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Last updated 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!
May 2008 And here we are in the merry month of May, the time of the year when merry maids are dancing round the maypole and frolicking in the meadows being chased by the young swains. Well that’s how it used to be before everything became politically correct and the killjoys had their way. The month has some great gigs on offer and these are the details that we have already although there will, no doubt be more, so keep checking back. Thursday 1st May 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. – Continuo with great sounds from Digital Blues Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007 What a great way to celebrate May Day as the Crawdaddy welcomes back Bad Town Blues after what seems a long time. Their most recent CD, ‘Buffet Flats’, was very well received and the guys will, no doubt, be featuring some tracks from it tonight. Now a four piece following the departure of harp-meister Giles King, the band still features two great vocalists in Ray Bartrip and Clive Mulcahy, both of whom are also smashing instrumentalists, Ray on keyboards and Clive on guitar. With a superb rhythm section in Jamie Lawrence on bass and Reg Patten on drums, this is a very fine band and there should be plenty of rollicking barrel house piano and some great blues rock guitar on hand. 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 Sadly Trafficker who were booked to play tonight have had to cancel this gig, but the good news is that Boogaloo have been able to book Larry Miller after his triumphant appearance at the Blues Festival in March so expect a high octane, high speed set exploding with energy as only larry can!!! Supporting are The Rik Martin Band who are opening the evening with some rocking blues and R&B featuring Rik Martin on vocals/guitar plus popular local bass player Barry Pethers – of Trafficker! An all-action gig. Saturday 3rd May Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, Today was to have seen the great Bill Hurley and the Enforcers playing at Blues at the Farm. Indeed, this was to have been Bill's first gig back after a long period og ill health. However, Digital Blues learns that unfortunately he has not progressed quite as far with his recovery as he hoped and has had to pull out of the gig this Saturday. I am sure everyone wishes Bill all the best for a continued full recovery and this week’s band at the Farm is according to the Farm’s website, 3 Piece Suite! This is a new name to me and I have only this from the Farm’s website: ‘Dave Edwards – Guitar - Brilliant guitarist of International Fame. Has appeared with numerous top Bands throughout the years & played alongside the Greats. Lol Dalzeil – Bass - Another Excellent International musician, at present appearing with Martin (Magic) Johnson - Drums/Percussion - A drummer/percussionist supreme. Appears with many International Bands & is in constant demand worldwide. Currently appearing with Keavey & Edele (B*witched) as well as fitting in with The Latch, The Tarantinos, Tee Green when time allows between many Live & Recording Sessions Thursday 8th May 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. – Continuo with great sounds from Digital Blues Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007 That man has done it again!!! Paul Dean of the Crawdaddy has looked at my holiday dates and booked an act he knows I would love to see!!! This Thursday sees a much requested, nay demanded, return visit by the superb Nicky Moore and the Blues Corporation or Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation, depending upon which website you read! When Nicky & the band first visited the Club late last year, they absolutely blew everyone away leaving the audience baying for more. (Read Digital Blues review on the Digital Blues website Review pages) At the same time the band all agreed that they had had a great evening and wanted to come back to the Club. And so, Paul the booker man had no real option but to meet everybody’s wishes. Nicki is another man with a huge voice and brings with him a band of absolutely top-class musicians with son Tim on electric guitar & Daniel J Kyle on acoustic guitar, a combination that is truly special, Eddie Collins, superb on drums and one of the most expressive bass players around, Pete Shaw. Up front is the unmatchable Nicky on vocals and guitar. This has to be one of the gigs of the month. The Cellar Bar Blues Club, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey – www.boogaloopromotions.com – 01252 793430 Doors open at 8.15 p.m. with blues sounds from DJ Chris – band starts at 9.00 p.m.