1.30pm – 3.00pm: Fran McGillivery & Mike Burke “If there were any justice in the fickle world of UK blues and roots music, Burke and McGillivray would by now be household names. With more arts centre style exposure, that prospect can't be too far away.” Lewis A Harris, Blues In Britain magazine: read the full review Sample videos
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3.30pm – 5.00pm: Graham Robinson
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“Graham's playing reflects the styles of the early blues masters particularly the east coast, syncopated styles of Blind Blake and Blind Boy Fuller. However, other major influences include Bo Carter, Lonnie Johnson, Rev. Gary Davis, Memphis Minnie & Kansas Joe, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Big Bill Broonzy, Fred McDowell, Sleepy John Estes, Mississippi Sheiks, Delmore Brothers, and the Memphis Jug Band to name but a few.” - more of this (including samples) on Graham's website
"... nice to see Graham Robinson getting some recognition too - all you Brit posters and lurkers should check him out - nobody in GB does better Blind Boy Fuller. A mean Blind Blake too, and Lonnie Johnson." - Allan Jones, (aka Professor Scratchy), Blind Man's Blues Forum 2008 |
5.30pm – 7.00pm: Lee Bates & Billy Newton
from their website: “A classic guitar/harmonica duo, in the tradition of the great Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Lee and Billy have a wealth of experience behind them, playing festivals and venues all over the U.K and Europe.” "...had the whole audience clapping along creating an electric atmosphere..." - Bob Tilling, Blues In Britain
interview with “early Blues” magazine song samples live video |
7.30pm – 9.00pm: The Lost City Sinners
Described on band-me-up.com as: “Internationally renowned 3 piece, delivering their own interpretation of music. Classic rock R&B arrangements infused with jazz, latin and polyrhythmic forms. Admire the interplay between the instruments. Style: classic rock r&b ...”
Reviewed by by Aurora Garcia: “A three piece ensemble that renders original and atmospheric existing material and blends in a way to be entirely convincing. The guitar and percussion work intrinsically as one, interchanging with bass and vocals in an approach that recalls to mind an earthiness an immediacy to music that I thought had disappeared under a swelter of youthful exuberance. There is absolutely no substitute for experience or pedigree. This group, ably managed and engineered manages to recreate the euphoria and magic of larger ensembles. Go and see them. I give this a five star rating.”
- read the full review
9.30pm - 12.30am: Ben Poole “Inspired by the Blues, infused with a hard hitting, “in-yer-face” rock approach and topped-off by virtuoso musicianship, Ben Poole is being talked of as “the” new up-and-coming UK Blues guitarist; one of the finest to have emerged in Europe for years. Having already played with, and received critical acclaim from some of his heroes; legendary blues artists including Jeff Beck, Gary Moore and John Mayall, at just 22 years of age it appears that there is no stopping this young and incredibly gifted musician. His latest recordings reinforce this and make it blatantly clear that Ben is destined for a great future on the European Blues/Rock scene.” – and more in this vein on his own website "F***ing amazing! I loved his playing…I really loved his playing!” - Jeff Beck “A really great player!” - Gary Moore |
