Gigs

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Here is what has been described as the most comprehensive and detailed local Blues gig guide on the internet. Hopefully, you will find it useful and that you will help support all those who are giving of their time and energies to bring you great live music near you. Support live music or lose it!

June 2009

It is amazing to think that a year ago we were still living and working in the UK. What a lot has changed in the intervening twelve months as regular visitors to our website www.lamaisondubluesnumerique.com will know. As ever, there are loads of great gigs to bring to your attention which are sure to make the month a scorcher even if the weather is not!

Thursday 4^th June

The New Crawdaddy Blues Club, The Belvedere, Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill, Billericay, CM11 2UH – Doors at 8.00 p.m. Support from The

Heaters at 8.30 p.m. –Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007

Unfortunately, due to Tour commitments supporting James Morrison, the Martin Harley Band are unable to play the Club’s opening gig of June. However, Paul Dean has been successful in booking a first class replacement in the Ramon Goose Band who are making their Club debut.

The Ramon Goose Band has been performing in venues and festivals across the UK and Europe to great acclaim. What you will hear is dazzling guitar playing and a kick ass band performing hard hitting Texas Blues to sophisticated Uptown Jazzy Blues and everything in between. They have just completed a national tour of France (which included four maximum security prisons!!!) to road test new material for the “Uptown Shuffle” album out later this year.

Ramon Goose has been described as the “British Ry Cooder” and has paid his dues to earn such a title: working as a sideman to greats such as Eric Bibb & Pee Wee Ellis, producing /co-writing the acclaimed “Drew, Mississippi” album with Mississippi born Bluesman, Boo Boo Davis and also fusing modern sounds with the ground breaking and very successful Nublues project who played the Club to great acclaim some years ago. Currently Ramon is working on a side project/album with Diabel Cissokho from Senegal (noted for his Kora playing with West African superstar Baaba Mal).

Ramon’s most recent appearance at the Club was as a special guest with Martin McNeil’s Bottleneck Blues a month or two ago.

NOT TO BE MISSED

The Cellar Bar Blues Club, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey – www.boogaloopromotions.com – 01252 793430 Doors open at 8.00 p.m. with blues sounds from DJ Chris – band starts at 8.30 p.m.– Ticket price £9.00

Essex favourites, Cruisin' for a Bluesin' travel around the M25 to the Cellar bar to play their exciting mix of swinging blues and R&B, comprising Chris Pearson on guitar, Ray Marquis on drums, Bernie Brewster on bass, Gary Howard on keys and superb singer John ‘Smiggy’ Smyth on vocals, blues harp, percussion and all things bang-able. New to the Maltings, but with many familiar faces from other established bands, such as The Blues Pack and The Cadillac Kings. A great band!

Friday 5^th June

The Riga Music Bar, 228 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 7JG – www.rigamusicbar.co.uk – Telephone 01702 348020 - 8.30 p.m. – £8.00

A fantastic evening in prospect at the wonderful Riga Music bar as the unique Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation pay another visit. Nicky is known as ‘The Voice’ with good reason, his voice is truly stunning as is the great material he performs. He is backed by a truly top class band comprising his son, Timmy on guitar, a true wunderkind, Danny Kyle on acoustic guitar, the enigmatic Pete Shaw on bass and the excellent Ed Collins on drums. Supporting this wonderful headline act are the Heaters, the band behind the New Crawdaddy Blues Club where they play most weeks as the house band and where they have supported Nicky on a number of occasions. So, all in all, a really top class evening in prospect at this excellent venue.

Saturday 6^th June

Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, Barleylands Road, Billericay, CM11 2UF – www.bluesatthefarm.co.uk – telephone 01268 570642 – doors 1.30 p.m. music from 2.00 p.m. till 4(ish!) – private members club

Blues at the Farm opens the month with a visit from the Blue Flowers, a band that is not that well known and does not gig too often. Sadly I know little about the band other than that it features the excellent Nick Nichols, well known to Essex and UK blues fans from his days with the fabulous Motel Kings. From what I have heard, the Blue Flowers are very definitely a band to catch when you are able.