– Ticket price £8.00 The young lady about whom so many are saying so much, Dani Wilde makes what I think is her first appearance at the Cellar Bar after wowing everyone at the Festival in March. Described as sounding like she was born and bred in '50's Friday 9th May The High Barn, The Bardfield Centre, Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4SL – 01371 811291 – www.high-barn.com - £12.50 – 8.30 p.m. Tonight this superb venue sees a visit by the excellent Martin Harley Band, another superb outfit that contains a huge wow factor with the stunning guitar and vocals of Martin Harley. They have come a very long way in the five years they have been together having played hundreds of gigs worldwide as well as selling more than 10,000 albums. For this gig they will be featuring songs from the just released CD, ‘Grow Your Own’ which is creating quite a stir. Martin plays an acoustic guitar slide style across his lap and is a wonderful finger picker as well. In the surroundings of the High Barn, the atmosphere and ambience is sure to be special. Saturday 10th May Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, I hope I will not be taken to task for suggesting that this afternoon at the Farm is definitely one for which you should put on your dancing shoes for this afternoon’s guests are the excellent Zoltans, a band steeped in the jump jive & boogie of the likes of Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris and Rent Party. With the great vocals of Peter Basey, a tip top brass section of two saxes and trumpet, the latter played by the gorgeous Karen if she is not off playing with Michael Bolton! Plus bandleader and keyboard player Rick Dawson calling the tunes using numbers taken from a church hymn board, a fine rhythm section and not a guitar in sight, the joint will be jumping! Sunday 11th May The Retreat, This lovely venue welcomes back the Animals and Friends featuring two original members of the band, John Steel and Mickey Gallagher. With a long and celebrated history, the band is currently extremely busy touring in Europe & Scandinavia so this is an all too rare opportunity to catch them locally and to relive those great songs from yesteryear as well as some excellent new material. Thursday 15th May 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. – Continuo with great sounds from Digital Blues Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007 After far too long a time away, the wonderful Mick Pini makes a return visit to the Club with his band. Mick is a man who is described, justifiably, as a ‘Blues legend’ and was described by Ian Parker as the ‘Best live Blues player he’s ever seen and been influenced by.’ The late great Dick Hextall Smith said of Mick, ‘I haven't heard anything like this since I did the Clapton Beano 1966 John Mayall Album.’ With a life time in music you’ll hear echoes and influences from the whole tradition of the blues in Mick’s playing. His uncompromising adherence to a genuine belief in his music has never been deflected. Those distinctive raw, attacking riffs and phrases, often reminiscent of such legendary names as Freddie King, Albert Collins or T-Bone Walker hit you with aggression not unlike a ton of bricks, then in a moment, he’ll melt your heart with a sweeping phrase of pure beauty. These are the hallmarks of Mick Pini: to encounter him live is a joy not to be missed - it’s a blues master class! Do not miss this great evening. The Cellar Bar Blues Club, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey – www.boogaloopromotions.com – 01252 793430 Doors open at 8.15 p.m. with blues sounds from DJ Chris – band starts at 9.00 p.m.– Ticket price £8.00 Slim Lightfoot and the Backbones is described as a ‘kick-ass band’ with Slim on lead guitar and harmonica plus great double bass with Mark ‘The Knuckle’ Burns and Chicken King Schulz, formerly with the superb Swamp Things, on drums ‘to mould a boot-kicking power trio. Superb entertainment and great entertainment’. Friday 16th May Marigold’s Blues Club, Harlow Cricket Club, Marigolds, Old Harlow, The first of five local (ish) gigs this month for Bad Hair Day whose new bass player, Robin Humphreys so sadly died in April. (See Digital Blues News page for more). This is the third Blues Club session at Marigolds and after a slightly slow start things are picking up at this new Blues venue. Bad Hair Day are a popular band and if you are looking for an evening of fine blues & r’n’b then Marigolds is the place to be with the good old Bad Hair Day boys! I know they are really looking forward to playing this venue. Saturday 17th May Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, What promises to be another