B Club
14-Jul - The Stumble - Spectrum Club, Keighley
15-Jul - Slingshot - Bay Horse, Horwich
15-Jul - After Hours - Old Black Bull, Preston
15-Jul - Face Value - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
15-Jul - Tantrum - Arndale Centre, Morecambe 12 noon
15-Jul - Tantrum - The Bay Horse, Thornton Cleveleys
15-Jul - The Section - Black Bull, Brookhouse
16-Jul - After Hours - The Black 'A' Moor, Preston
16-Jul - Bluesblasters - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
16-Jul - Diesel - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
16-Jul - Maryport Navy ClubLes Wilson and the M H R
16-Jul - The Bluesblasters - Fletcher Christ Cockermth
17-Jul - Tantrum - Bootleggers Bar, Kendal
19-Jul - The Stumble - Harbourside Club, Liverpool
20-Jul - Gerry Gillard Band - The Fletcher Christian
20-Jul - Nick Dow - The Red Cat, Wheelton
21-Jul - Hokum Hotshots - Appleby Blues Club
21-Jul - Michael Roach - The Met, Bury
21-Jul - Smokehouse Blues - Halfway House, Runcorn
21-Jul - Tantrum - The Imperial, Morecambe
21-Jul - The Section - Dicky Doodles Bar, Kendal
21-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Barrow R & B Club
22-Jul - After Hours - The Talbot, Burnley
22-Jul - Betty's Blues - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
22-Jul - Nick Dow - Thornton Cleveleys Little Theatre
22-Jul - Slingshot - Golden ball, Longton, Preston
22-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
22-Jul - Uniting The Elements - D. of Edinburgh Barrow
23-Jul - Nick Bold Band - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
23-Jul - The Pop Monsters - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
23-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Maryport Navy Club
24-Jul - Nick Dow - The Falcon, Poulton Le Fylde
24-Jul - Tony Joe White - Telford's Warehouse, Chester
25-Jul - Shana Morrison - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
27-Jul - Denise Marie - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
27-Jul - Tantrum - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
28-Jul - After Hours - Kings Arms, Clitheroe
28-Jul - Bill Sheffield and Paul Linden - Worthenbury
28-Jul - Bob Cheevers - Appleby Blues Club
28-Jul - Jeff Chapman's Roosters - Barrow R & B Club
29-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
29-Jul - Buzzard - Fletcher Christ, Cockermouth
29-Jul - Tin Pan Alley - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
30-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
30-Jul - The Morning After - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
30-Jul - The Section - John O'Gaunt, Lancaster

Gig : The Stumble, Harbourside Club, Livepool - 19 July

2006-07-13T21:19:00.000+01:00

The Stumble at the Harbourside Club, Liverpool Marina

Wednesday 19th July 2006 (doors open at 8pm)

The Preston-based combo has developed into one of the very best bands to grace the current British blues scene. Fronted by the excellent, gritty vocals of Paul Melville, The Stumble also features the superb talent of Colin Black, whose Peter Green-style guitar playing is an absolute delight. The ensemble is completed by the brilliance of Simon Anthony on sax and the spikey groove of Jon Spencer on second guitar, underpinned by the water-tight rhythm section of Boyd Tonner and Dave Heath.

The band covers a wide range of the blues spectrum with consummate skill and great energy. This will be another night to remember in the top quality series of gigs at the Harbourside that has really captured the imagination of a fast-growing coterie of appreciative enthusiasts.

Liverpool Marina is situated at Coburg Wharf, Sefton Street, Liverpool L3 4BP.

Tickets for the concert (£10 each) are obtainable from John Welsh on 0151 428 2855 or email: johnswelsh@hotmail.com.

Phew! I'm back

2006-07-13T00:27:00.000+01:00

Yes indeedy, I am home safe and sound. I safely negotiated my way through a great European team meeting, two days of excellent training, an super competitive go-kart race, a scenic boat trip through the Amsterdam canals and an eye-opening walk through the red light area of Amsterdam.