The Red Lion, 42 South Street, Manningtree, CO11 1BG - Telephone 01206 395052

News reaches Digital Blues of a wonderful evening in prospect at teh Red Lion with the SPIKEdrivers supported by Martin McNeill. What a line-up. Regular readers of the gig guide will be familiar with the suoerb SPIKEdrivers who mix fine original material with great covers all sprinkled with some of their very own magic. Martin is a a much under appreciated artist and a great bottleneck guitarist. This promises to be one superb evening of cool, laid back acousticity.

St Annes Castle, Main Road, Great Leighs, Essex CM3 1NE Phone: 01245 361253 – www.stannescastle.co.uk

A great evening at the oldest pub in the UK and a very popular music venue and one that offers a rare opportunity to catch some fine acoustic blues from Digital Blues Award winners Tim Ainsley on guitar and Luke Arnold on vocals and blues harp. Tim and Luke are, of course, 50% of Digital Blues Award winning band the Groove Doctors. Certainly an evening not to be missed.

Sunday 7^th June

The Riga Music Bar, 228 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 7JG – www.rigamusicbar.co.uk – Telephone 01702 348020 - 8.30 p.m. – £4.00

An all too rare appearance locally by the Rockabilly and Rock 'n' Roll Guitar Man Steve Hooker with his Rockin' Trio. Steve is best known for his stagecraft as guitarman for garage trashers The Shakers, Morrissey and Polecats mainman Boz's Bozmen, rockabilly trio Rumble and record nuggets with Feelgood and Blockhead Wilko Johnson and Demented Are Go's; Captain Drugbuster. He has shared stages with Mr Maybellene; Chuck Berry, New York Doll; Johnny Thunders, Loveless star Robert Gordon and toured relentlessly since the 70's throughout Europe and across to New York and Japan.

As Steve writes on his website, "In Race with the Devil, John Peel's BBC Radio documentary on Gene Vincent, he quipped that in modern times no artist would tolerate such conditions, crammed into a station wagon, often drafting in replacement band members along the route of a changeable itinerary. He must have forgot to remember that I went on that bourbon fuelled odyssey too. Somebody got lost on the way, some of the joints were flakey, but we got there and we had a ball."

Tuesday 9^th June

EKCO Club, off Manners Way, Prittlewell

In a busy week for the Heaters Tuesday sees the guys playing the ECKO Club. Don’t know anything about the venue but I do know that the Heaters are a thoroughly polished and very experienced bunch of musicians who regularly draw plaudits from audiences and visiting bands alike at the New Crawdaddy Blues Club and with good reason. The three Pauls and Chris have a hugely varied set list which spans many decades and may see numbers by Robert Johnson alongside those from Eric Bibb and many more. An excellent band and an all too rare chance to hear a full set from them.

Thursday 11^th June

The New Crawdaddy Blues Club, The Belvedere, Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill, Billericay, CM11 2UH – Doors at 8.00 p.m. Support from The Heaters at 8.30 p.m. –Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007

Tonight at the Crawdaddy a chance to catch the two bands who you voted your favourites in the Digital blues Awards 2008. Joint winners of the Favourite Band Award were the Heaters, the house band at the Crawdaddy and tonight’s headliners, the wonderful Groove Doctors. I often describe this band as East Anglia’s best kept secret and they are a band that has a style that is entirely their own. With the passionate and searing vocals of Luke Arnold (a tasty harp player too!), the glorious guitar of Tim Ainslie, the rock solid drumming of John Butters and the very individual bass of the excellent Fergie Fulton and highly original original material, the Groove Doctors are a band not to be missed and this promises to be a cracking evening at the Club.

Tonight the phenomenal female-led blues-rock band, Never The Bride play the Cellar bar. Featuring stunning vocals from Nikki Lamborn and Catherine 'The Been' Feeney on keyboards, Nikki's powerful presence and strong vocals has been described as Tina Turner and Robert Plant rolled into one, while Been is the main composer behind the songs that, together with Nikki's voice, make Never the Bride unique. Unmissable!

Saturday 13^th June

Another chance to catch the wonderful Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation as they visit the Farm for what you can be sure will be a very hot afternoon. Nicky’s voice will blow the windows out at the Barleylands Club and the regulars are in for a real treat. See Riga entry above for band details.