excellent gig at the farm as Gentleman Tim & the Contenders make a welcome return visit. With their influences deeply rooted in early 50’s style Swing,West Coast and Chicago Blues, Gentleman Tim and the Contenders are one of the hottest bands on the scene today. Led by the inspirational harmonica player and vocalist Tim Corbett they deliver a brand of high energy jumpin’ blues that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your toes tappin’. Tim Corbett is much admired by audiences and his peers alike and is recognised for his technical mastery of the harmonica and his powerful vocal performance. Geoff Peel is an experienced, stylish guitar master that gets to the very heart of the music with his irresistible style, slick solo's and sophisticated chord patterns. Rob Pokorny is developing a reputation as one of the best young drummers on the The Retreat, The only chance to catch the excellent Gregg Wright playing in The Plume of Feathers, Another new venue for Bad Hair Day who have a busy weekend. As I suggested against their Friday gig, I am sure that they will enjoy themselves and that their audience will too!
Tuesday 20th May
A potential musical landmark at a pub which is itself something of a landmark having undergone a £50,000 refurbishment to return it to its Victorian splendour. New manager, Dave Dulake of well known local band Virgo Intacta is working hard to make the Railway a first class venue for a wide range of music and tonight sees the very first blues evening featuring a wonderful evening of cool laid back blues from bottleneck guitar ace Martin McNeill together with one of the area’s top pianists, Tim Huskisson. If this gig is a success, it could become a regular event with Martin appearing with various guests so come along and support this new event and ensure that it continues. Thursday 22nd May 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. – Continuo with great sounds from Digital Blues Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007 Another returning band tonight as the excellent Storm Warning make the trek around the M25 to bring their own very sophisticated and thoughtful brand of blues to the Club. This is a band that has been very busy with a new CD, ‘Something Real’ in the offing with an early June release, a session on the Paul Jones Radio 2 Blues Show, Festival appearances in the UK & Europe and plenty of gigs. And for very good reasons, not the laest of which is that they are damned good! They recently played the Bottleneck Blues Club in The Cellar Bar Blues Club, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey – www.boogaloopromotions.com – 01252 793430 Doors open at 8.15 p.m. with blues sounds from DJ Chris – band starts at 9.00 p.m.– Ticket price £10.00 A real treat for boogie piano lovers as Bob Hall’s All Stars visit the Cellar bar. Bob is acknowledged as Britain’s finest blues and boogie pianist and his distinctive and original piano style has influenced generations of piano players. Bob first came to fame in the rhythm ‘n’ blues explosion of the sixties, accompanying such legends as John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter. This new band also features the formidable talents of Top Topham, (ex Yardbirds), on guitar, plus Hilary Blythe on bass and Ed Spevock (Chicken Shack, Van Morrison) on drums. Together they bring back the excitement of British Blues at its very best! Friday 23rd May The Riga Music Bar, 228 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 7JG – www.rigamusicbar.co.uk – Telephone 01702 348020 - £18.00 – 8.30 p.m. A very special treat in store as Andy Fairweather Low & his Band kick off an extensive tour taking in venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe at the Riga. With an eagerly awaited new CD due for release this months, one which is receiving very good reviews, and a career that has seen a tremendous resurgence since his return to the studio and to gigging in his own right after many years as Eric Clapton’s right hand man, this is a fantastic opportunity to catch Andy at this great venue. Tickets are selling VERY fast so make sure of your by booking yours now or it may be too late. The SEAXE Bar, The Essex Arms, Warley Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 5HA - 01277 201164 It’s good to include details of a gig at this famous local venue which seems to do nothing to publicise what is on. Tonight a brand new band plays as John Edmonds brings Once in a Blue Moon to the SEAXE. The band brings together four seasoned musicians who perform a blend of modern blues songs and a few old EC favourites. With John on guitar and vocals which he shares with Chris Johnson and a solid rhythm section