I'll get up to speed with all the new stuff emailed to me as soon as possible. In the meantime, here's a picture of me enjoying the views from the boat. Please do not email about photos from the red light area - I did not take any from there.

Sorry for the lack of activity

2006-07-09T21:42:00.000+01:00

¡Hola!
Hey folks, sorry for the lack of activity over the last week or so. I was away in Sweden last week and this coming week I am in The Netherlands. In between times I have had a computer problem and have had to rebuild the damn thing from the bottom up. So expect me to catch up next weekend.
Adios amigos.
Ken

Classic Onion Artice from 1998

2006-07-06T07:18:00.000+01:00

Someone reminded me of this artice that I haven't seen for a few years. It's absolutely worth a few minutes of your time.

Blues singers women permitted to tell her side.

Enjoy!

More YouTube goodies

2006-07-02T20:37:00.000+01:00

Muddy Waters - You Can't Lose What You Never Had

Click here for the clip. Cotton is as intense as usual.

Coup for Worthenbury

2006-07-02T20:27:00.000+01:00

Pete tells us....

I've booked Fat Possum recording bluesman, Robert Belfour for Sat December 15th at Worthenbury Goin' Up The Country Blues and Roots Club..

Originally from the famous North Mississippi hill country that has produced the likes of Fred McDowell, RL Burnside and Junior Kimorough but resident of Memphis for many years he is one of the last of the old finger picking style of acoustic guitarists.

His two Fat Possum releases are classics and his gig will be the only gig in the north, the only other venue that he will play being Peterborough at Castor Village Hall, home of the famous Breakdown Blues Club.

Review : Poppa Chubby - Southport

2006-07-01T19:14:00.000+01:00

Popa Chubby at Southport Art Centre, Saturday 24th June 2006

Blues fans in the North West of England cannot fail to be grateful to Jake Roney of the Southport Arts Centre for his continuing support of live performances by high calibre blues artistes. Following appearances by Joe Bonamassa and Sharrie Williams this year, the latest and very welcome visitor was the larger than life New Yorker, Ted Horowitz, better known as Popa Chubby. Unsurprisingly, in view of the rarity of his performing in the UK, the Arts Centre Studio was packed to the gunnels.

Backed by a marvellous young rhythm section from New York State, Horowitz delivered a tremendous, non-stop programme of blues and rock music that lasted almost two and a half hours. He opened with Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression”, spiced with a generous helping of blistering guitar work, followed by a gritty rendition of “The Same Old Blues”. Shuffles combined with boogie-woogie, heavy rockers and a relentlessly driving rockabilly instrumental (“Buffalo Chips”), which gave drummer Chris Roddan the opportunity to display his considerable ability. In contrast, there was a love song “Why I Can’t Have You”, to show the big man’s sensitive side. There was also a fast, jazzy instrumental played at breakneck speed that featured a brilliant, cameo performance from bass guitarist, AJ Pappas.

The first two hours of the show comprised only thirteen numbers, as each offering was developed into an extended feast. The final twenty minutes, on the other hand, delivered a five-song encore that included “Dust My Broom” and a terrific a capella version of Jessie Mae Hemphill’s “In This World”. Popa Chubby is an excellent guitarist and a fine singer with a personality that matches his considerable physical dimensions. With that and the rarity of his UK appearances in mind, rare treats like this are certainly not to be missed. Keep a lookout for the next one.

Lionel Ross

A disappointing day for me

2006-07-01T19:11:00.000+01:00

I couldn't go to the Worthenbury festival because I don't have my car today, plus the football was on quite late.

Then England only go an chuffing lose don't they.

Horton: Listen to his tone.....

2006-06-28T19:07:00.000+01:00

One of *the* masters.

Click here for the YouTube link.

Pete Evans trumps my gas can guitar post

2006-06-27T18:44:00.000+01:00

Super Chikan plays a jewel encrusted gas can guitar.