Monday 15^th June

If it is Monday at the Cellar Bar, it can mean only one thing, the Hamsters are in town and tonight those Rockin’ Rodents play Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top! The guitar, bass and drums trio have long been established as our premier blues-rock attraction, having performed over 4,000 concerts in 22 years. Although usually playing their own brand of rootsy Rock, Blues and Americana - tonight they'll be performing a set of Hendrix & ZZ Top songs, for which they're also widely regarded as being the UK's leading interpreters.

"F****** brilliant!" - Suzi Quatro

"Nobody does the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top better (except the real ZZ Top)" – The Times

Thursday 18^th June

The New Crawdaddy Blues Club, The Belvedere, Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill, Billericay, CM11 2UH – Doors at 8.00 p.m. Support from Roy Mette with a solo acoustic set at 8.30 p.m. –Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007

One of the bands that return year after year to the Crawdaddy are tonight’s headliners, Danny Bryant’s RedEye Band. I have lost count of the number of times I have had the pleasure of catching Danny but I do know that I have seen a very talented young man grow and mature to where he is today, a very confident, very polished performer, a very gifted songwriter, a mesmerising guitarist and a passionate singer. Add to this Roy Mette solo acoustic in support and I have no doubt that this will be another searing evening at the Crawdaddy.

Boogaloo’s guests tonight are Fire and Water who offer a high-energy mix of Led Zeppelin, Free and Bad Company songs in their set, with classics like ‘Can’t Get Enough’, ‘Stairway to Heaven’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’. Fire and Water interpret these classics songs of the genre with sympathy and feel and in their own accomplished style, while keeping true to the spirit of these British Rock anthems. Led by Paul Cox on vocals, with Mike Summerland on guitar.

Saturday 20^th June

This afternoon a rare Essex appearance by the City Shakers, a 4-piece, Chicago style blues band in the vein of Howling Wolf, Little Walter and Muddy Waters etc. Featuring Big Boy Bloater on guitar and vocals and legendary blues harp player Laurie Garman plus the tight rhythm section of Mike Powell (double bass) and 'Bomber' Wade (drums). This is genuine, no nonsense blues played authentically by 4 musicians with a deep love of 50's blues music!

Wednesday 24th June

Bishops Blues Club, The Half Moon, 31 North Street Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2LD – www.bluesalive.co.uk - 01799 532009

Richard Pavitt writes: ‘The last time Sharrie was at the Blues Club a few years back she took the place by the scruff and had the audience crying one minute and dancing the next.

Born and raised in the projects of Saginaw, Michigan, Sharrie Williams grew up surrounded by music and singing. Her Aunt and Grandma were jazz singers, her father was a gospel/jazz singer in the 1950’s and 1960’s, her mother was a gospel singer and her brother is a gospel singer to this day. The home was like a Juke Joint….."Singing, drinking, dancing and the blues playing, with chicken and fish fryin.”

In 1997, she hooked up with a band and began appearing regularly at Chicago’s renowned Blues Clubs such as Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy’s Legends; and the following year Sharrie Williams and The Wiseguys were on their way to Europe and have since regularly toured Germany, Holland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

Sharrie cites her influences as Koko Taylor (who sadly died June 3), Etta James, Pattie Labelle, Aretha Franklin and the legendary Billie Holiday - they have all helped form her unique style. Sharrie was a 2008 Blues Music Awards nominee (what used to be called the W C Handy awards - the Grammys of the Blues music scene).

It's going to be another memorable night at the club. Get your tickets now!’

Thursday 25^th June

Another wonderful evening in prospect as the excellent Elevators make an eagerly awaited return visit. The Elevators hail from the South Coast and play wonderfully sophisticated blues or as they describe it ‘electric blues for connoisseurs’. This will, no doubt, be a very special evening with this very fine band and I wish I could be there!

After two gigs in Essex, a chance for the Surreyites to catch Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation. Known as ‘The Voice’ Nicky Moore is without doubt one of the very best blues singers on the music scene today, delivering spine-tingling ballads and hard-rocking numbers equally well… His superb band line-up is Timmy Moore and Danny Kyle on guitars, and Pete Shaw on bass. An all-rocking band!