comprising Mark Howard & John Keathner, this promises to be a very good evening. Saturday 24th May 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 Today’s visitors to the Farm are aptly named the Smokin’ Hogs! They have been on the Ipswich music scene since 2004 and they describe their music as rockin' rhythm 'n' blues. The band play mainly their own songs with a few blues classics thrown in and played in their own style. The Hogs are an exciting and authentic live act which likes to generate energy on stage with an electric and visual stage show with a nod to the British blues boom of the 1960’s. They have a CD available which is called ‘Leavin' Here’ and contains all original material. The Spread Eagle, 93 High Street, Rayleigh, SS6 7EJ Bad Hair Day return to one of their favourite gigs, as drummer Roger Woods puts it ‘love it!!!!!’ The tonsorially challenged ones are a good tight outfit who have a large and faithful following which means good audience numbers which creates a great atmosphere and encourages the band to play out of their skins. No reason to suppose that this Saturday will be any different. Wednesday 28th May Bishops Blues Club, The Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD – www.bluesalive.co.uk – 01799 532009 - £10.00 Richard Pavitt welcomes to his great and popular venue the one and only Connie Lush & Blues Shouter for the first of a three consecutive gigs ‘down South’ in a month which has seen them playing in Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands as well as in the UK following an extensive German tour in April. As Richard puts it, Connie is ‘everyone’s favourite blues belter. No one does it quite like Connie and her band. The last time Connie was at the Club, the only room remaining was in the rafters! Good time blues & R&B of the highest order. Get your tickets soon!!!’ Amen to that brother Richard!!! Thursday 29th May 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. – Continuo with great sounds from Digital Blues Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007 A fantastic way to round off what has been an excellent month at the Crawdaddy as the Club welcomes an acclaimed solo artist who has been creating a great stir since releasing his CD, ‘02/01/1978’, making his Club debut! For those of you saying Kris who? Here is his biography from his website: ‘Kris Dollimore is one of the finest exponents of electric and acoustic guitar the UK has yet produced and he emphatically re-states his case for a wider audience beyond cult status with an electrifying debut album called ‘02/01/1978’. The cover photo of ‘02/01/1978’ shows Kris Dollimore playing his first electric guitar on his 12th birthday and the gritty, authentic music contained on his first solo album perfectly encapsulates his life-long passion for the roots of rock’n’roll, blues, country and folk. After honing his skills with various local Kent groups, in 1985 at the tender age of 19 Kris became a founder member and lead guitarist with the legendary English rock’n’roll group The Godfathers. The Godfathers enjoyed a fanatical cult audience worldwide and Kris Dollimore’s ferocious guitar sound and wild stage performances enhanced their reputation as a must see live act. Kris recorded three classic albums with The Godfathers (‘Hit By Hit’/’Birth, School, Work, Death’/’More Songs About Love And Hate’) and was co-author of such rocking gems as ‘Birth, School, Work,Death’,‘Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues’ and ‘This Damn Nation’. Kris left The Godfathers in 1990 to become a much sought after session guitar for hire. He played on former Dead Boys singer Stiv Bators solo album (‘Last Race’) along with Johnny Thunders and Dee Dee Ramone and toured the globe with 80’s idol Adam Ant. He then joined punk rock pioneers The Damned and alongside original members Dave Vanian and Rat Scabies recorded their ‘I’m Alight Jack And The Beanstalk’ album, as well as performing several world tours. After teaming up with Scots rockers Del Amitri for the top 30 album ‘Can You Do Me Good’ and the top 10 ‘Hatful Of Rain’, Kris also produced and played lead guitar on several tracks for American country-rock singer Eileen Rose (the ‘Shine Like It Does’ and ‘Long Shot Novena’ albums). In 2004 Kris abandoned his session guitarist persona to concentrate on writing, performing and singing his ever-growing repertoire of original material. Directly inspired by his love for his favourite blues artists (John Lee Hooker, Fred McDowell and Robert Johnson) ‘02/01/1978’ perfectly captures Kris Dollimore’s highly individual take on the blues.’ Having had the pleasure of listening to Kris’s CD loads I am really looking forward to catching him live. He has gained a great reputation and also the respect of many of his fellow musicians. Here is a good opportunity to find out why!” The Cellar Bar Blues Club, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey – www.boogaloopromotions.com – 01252 793430 Doors open at 8.15 p.m. with blues sounds from DJ Chris – band starts at 9.00 p.m.– Ticket price £10.00 Day two of Connie Lush’s southern mini-tour sees her and the boys in the band playing at the Cellar Bar Blues Club in Farnham. Monica of Boogaloo describes the gig thus: ‘Red-hot blues singer Connie Lush delivers a powerful and raunchy mix of bare knuckle R&B, soul anthems and blues ballads together with her fabulous band. Connie is in the British Blues Connection ‘Hall of Fame’ as best female blues vocalist and has also won the French Blues Trophies award as European Singer of the Year. Sensational!’ Could not agree more! The Crawley Blues Club, The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley RH10 6YZ - Box Office 01293 553636 Tonight Tony Molloy presents the legendary Dave 'Honeyboy' Edwards, who as you will know was with Robert Johnson the night he was poisoned, and so is the last living link with that era. As Tony suggests, ‘This CANNOT be missed!!’ He continues to repeat one of the man’s quotes which he suggests ‘... surely cannot be true!! "You could get into a lot of trouble messing with women". This is a rare opportunity to catch a man who justifiably has the soubriquet of legend. Friday 30th May The Nags Head, 50 Heath Road, Ramsden Heath, Billericay CM11 1HS – 9.00 p.m. Telephone 01268 711875 Bad Hair Day play one of their old haunts, provided they are not double booked – again! There have been some problems with double booking at the Nags Head so it would probably be wise to check with the venue before travelling. The band recorded an excellent Live CD here some time back and the atmosphere at the nags is something a bit special so should be a good evening. Saturday 31st May 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 Final gig of the month sees newish band Snake Oil visit the Farm. I cannot tell you too much about them other than that I believe TomMccree, the well known harp player from Deja Blue, plays in the band. I can only suggest that you get along to the Farm and check them out! The Riga Music Bar, 228 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 7JG – www.rigamusicbar.co.uk – Telephone 01702 348020 - £6.00 – 8.30 p.m. Another top class gig at the Riga as the Norman Beaker Band make a visit in their own right. The last time they were here was as Chris Farlowe’s band. Guitarist- singer- songwriter- producer, Norman leads a five piece outfit reckoned to be one of Britain’s best and most original blues bands; their legendary live performances played with a lot of emotion, a lot of excitement but also with a lot of humour. Based in the UK in Stockport, near Manchester, they regularly appear on radio and television, play all over Europe and make records. Currently doubling as Chris Farlowe's Band, they are on tour in the UK and throughout Europe this year. They have also been chosen by Van Morrison to appear as Special Guests on his current UK tour. Other artists they have worked with over the years reads like a 'Who's Who' of Rock and R'n'B and include: Chuck Berry, Graham Bond, Jack Bruce, Lowell Fulson, Peter Green, Buddy Guy, Paul Jones, BB King, Alexis Korner, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Louisiana Red, Fenton Robinson… the list is endless. The King’s Head, 11 West Street, Rochford, Essex SS4 1BE – Telephone 01702 531741 No rest for Bad hair Day as they round off the month at a venue of which Roger Woods says ‘Love it her! Gagging for it! Might have some special guests????’ So even more reason to get on down to Rochford for a Bad Hair Day experience!!!
JUNE 2008 And so to the sixth month of 2008 and a month which sees the end of one phase of my life and the beginning of another. Yes, I have reached the ripe old age of 60 and am retiring from the day job which has kept me ‘gainfully?!’ employed for the past 39 years. But that is just the half of it as my wife & I have decided that new horizons beckon and those new horizons are French in colour! We are off to a new home (new to us but actually more than 100 years old) in the Haute Vienne area of the We shall be very busy for some time to come as there is a lot of work to do to modernise the buildings, including setting up a home studio for me so that I can start podcasting great blues again, as well as getting chickens a-laying, vegetables a-growing etc. I also intend to keep this gig guide and the whole Digital Blues website going as well as running the mailing list for the New Crawdaddy Blues Club etc. I also hope to be back in the So some major changes but not all change. I would like to thank everyone that I have met over the last 7 years or so on the Blues scene whether in the flesh or virtually. Many of you have become very good friends & I will miss you. I hope that just because I am in Our new home also has a lovely barn which cries out to have live music ringing around its walls so if anybody fancies a trip to rural Here are the gigs that we know about so far for the month of June. Keep checking back for any additions/changes that may occur. Thursday 5th 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. – Continuo with great sounds from Digital Blues Details at www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk or call 01702 347007 A great month at the Crawdaddy kicks off with a bit of a special night as I bid farewell to all the Crawdaddy crew who, over the last six years or so, have made Thursday evenings something special. There are too many to mention them all but, in particular to Paul, Paul, Paul & Chris – the Heaters – Chris J and Johnny H for the technical bits like sound & lights! To Den & Les on the door warmly welcoming any visitor to the Club, punter and musician alike, to Liz, Tom and all the staff at the Belvedere for keeping us watered and in line (sometimes), to all the visiting bands & musicians who have entertained us and to the great members of the audience without whom there would be no venues like the Crawdaddy. I am particularly thrilled that tonight’s headline act is the wonderful Cadillac Kings, a band that came into being about a year before Digital Blues and whose friendship, encouragement and great music was instrumental in making Digital Blues what it is and in fostering my own love of the blues. Playing great swing and West Coast blues, the CK's are one of the top bands on the circuit and much in demand with regular festival appearances throughout Scandinavia, Europe & the UK. Sadly, their essex appearances are few and far between so it is particularly special for me that they have agreed to play the Crawdaddy for this special gig. We hope that as many of you who can, will get down to the Crawdaddy to catch the wonderful CKs, justifiably dubbed the ‘The U.K.’s finest purveyors of blues & swing’ by Blues in 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 Tonight the Cellar Bar welcomes back the Monday Band, an outfit that, much to my chagrin, I have not seen. The band has a superb line-up with Steve Simpson (of Chuck Farley fame and seen at the Crawdaddy with the Lonnigans) on lead vocals and guitar, Papa George on guitar/vocals and the fabulous rhythm section of Award-winning drummer Sam Kelly and fabulous bass player Pete Stroud. Contemporary blues at its best from four of the very best! The High Barn, The Bardfield Centre, Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4SL – 01371 811291 – www.high-barn.com - £35.00 – 8.30 p.m. High Barn is delighted to welcome back Andy Fairweather Low who will be performing with his all star band 'The Low Riders' which includes including Paul Beavis, local bassist Dave Bronze and Richard Dunn. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment! Friday 6th June The Riga Music Bar, Another absolutely top evening in store at the Saturday 7th June Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, Today’s visitors to the Farm are Just Blues, a band of which we have not heard too much recently. Just Blues is an experienced four piece blues band which plays in the British tradition - tight with an edge. Formed in the summer of 1992, they have now established themselves as an honest hard working unit and are well respected within the music venues of Sunday 8th June The Retreat, Originally scheduled for Sunday 20th April but postponed due to Albert Lee breaking his arm in two places, tonight sees the return of Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes, as Alan puts it, “Yes this is the Albert Lee who performs with the likes of Bill Wymans Rhythm Kings.” A superb evening in prospect with the great Albert Lee and his fine band in a very intimate setting. Anyone who had tickets for the 20th April can get a full refund or they can use the tickets for this new date. Check out the Retreat’s website for details. Monday 9 June 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 £12.00 A Monday night gig at the Cellar Bar can mean only one thing – a visit by one third of The Mad, The Bad & The Dangerous alliance as those rockin’ rodents bring their acclaimed ZZ Top and Hendrix special to Boogaloo’s great venue. The Hamsters have repeatedly been voted blues