Worthenbury Roots and Rock Festival - THIS SAT

2006-06-27T18:41:00.000+01:00

Pete reminds us.....

Just a note to anyone thinking of coming to Worthenbury on Saturday-camping is free and you can bring gazebos, barbies, chairs or whatever to make yourself comfy. The outlook is a beautiful rural setting and the forecast is good. Great value at £25 for 8 acts or £15 for the evening (by which time the football will be over)
If you can't make Saturday then we have the phenomenal Lisa Mills the week after (July 8th) with Ian Jennings. Not to be missed.

Probably see you there.

Sunnyland Slim on YouTube

2006-06-27T18:39:00.000+01:00

What a great singer.....

Click here to access the video clip on YouTube.

Blues for July

2006-06-26T21:15:00.000+01:00

29-Jun - Jools Holland - Summer Pops, Liverpool
29-Jun - The Stumble - Waggon and Horses, Leyland
30-Jun - Sling Shot - Dicky Doodles Bar, Kendal
30-Jun - The Badge - The Lithy, Liverpool
30-Jun - Roadhouse - Barrow R & B Club
01-Jul - Worthenbury Blues, Roots and Rock Festival
08-Jul - Eugene Hideaway Bridges - Appleby Blues Club
08-Jul - Lisa Mills and Ian Jennings - Worthenbury
12-Jul - Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy - Summer Pops, Liverpool
21-Jul - Smokehouse Blues - Halfway House, Runcorn
21-Jul - Hokum Hotshots - Appleby Blues Club
24-Jul - Tony Joe White - Telford's Warehouse, Chester
25-Jul - Shana Morrison - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
28-Jul - Bob Cheevers - Appleby Blues Club
28-Jul - Bill Sheffield and Paul Linden - Worthenbury
29-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
30-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich

Blues CD Store.com

2006-06-26T21:02:00.000+01:00

Here's a new venture launched that might be the way to get hold of those difficult-to-source CDs from the favourites on the UK club circuit. They also do regular blues CDs and have a much greater selection that any high street. It may be worth adding them to your list of potential CD suppliers. Anyway, here is the press release.....

Blues CD Store.com opened on 1st June 2006. The website aims to give blues fans a wide choice of blues CDs. Ranging from bands and artists that are leading the UK blues scene to local blues bands and from the original US Godfathers of the blues, to those currently making their mark in the US and Europe. The site will grow over the coming months and whether you like acoustic blues, traditional blues or blues/rock you’ll find all styles of blues on this site. Blues CD Store gives an opportunity to UK blues bands and artists to sell and promote their CDs, DVDs and T Shirts, not only to blues fans in the UK but across the world. Often distribution is a concern for UK blues bands and artists, and it is hoped Blues CD Store will help to go some way to addressing this, giving bands and artists a new route to potential buyers. Blues CD Store recognises the lack of UK blues bands and artists on CD websites and in record shops, even though UK blues bands and artists are the heart of the UK blues scene, keeping alive blues and blues/rock music in the UK. Blues CD Store promotes and supports the development of blues and blues/rock music, bands and artists in the UK. To view and buy CDs or if you are a blues artist or blues or blues/rock band and want to be represented on the site visit; www.bluescdstore.com

Stormwarning - help needed

2006-06-26T20:50:00.000+01:00

I received the following email from Derek White...

I play in a band called Storm Warning. We have just had a session on Paul Jones Radio 2 programme last week and have a couple of gigs in the North West;

Friday 18th August - Barrow R&B Club at The Duke

Sunday 20th August – Navy Club Maryport

We are looking for a gig on the Saturday 19th August and wondered if you had any suggestions of places we could approach. Any help really appreciated.

I also have blues guitarist Russell ‘Hitman’ Alexander from New York on tour here with a UK backing band in September. Looking for a gig in the North West on Saturday 9th September. Already have gigs on 8th September at Warrington R&B Club and 10th August at Navy Club in Maryport. Once again any ideas would be appreciated.