Ticket reservations recommended!

Saturday 27^th June

Rounding off the month at Blues at the Farm are the Untouchables, a band who have not been too active recently, in Essex anyway! Playing classic Chicago style blues, the way they used to be, the band comprises Keith Parker on harp and vocals, Peter Ellison on guitar and vocals, Paul Green on string bass and Malcolm Buckland on drums and they are damn fine. Expect something special this afternoon at the Farm.

JULY 2009

And so to month seven of 2009 and the beginning of the time when folks are heading off on their hols which is bad news if that’s you because there are some superb gigs on offer this month.

Wednesday 1^st July

Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, CO1 1NF – 01206 500900 – www.colchesterartscentre.com

An all too rare opportunity to catch the stellar Matt Schofield Band in Essex as they play the Colchester Arts Centre. Matt’s new CD, ‘Heads, Tails & Aces’ has been met with universally glowing reviews and his new live band line-up is also being very well received. Well worth the trip to Colchester!

Thursday 2^nd July

The New Crawdaddy Blues Club at the Belvedere, Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill, Billericay. Doors at 8.00 p.m. Support from house band, the Heaters at 8.30. Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007

A new month is kicked off at the Crawdaddy by a band making their debut appearance at the Club. Big Mamma’s Door are making quite a name for themselves with regular appearances at the Ain’t Nothing But ….. Blues Bar in London’s Soho which is where they started life as regular jammers at the Monday night sessions.

In addition, Big Mamma’s Door have played and are playing a number of top Festivals and have released an acclaimed CD, ‘Open For Business’ which really is one which you will want in your collection.

Led by the smoky, laid-back vocals of Fiona McElroy, formerly with the band Roadhouse, amongst others, they play the best 1950's style R&B you are likely to hear and deserve a much wider audience.

Backing Fiona is the ubiquitous and very much in demand Mal Barclay on guitar, Joe Glossop on keys and Rob Pokorny on drums, a consummate line-up and an evening very much not to be missed.

The Cellar Bar Blues Club, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey – www.boogaloopromotions.com – telephone 01252 793430 - Doors open 8.15 p.m with blues sounds from DJ Chris and the band starts at 9.00 p.m unless otherwise stated. Ticket price £9.00

Delta blues and the sound of the deep South at it’s very best from one of my favourite bands, the SPIKEdrivers, featuring the finger-picking and slide virtuosity of US guitarist Ben Tyzack, the excellent bass and vocals of Constance Redgrave and drum supremo Maurice McElroy. An irresistible night of delectable music!

Saturday 4^th July

Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Depot, Barleylands Road, Billericay – www.bluesatthefarm.co.uk – telephone 01268 570642 – doors 1.30 p.m. music from 2 till 4 (ish) – private members club

From the deepest darkest Dengie Delta comes another of my favorites, the wonderful Swamp Cats, hosts of the Beat Roots at the Blue Boar in Maldon each month. With the smoking vocals and guitar of Dave ‘Werewolf’ Richardson (who, incidentally has his own radio show each week on ), Dale Baker on guitar and vocals, Chris Barrow on bass & vocals and Tim Bale on bass & vocals. There is a uniqueness to the sound of the SwampCats and a steamy quality that lives up to their name. Come on down and get your feet in the mud!

Sunday 5^th July

Rock City, Nottingham Tickets £21.75

Barry Middleton sends us a reminder that John Mayall’s Bluesbreakesr play this great venue. Cannot think of a better way to spend a Sunday evening. With the man who has made history!

Thursday 9^th July

The New Crawdaddy Blues Club at the Belvedere, Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill, Billericay. Doors at 8.00 p.m. Support from house band, the Heaters in ‘Lite’ format (no keys) at 8.30. Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007

The Crawdaddy welcomes back regular visitors, the excellent Bad Town Blues. Now firmly settled in a four piece format, the band features a superb rhythm section in Jamie Lawrence and Reg Patten and two first class but very different front men in Ray Bartrip on keys and vocals and Clive Mulcahy on guitar and vocals. Bad Town Blues always offers up a great variety of material including their very own brand of great instrumentals. They do not gig too often so do not miss this opportunity to catch them at the New Crawdaddy.