rock band of the year, as well as being recognised as THE leading interpreters of the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top. This night ALWAYS sells out, so be sure to reserve tickets online at www.boogaloopromotions.com or ring the Maltings Box Office on 01252 745444. Thursday 12 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 Sadly, I will, once again, miss the stunning Kyla Brox Band’s who makes a return visit to the Crawdaddy. Kyla is still talked about in hushed tones by those who were at her debut Club appearance last year when she more than proved that all the good things said about her are true & then some! Many compare her most favourably with the top names such as Dana Gillespie and Connie Lush so this really is an evening not to be missed with one helluva lady vocalist backed by a top quality band. You voted her your fourth favourite female vocalist in the Digital Blues Awards for 2007 The White Hart, King’s Walk, It is a shame that on an evening when there is one top class female vocalist playing an Essex venue (see above) the lady that you voted as your favourite female vocalist is also playing a 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 £12.00 Another third of The Mad, The Bad & The Dangerous alliance as the unique John Otway and his band play the Cellar Bar. Expect a brilliant night of music and lunacy with the one and only ‘Man with Two Hits’ (‘Cor Baby I’m Really Free’ and more recently ‘Bunsen Burner’). The last gig was a sell-out so ticket reservations strongly recommended! Reserve tickets online at www.boogaloopromotions.com/gigs or ring Boogaloo on 01252 793430. Saturday 14th June Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, The combination of the atmospheric Blues at the Farm venue and the highly entertaining Thursday 19th 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 Another eagerly awaited return visit from the larger than life singer/guitarist from the 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 Another great evening at the Cellar Baras the top class blues-rock band Bad Influence make one of their regular visits. This fine band is led by Val Cowell on vocals (often described as ‘Bonnie Raitt gone raunchy’) with superb guitar from Richard Hayes, plus ace bass player Pete Stroud and Harry James on drums. The live show is packed full of original songs and killer cover versions, with songs from artists as diverse as Tom Petty, Dixie Chicks and Rory Gallagher. A great band! # Friday 20th June The Riga Music Bar, The legendary Wilko Johnson makes an appearance at the Saturday 21st June Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, Lovely to see the superb Guy Tortora back in Essex as he visits this great Saturday afternoon venue. Guy released an excellent CD last year, ‘Living on Credit’ which has received great critical acclaim as well as worldwide airplay. He and his superb band recently recorded a session for Paul Jones’ Radio 2 show (which may well have been aired by now) and I am sure Guy’s slightly more thoughtful style of blues will go down well at the Farm. Last time I saw Guy he closed his set with possibly the best version of ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ I have heard and great covers like this combined with superb original material such as the title track from his CD and the slide-fest that is ‘Cotton Is King’ promise a really cracking afternoon’s entertainment. Wednesday 25th June Bishops Blues Club, The Half Moon, 31 North Street Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2LD– www.bluesalive.co.uk - £10.00 - 01799 532009 Back at his spiritual home after a whirlwind 12 months which has included a new album, numerous radio appearances and live sessions, a debut in Canada at the Montreal Jazz festival headling the outdoor stage, and a clutch of accolades including being listed in the UK's Top Ten British Bluesmen of All Time (Guitar & Bass Magazine) Matt Schofield visits Richard Pavitt’s lovely venue with his superb trio. Thursday 26th 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 A very strong month at the Crawdaddy is rounded off by one of my favourite performers and a musician who is doing a great deal to try to encourage live blues in 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 £8.00 Californian Guy Tortora plays both acoustic and electric guitars, with a fine line in bottleneck playing and is also an accomplished singer, songwriter, arranger and harpist. Guy is accompanied by his The White Hart, King’s Walk, Local music scene stalwart, Andy Robinson visits Chris Ryley’s award winning pub venue with his band which I believe features Stevie King on bass. Andy is a fine left handed