Sharon’s Party For St Rocco’s Hospice

2006-06-26T20:42:00.000+01:00

SATURDAY 1ST JULY 2006

WARRINGTON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

featuring

THE BACKWATER BLUES BAND

Admission £10 including refreshments

Sue Howell writes....

You will probably remember Sharon from the many blues gigs
she attended in the north west and we hope that one or two people can spare
some time next Saturday to come across to Warrington for the evening. The
football club has donated the room free of charge and Colin and the
Backwater Blues Band have also agreed to play for free which is really good
of them.

Please help to support a really good cause - if anyone is planning on coming
please contact Sue Howell on 07789 095953 or myself on 01925 418046. we
already have 50 or so pledges of support for the night so we are looking at
a really good turn-out.

Cancellation : Matt Taylor - Warrington 14 July

2006-06-26T20:40:00.000+01:00

Ray tells me that this gig is cancelled.

Mac Arnold and his gasoline can guitar

2006-06-22T21:36:00.000+01:00

In his career, Mac Arnold has toured and recorded with James Brown, A.C.Reed, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Otis Spann, Bill Withers and others. Now Mac fronts his own band Plate Full O' Blues.

Last week Mac and the band taped the internationally syndicated Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour which posted the video at this link.

For Mac's segments use the below timeline. Most media players must buffer/download the entire file in order to offer fast forwarding:

7:00 - Intro and Song 1: Ghetto Blues.

11:15 - Mac talks about serving his home grown veggies to audiences at his gigs.

13:00 - Mac discusses playing with James Brown in high school and Muddy Waters in the mid 1960s and how they influenced rock and roll via Eric Clapton, Keith Richards et al.

15:10 - Song 2: Nothing to Prove, the title track from his new CD.

38:20 - Mac breaks out the 'Slide Gas-o-tar,' his three string homemade gasoline can guitar.

43:30 - Song 3: Back to the Country.

54:30 - Explanation and demonstration of the homemade gasoline can guitar.

1:17:00 - Song 4: Blues for You

Pics of the gasoline can guitar and a recent live performance review appears in GRITZ Magazine.

Mac's website is www.macarnold.com.

Gig : Honeyboy Hickling - Wordsworth, Cockermouth - 14 May

2006-06-22T20:13:00.000+01:00

From Alan Hewitt......

Hi Guys

A new venture by John at the Wordsworth !!

Starting this Saturday June 24th at 1100pm come and see the wonderful Simon "Honeyboy" Hickling Band, why not make a night of it and go to The Fletcher Christian at 900pm for Cafe Bar 401 from Holland.

All this and nothing to pay, sounds good !!!

Please circulate this to anyone you feel may be interested and lets support these people willing to put live music on in this area.

New Matt Schofield Video on YouTube

2006-06-22T20:02:00.000+01:00

There's a new Matt Schofield Trio video posted on YouTube. Click here to see it.

For reference my Matt Schofield clips are here.

Review : CANtreat Rhythm and Blues Festival

2006-06-19T21:53:00.000+01:00

The CANtreat Rhythm and Blues Festival, Antrobus, Cheshire
Saturday, 10 June 2006

CANtreat is a relatively new charity whose sole aim is to improve the quality of the treatment environment for all NHS cancer patients. To that end, the entire income from the event at Antrobus was dedicated to that cause. The festival was co-presented by Chris Eyres, Operations Director of CANtreat and Ray O’Hare, who runs the excellent Warrington RnB Club with his wife, Barbara.

Picture the scene: a freshly-mown meadow deep in the Cheshire countryside, a clear blue sky, bright sunshine, a superbly stocked beer tent, a generous supply of mouth-watering food and four British blues bands flexed to give their all to a suitably expectant crowd. So, what was the downside? Well, before we could relax and take advantage of the treat-to-come, we had to endure England’s first appearance in the FIFA World Cup Finals on the separately tented big screen. England didn’t disappoint, being as disappointing as they usually are on such occasions. Still, two hours and a scraped victory later, the apprehension lifted and the fun began in earnest.