Regular visitors, the Innes Sibun Band play tonight at the Cellar Bar. Guitar virtuoso Innes Sibun is recognised as a world-class guitarist who has extensive international tours and TV performances to his credit. Innes's current band is first-rate with Innes playing guitar and singing. "The Most Moving Blues you'll ever hear" Total Guitar Magazine.

The White Hart, King’s Walk, Argent Street, Grays, Essex RM17 6HR – www.myspace.com/whitehartblues - tel 01375 373319 -

Tonight at Chris Ryley’s award winning venue, a band about whom I know very little. In fact I know nothing and cannot find out anything on the internet. So all I can suggest is that you get down to the White Hart and then tell Digital Blues all about it!

Saturday 11^th July

Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Depot, Barleylands Road, Billericay – www.bluesatthefarm.co.uk – telephone 01268 570642 – doors 1.30 p.m. music from 2 till 4 (ish) – private members club

Another excellent Saturday afternoon session in prospect as the wonderful Martin McNeill’s Bottleneck Blues play the Farm. Martin is a really class act with a great history which includes playing with Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee. His line-up of backing musicians is drawn from some of the cream of Essex and beyond’s musicians and never fails to deliver. For this gig Martin tells me he has the inimitable Tim Huskisson on piano, the superb Graeme Turner on saxophone, JJ Zarbo on double bass and Digital Blues Award winning Paul ‘Lazy’ Lester on drums. As ever, this promises to be an excellent afternoon so make sure it is in your diary.

Thursday 16^th July

The Crawdaddy welcomes back, after too long an absence the superb Earl Green & the Right Time. I was fortunate enough to catch their very first visit to the Club and I think it is safe to say that everyone there that night were simply blown away.

Earl was last at the Crawdaddy as one third of the Blues Pack and he is recognised as the premier blues voice in the UK. Digital Blues voted him best UK Male vocal in 2004. He has been twice voted best vocalist by the British Blues Connection. Blues DJ Paul Jones described him as delivering “great vocal performances.” Juke Blues magazine wrote - “There’s surely no more soulful singer than Earl Green in this country.” Anyone who has heard earl will know just how special he is. The Right Time band is a small but powerful unit providing the perfect platform for Earl’s dynamic voice. They play with subtlety but also with passion and includes veterans of the London blues scene Les Back on slide guitar, Ron Warshow on guitar, Mike Paice on sax, Cameron McBride on bass and ex Paul Lamb drummer Daniel Strittmatter. They do not gig too often so do not miss this opportunity to catch them at the New Crawdaddy.

A special evening at the Cellar Bar as Boogaloo present the excellent Primo Blue with Val Cowell, what a brilliant combination. Get on down to a tasty mix of funk, reggae, rock and blues with super groove-master Spy on bass, Paul Jobson on keyboards and Hall of Fame drummer Sam Kelly. Guaranteed to get you moving and grooving! Add Val Cowell, the wonderful singer and rhythm guitarist with Bad Influence and you have a very special combination.

Friday 17^th July

Blues at Marigolds, Harlow Cricket Club, Marigolds, Chippingfield, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0DJ – www.musicatmarigolds.co.uk

The Back Porch Band are a new name to me comprising Mike Rushmore on vocals, Jonny Miller on guitar, 12-String Tony on, guess what, 12-string Guitar, Washboard Dik on Guylerphone (wot’s one of them?) and Steve Graham on harp. They hail from Ipswich and are probably Suffolk's best kept secrets although the news is starting to leak out. The band's unique variety of foot-stomping acoustic blues has seen them build a strong following in the county and their music has regularly featured on local radio. They have opened for Mike Sanchez, Nine Below Zero and The Hamsters as well as playing several dates at the Fete de la Musique in France. The band's CD, ‘Sounds Like a Train to Me’ captures all the humour and sheer toe-tapping power of their live performances.

Saturday 18^th July

Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Depot, Barleylands Road, Billericay – www.bluesatthefarm.co.uk – telephone 01268 570642 – doors 1.30 p.m. music from 2 till 4 (ish) – private members club

This Saturday afternoon, Papa George makes a welcome return to the Farm. I am not sure whether he is appearing solo or with his great band comprising Sam Kelly on drums and Pete Stroud on bass but whichever format you can be 100% certain that you will have several hours of top class blues and rock-blues from the master including both great covers as well as George’s own fine original material.