guitarist who plays music very much at the rocky end of the blues spectrum with a great sprinkling of Hendrix which really suits Andy’s style. July 2008 And so, the first gig guide written at a distance! As I type this it is mid-summer’s day and the temperature is in the 30s with unbroken clear blue skies and it is 9.00 p.m.! – to quote those funsters at the Sun – phew what a scorcher! After what promised to be a great June, July is shaping up very well with some great acts on display. These are the details I have at present but there will be more added as time goes by so make sure you come back regularly to get updates. Thursday 3rd July 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 The month kicks off at the Crawdaddy with a return visit by Cruisin’ for a Bluesin’, a band comprising some highly experienced and talented musicians playing a very eclectic mix of material. Up front is the excellent John Smyth on vocals, harmonica and various percussion bits and pieces. Last time we saw John at the Club was with the Blues Pack and what an evening that was! On guitar is the very fine Chris Pearson, a man who is much in demand depping with outfits such as the Cadillac Kings. On keys is the cracking Gary Howard, as good as it gets and a man who used to be with the Cadillac Kings as well as a stint with Otis Grande. Holding it all together is a rhythm section that could tell enough stories to fill several volumes. They have played alongside so many excellent names over the years including the Cadillac Kings and Temperton Bones – the superb Ray Marquis on drums and his long time friend and fellow musician, Bernie Brewster, on bass. A great evening in store. 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 £10.00 Phenomenal female-led blues-rock band, Never the Bride, play the Cellar Bar this Thursday. Featuring stunning vocals from Nikki Lamborn and songwriter Catherine 'The Been' Feeney on keyboards, read the story about their connection with Dame Shirley Bassey who recorded their song ‘The Living Tree’ at their website - www.neverthebride.com. It makes fascinating reading! ‘Think Anastacia multiplied by 100. This woman has a voice you will not forget ' OK Magazine. Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, The Farm’s first gig of July sees the superb Bad Town Blues making an all too rare appearance – Ray Bartrip’s health permitting. Now in a four piece format their most recent CD, ‘Buffet Flats’, was very well received and the guys will, no doubt, be featuring some tracks from it today. Now a four piece following the departure of harp-meister Giles King, the band still features two great vocalists in Ray Bartrip and Clive Mulcahy, both of whom are also smashing instrumentalists, Ray on keyboards and Clive on guitar. With a superb rhythm section in Jamie Lawrence on bass and Reg Patten on drums, this is a very fine band and there should be plenty of rollicking barrel house piano and some great blues rock guitar on hand. Based on their excellent appearance at the Crawdaddy at the beginning of May this should be a scorcher! The Wheatsheaf, The Heaters make the first of two appearances this month away from the Crawdaddy at this popular Romford venue. The Heaters are a very widely respected band who play a great variety of blues & real r’n’b, both well known and not so well known. They always seem to play even better away from the Crawdaddy so get on down to the Wheatsheaf to catch them tonight and you will not be disappointed. Thursday 10th July 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 A wonderful evening in prospect as the superb Bad Influence make a return visit having blown away the audience at their Club debut late last year. With the glorious voice of Val Cowell – ‘Bonnie Raitt with raunch’ – and the superb guitar of Richard Hayes plus the great Pete Stroud on bass and Harry James on drums, Bad Influence is one of the premier bands on the circuit and this promises to be one of the month’s highlights. 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 £8.00 An evening with the wonderful funkydory, a fusion of blues, soul, funk and jazz, with a mixture of strong originals and reworked covers - all delivered with skill, professionalism, and passion. Founder members include guitar ace Jules Fothergill and superb singer Lorna Reilly. ‘Edgy arrangements, warm abandon and total audience approval’ Blues Matters Saturday 12th July Blues at the Farm, Barleylands Sports & Leisure Club, A great Saturday of Blues kicks off with a visit to the Farm by Crossfire – a band about whom I know nothing and who I cannot find on the internet! Only thing to do then is to get on down to the Club and see for yourselves! |