The Honeyboy Hickling Band was the perfect antidote to the aforementioned malady. They instantly lifted the mood with a typically vibrant performance that included many favourites, including “Much Too Much” and, very appropriately, “Goin’ Up The Country”. Their excellent set was as varied as usual in terms of pace and rhythm, with Chuck Berry numbers parading alongside “That’s Alright”/”Mystery Train”, Freddy King’s “The Stumble” and the funk soul “I’m Broke And I’m Hungry”. Just as importantly, drummer Tony Baylis and bass guitarist Tony Stuart were as impeccable as always backing the magnificent artistry of Simon Hickling and Bob Wilson on harp and guitar respectively.

The festival revealed that top class harmonica players are very like buses: just when you’re wondering whether you’re ever going to see one again, four turn up one after another. The second one on this occasion was Giles King, who graced the stage with Hucklebuck. The laid-back quartet played an engaging mix of covers and self-penned numbers, including “Moving Through Georgia”, which saw Giles King singer/guitarist Sam Hare excel on imaginative solos, and the slow and plaintive “You Just Bring Me Water”. They also delivered rousing versions of “Wang, Dang, Doodle” and “Looking Back” to complete a nicely balanced set.

Gary Potts was the next harp player to delight the assembled throng in the company of The Cadillac Kings. Led by the wonderfully dry-witted Mike Thomas on vocals, the Essex-based combo were at their highly entertaining best. The medium-paced shuffle, “Highway 17”, the title track on the band’s most recent album, featured a splendid harp solo from Potts. Other gems included the instrumental, “Hilde’s Hop”(‘dedicated to that well-loved North Western blues artiste, Hilda Baker’), the Cajun-rhythmed “In The Night” and “Lollipop Momma”, an upbeat swing number that drifted in and out of “Shake, Rattle and Roll”. A terrific version of James Harman’s “Icepick’s Confession” tempted a welcome guest appearance from the fourth harpmeister – the very talented Chester-based Yorkshireman Ken Peace. The climax of the set was a great performance of Champion Jack Dupree’s “Shake, Baby, Shake”.

The headline act for the festival was Richie Milton and The Lowdown, who prompted a mass invasion of the dance area right from the outset. Not a harmonica in sight, but the lively combo boasted a splendid horn section. Vocals were delivered mainly by guitarist Richie Milton and occasionally by backing singer Linda Hall, notably on the upbeat “On The Tip of My Tongue”. The set was predominately lively and included superb versions of “Groovin’” and Ray Charles’s classic, “Hit The Road, Jack”. The dance floor continued to take a pounding, as soul mingled easily with funk, blues shuffles and rock and roll. Finally, the “Boogie Woogie Country Girl” made way for “Caledonia” to bring the curtain down on a fabulous day. The sun-kissed audience were happy, the CANtreat organisers were happy and the well-received musicians were happy – shame about the England performance, but the impossible always takes a little longer to achieve.