The Retreat, 42 Church Street, Bocking, Essex CM7 5JY - 01376 554923 - www.theretreatbocking.co.uk - £10.00 – Doors 7.00 p.m. music starts at 9.00 p.m.

Making one of his regular visits is the unique Mike Sanchez. Mike is a man of many guises whether with his own superb band, solo or as part of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. In the wonderfully intimate setting of the Alan & Lynn’s front room, you can be sure his power packed performance will bring the house down as only Mike Sanchez can!

Tuesday 21^st July

The Bottleneck Blues Club & The Roffen, New Road, Rochester. ME1 1DY – www.bottleneckblues.com

One week earlier than normal, this month the Bottleneck presents a very gifted and popular act as Lisa Mills plays the Club. Lisa is an incredibly gifted singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Born and raised in Mississippi, she is well grounded in her blues based, soulfully delivered original music. A former singer with Big Brother and The Holding Company, Lisa still carries Janis Joplin's spirit in some of her singing and her songs, but the funky backbeat is most definitely her own and has drawn her much attention and seen her sharing the stage with the likes of Robert Plant, Jeff Beck, Andy Fairweather Lowe, Ian Jennings and the Big Town Playboys, and a host of other incredible talents. She has also opened for, Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, and Tony Joe White, while abroad. Find out more at www.lisamills.com or betters still get in touch with the Club, book tickets and catch her live and local!

Thursday 23^rd July

Storm Warning, tonight’s headliners, are regular visitors to the Crawdaddy but tonight will be their first appearance with their new front man, vocalist Andy Roberts who has recently joined the band replacing Stuart Son Maxwell who left recently to concentrate playing with his own band, Unruly Blues. Andy has a wealth of experience on the UK and international stage and brings a different style of vocals to the band being a soulful blues vocalist having sung for many years with Blues Patrol and has worked with many notable musicians including Otis Grand. Storm Warning bass player Derek White says “ We are sorry that Stuart decided to leave as we have had 4 great years. However we are now looking forward to the new Storm Warning, recording the third album later this year and with Andy’s dynamic vocals and stage presence, our live show will rise to new heights”. Andy’s first appearance with Storm Warning was at The Elgiva Theatre, Chesham where the band received a standing ovation. They have a busy festival season with appearances at Blues On The Farm, Upton Blues Festival, Cambridge Rock Festival, Barney Big Bash Festival, Darlington Rhythm & Brews Festival and The Carlisle Blues Festival. For more information visit www.stormwarning.co.uk and to listen to some tracks visit www.myspace.com/stormwarninguk. Then, get along to the Crawdaddy to catch them live and in the flesh!

The White Hart, King’s Walk, Argent Street, Grays, Essex RM17 6HR – tel 01375 373319

Tonight at Chris Ryley’s award winning venue, another band about whom I know nothing, the Catfish Blues Band. Their website says of them: ‘The Catfish Rhythm & Blues Band are an experienced, tight blues band with the ultimate live feel.

We cover the full spectrum of blues/R&B styles and repertoire - to the point where we even turn songs not normally associated with the blues into our own unique Catfish style.

In short - this band does it all! Our Mission is simple:

Everybody loves the blues but a lot of people just don't know it. The Catfish Rhythm & Blues Band are here to make sure you do!!’

Boogaloo’s penultimate gig before their summer recess is a stormer as they welcome back Big Boy Bloater & his Band. For 15 years Big Boy Bloater's energetic blend of Boogie Woogie, Jump Blues and Rock & Roll has thrilled audiences far and wide. His six piece band boasts savage guitar, honking saxes and a rhythm section like an express train. Big Boy Bloater's blues shouter voice has been compared to the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Big Joe Turner and Fats Domino and his wild guitar style is heavily influenced by the early sounds of Ike Turner, Johnny 'Guitar' Watson, Mickey Baker and BB King. Bloater has recorded two sessions for the Paul Jones R&B show on Radio 2 and has recorded two sessions and been interviewed by Mark Lamarr for his late night Radio 2 show 'God's Jukebox' (Nov 06 and Dec 08). Most recently the instrumental track 'Whammy!' from the latest CD has been featured on the in-flight entertainment for all BA Transatlantic flights as part of their 'best of 2008' programming. “ I love this band!...........Bloater is a phenomenal guitarist!” - Mark Lamarr, BBC Radio 2 - “ The finest exponent of early r’n’b this country has ever produced.” - Hercule Hotrod, Now Dig This magazine