Lionel Ross

Blues for June and July

2006-06-15T19:15:00.000+01:00

16-Jun - Fruteland Jackson & Bob Hall - Worthenbury
16-Jun - Groove Doctors - Barrow RnB Club
16-Jun - Guy Tortora Band - Spectrum Blues, Keighley
17-Jun - Wyre Blues - Dr Feelgood and more - Fleetwood
17-Jun - Dog House - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
17-Jun - Midsummer Blues Explosion - The Met, Bury
18-Jun - The Groove Doctors - Maryport Navy Club
18-Jun - Andy Newsham - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
18-Jun - Weathered Rock - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
22-Jun - The Badge - Red Cat, Wheelton, Chorley
23-Jun - Slim Line Papas - Warrington Blues Club
23-Jun - John O'Leary Band - Barrow R & B Club
23-Jun - Memphis in the Meantime - Spectrum, Keighley
24-Jun - Poppa Chubby - Southport Arts Centre
24-Jun - After Hours Blues - The Black Bull, Lancaster
24-Jun - The Armadillos- Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
24-Jun - Nick Dow - Lancaster University Beer Festival
24-Jun - Cafe Bar 401 - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
25-Jun - Smokehouse Blues - Cuban Nights, Macclesfield
25-Jun - The John O'Leary band - Maryport Navy Club
25-Jun - Cat Dog - Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow
29-Jun - Jools Holland - Summer Pops, Liverpool
29-Jun - The Stumble - Waggon and Horses, Leyland
30-Jun - Sling Shot - Dicky Doodles Bar, Kendal
30-Jun - The Badge - The Lithy, Liverpool
30-Jun - Roadhouse - Barrow R & B Club
01-Jul - Worthenbury Blues, Roots and Rock Festival
08-Jul - Eugene Hideaway Bridges - Appleby Blues Club
08-Jul - Lisa Mills and Ian Jennings - Worthenbury
12-Jul - Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy - Summer Pops, Liverpool
14-Jul - Matt Taylor Band - Warrington Blues Club
21-Jul - Smokehouse Blues - Halfway House, Runcorn
21-Jul - Hokum Hotshots - Appleby Blues Club
24-Jul - Tony Joe White - Telford's Warehouse, Chester
25-Jul - Shana Morrison - Fletcher Christ. Cockermouth
28-Jul - Bob Cheevers - Appleby Blues Club
28-Jul - Bill Sheffield and Paul Linden - Worthenbury
29-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich
30-Jul - Acoustic Festival - Dorford Hall, Nantwich

Janiva Magness Videos

2006-06-15T16:47:00.000+01:00

Does anyone remember this post? I gave a link to a long show that featured two Janiva Magness songs. Well, it seems that some people had trouble viewing this large file. Here's what I have done. I have taken the Janiva parts of the broadcast and uploaded them to YouTube. This is not strictly acceptable I know, but I would rather you saw the videos than not. Full credit for the clips goes to Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.

For those who cannot see the embedded player below. On YouTube you can see two songs, this one and this one; plus there is an interview.

The wit and wisdom of B.B. King

2006-06-13T20:02:00.000+01:00

This is only short but begins to show the heart of the legend that is B.B. King. Click here to see a small selection of quotations.

Press Release : The Stumble

2006-06-13T19:32:00.000+01:00

The Stumble
at the Harbourside Club, Liverpool Marina
Wednesday 19th July 2006 (doors open at 8pm)

The Preston-based combo has developed into one of the very best bands to grace the current British blues scene. Fronted by the excellent, gritty vocals of Paul Melville, The Stumble also features the superb talent of Colin Black, whose Peter Green-style guitar playing is an absolute delight. The ensemble is completed by the brilliance of Simon Anthony on sax and the spikey groove of Jon Spencer on second guitar, underpinned by the water-tight rhythm section of Boyd Tonner and Dave Heath.

The band covers a wide range of the blues spectrum with consummate skill and great energy. This will be another night to remember in the top quality series of gigs at the Harbourside that has really captured the imagination of a fast-growing coterie of appreciative enthusiasts.

Liverpool Marina is situated at Coburg Wharf, Sefton Street, Liverpool L3 4BP.
Tickets for the concert (£10 each) are obtainable from John Welsh on 0151 428 2855.

William Clarke

2006-06-12T21:40:00.000+01:00

Bill Clarke

No real reason to blog this image other than I just stumbled across it on my hard drive. Bill Clarke - what a guy and sadly missed.

Worthenbury Roots and Rock Festival

2006-06-12T21:22:00.000+01:00

flyer2006

I finally got a flyer for this festival on 1st July. I hope the weather will be good as the music sure will be. Click the picture for a better view.

Worthenbury Roots and Rock Festival

2006-06-12T21:21:00.000+01:00

flyer2006back

The back of the flyer. Click the picture for a better view.

Pics from last nights event

2006-06-12T00:13:00.000+01:00

I have just received Grahame's pictures from last night and reorganised all pictures into a brand new set. Click here to see the perfect English summer's day.