Saturday 25^th July

Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Depot, Barleylands Road, Billericay – www.bluesatthefarm.co.uk – telephone 01268 570642 – doors 1.30 p.m. music from 2 till 4 (ish) – private members club

Another return visit by popular demand as the heavy blues rockers Egypt travel down from East Anglia for what is sure to be a very well attended Saturday afternoon session. Comprising three former members of the Groundhogs, Egypt have recently returned from successful dates in Germany & Spain and the band also has the possibility of gigs elsewhere abroad with Norway, Holland, Belgium & Canada on the cards though they are not confirmed yet. They are working on a new studio CD for release, hopefully, later this year and their current set list includes a few tracks from the new CD.

Wednesday July 29^th

Bishops Blues Club, The Half Moon, 31 North Street Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2LD ...– www.bluesalive.co.uk - 01799 532009 - £10. Doors open 8.45pm

Richard Pavitt presents from Ireland the Simon McBride Band. For 12 years Simon played and recorded with numerous names in the music business, but it was this former young guitarist of the year's 2008 debut album that really turned heads. "McBride stands out from the blues-rock crowd......hugely accomplished," is what MOJO said. Catch him on a small stage while you still can.

Thursday 30^th July

Rounding off an excellent month at the Crawdaddy are the Nightflies. A joyous occasion indeed! The Nightflies are back! I was, as were many others, very sad when the band split up so soon after forming and shortly after producing a superb CD. Capturing the spirit of a 21^st century Dr Feelgood with wonderful touches of surf, the Nightflies are fronted by charismatic singer and harp player Mark Sibley with the wonderful guitar of Kevin Webb and Wayne Bronze on drums. The band have a new bass guitarist in Mike Steed who’s recently been with the Love Affair and Chip Hawkes amongst others. Mark tells me that the guys have done a couple of ‘try out’ shows which went rather well. He also tells me that they have loads of new material and are planning a follow up CD soon. What great news, welcome back Nightflies. Wish I could be at the Crawdaddy tonight!

The Kings Head, Rochford. – 9.30

Pete Bailey and his band invite you to rock the house with the Bare Wire Blues Band.

Friday 31^st July

Beat Roots at the Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon, Essex CM9 4QE - £7.50 – doors at 8 p.m. – come early to be sure of seats. Ticket reservations e-mail swampcats@toucansurf.com

This month’s guests at this great venue are Ian Hunt & Richard Hayes. Ian is one of the UK’s top session singers, his vocal style often compared to that of Joe Cocker. He comes from a line of great British fingerstyle guitarists who made their name during the folk and acoustic boom in the Seventies, during which time he toured throughout Europe and the USA and released albums on Ian Anderson’s label, ’Village Thing’. He has worked with musicians including Al Stewart, Steve Tilston, Michael Chapman and Andy Taylor.

He will be joined for this Beat Roots show by an old friend of Beat Roots, none other than Richard Hayes, better known to many as the slide guitar wizard with the brilliant Bad Influence. Richard played a blinding set with his partner Val Cowell at the Beat Roots back in May.

The Barley Room Blues Club, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey – www.boogaloopromotions.com – telephone 01252 793430 - Doors open 8.15 p.m with blues sounds from DJ Chris and the band starts at 9.00 p.m unless otherwise stated. Ticket price £12.00

Boogaloo rounds off the month with their last gig until September and it is on a Friday! As Monica writes ‘We've got an extra night with our favourite boogie piano player Ben Waters, who has managed to find a gap in his diary just for us! This gig will be in the Barley Room. Ben will have his band with him plus special guests. You can reserve tickets on the Boogaloo hot line 01252 793430 or by using the ticket reservation form on the website.’

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