Assorted Buskers, Back Porch, Blind Lemon Gliders, Blue Touch, Blues Machine, The, C Sharp Blues, Clare Free, Coalhouse Walker, David Raphael Band, Fabulous Fezheads, Guv'nors, The, Howling At The Moon Duo, Hugh Budden, Jam Sessions with Robin Bibi Band, Jason Manners & 3 Buck Shirt, Jawbreakers, Jay Tamkin, John Crampton, Johnny Sharp, Kevin Brown, Kris Dollimore, Lewis Cohen, Martin Froud, Milton-Farrow Skiffle 'n' Blues Band, Motel 6, Mustangs, Open Mic Sessions, Paint It Blue, Pearl Handled Revolver, Pete Harris Duo and Blues Band, Ray Drury, Riverside Blues Band, Robert Hokum Band, Robin Bibi Band, Steamer, Steve Darrington, Tim Harrison, Tin Cats, The, Tommy Allen & Johnny Hewitt, Will Killeen,
Assorted Buskers
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Assorted Buskers will play at Swanage Railway Station and other venues around the town, dependent totally on the Good Will of the people of Swanage!
Buskers are requested to obtain a copy of The Rules from the festival organiser before playing anywhere. Thank you!
Back Porch
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.backporch.org.uk
Back by Popular Demand!
Back Porch offers an unusual take on the blues with their mainly acoustic line-up. With their trademark foot stomping rhythms and a lot of laughter, they seem to be able to switch from humour to heartbreak in the blink of an eye.
Their all-original album, “Aint Lettin’ Go”, is receiving more and more radio airplay and their live shows remain an experience not to be missed.
This band will make you laugh, cry and tap your feet! After the Back Porch experience you’re sure to leave feeling better than when you arrived!
Blind Lemon Gliders
Dates Playing: Friday
Website: www.blindlemongliders.co.uk/
Fresh from the Purbeck hills of Dorset with some great R & B that will get you up and dancing.
Abna Churchill (Vocals and Harmonica) found his love of Blues in Los Angeles in the 1980's when he supported such names as Kim Wilson of the fabulous Thunder Birds. On his return to the UK, he met....
Stevie Gunn (Bass Guitar) who had just moved from London, so they formed the Booze 'n Blues band, which some of you may remember appeared at the first Swanage Blues Festival in March 2001.
Rory Benmore (Lead Guitar) is a great guitarist with a vibrant approach and authentic style, recently returned from Oklahoma where he backed some fantastic bands including Miss Blues and Speedy West Jr.
Tommy Baker (Drums) takes every show and gives it that extra little bit to give the audience and the band exactly what they need to have a great time, very dynamic and versatile. In every Gig, he keeps a tight beat and really shows what he's made of. Tommy really holds it all together in every song.
Tim Harrison (Keyboard) is one of the finest young musicians in Dorset (just 16!), and knows how to get the crowd on their feet with his Rock and Roll style. This young man is really going far with his Boogie Woogie skills. Watch out for him during the intervals, he plays some pretty mean solo piano!
Blue Touch
Dates Playing: Saturday and Sunday
Website: www.bluetouch.info
Blue Touch continue to cement their reputation as being one of the top live acts on the blues circuit, and look forward to visiting Swanage once more, to meet friends both old and new
The captivating Andrea Maria on vocal duties has been described in BluesMatters! magazine as “making Madonna look like a virgin”. Andrea has been singing and performing for many years and her stunning stage presence never fails to impress.
On drums, the rock powerhouse that is Hugh Lawrenson firmly underpins Blue Touch as a powerful blues/rock outfit. In the past Hugh has toured extensively throughout Europe, South Africa and the Middle East, but always enjoys our trips to Swanage
Alan Cleaves has been playing guitar for longer than he cares to remember, and also sings. Very rarely spotted without a Les Paul, Alan is a founder member of the band.
Also on guitar and vocals, Neil Sadler has had a long career as both a professional musician and the proprietor of a recording studio. Neil somehow makes the astonishing seem easy...
Merv Griffin on bass is another founder member of the band who often seems to have the wrong number of strings on one guitar and lost the body of another but yet still seems to make the right sort of noise!
The band plays at many festivals, blues clubs and other events, playing a range of blues and rock arranged to provide different interpretations and always present a dynamic stage show.
Early 2012 sees the release of their latest CD, which offers rocking blues, acoustic blues and more, all with the unmistakable Blue Touch....touch.
Blues Machine, The
Dates Playing: Saturday afternoon, Sunday evening
Website: www.facebook.com/thebluesmachineuk
The Blues Machine are a Progressive Blues Rock band. Despite their age, the band have a hard-cut attitude towards playing, and experience beyond their years. The music they play is in the vein of bands such as Taste, The Groundhogs, Rory Gallagher, Cream and Hendrix.
With an ability and talent forged through sheer hard work and perseverance, the band deliver a dynamic show and don't sacrifice the music for showmanship. The Blues Machine are an energetic three piece blues power combo riding the crest of the wave of a new generation of blues musicians.
The band are currently sponsored by Langdons Electric Music and Classic Drums of Bournemouth, as well as Danelectro Guitars in the USA.
C Sharp Blues
Dates Playing: Saturday
Website: www.chrislonergan.co.uk/
C Sharp Blues is comprised of four like-minded souls dedicated to the art of the blues, but with a funky/rock retake on the genre. Seminal material from Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Albert King, BB King, T-Bone Walker et al is mixed with coruscatingly-compelling original material.
Mike Biggs (guitar, vocals) has been in the forefront of the UK’s remarkably healthy blues/r&b scene for a couple of decades now. His powerful vocals and earthy guitar work has been the signature of bands such as C Sharp, Red Rooster, Time Out and many more.
Smudge Smith (guitar, piano) is blessed with a ferocious blues guitar sound and a remarkable skill as a boogie piano player. He was a mainstay of the Ben Waters Band for many years, when a major feature of the band’s live shows was his four-hand piano duets with Ben, the acknowledged master of boogie-woogie in the UK.
Chris Lonergan (bass) played alongside Ben Waters and Smudge for many years as the band toured the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and Africa, playing at major gigs (Ronnie Scott’s, 100 Club, Royal Festival Hall, Albert Hall etc) and festivals (Glastonbury, Cork Jazz Festival and many more). He’s also been seen onstage alongside the likes of David Gilmour, Gary Brooker, John Etheridge, Mick Taylor, Andy Sheppard and the like.
Paul Fancy (drums, percussion) first came to prominence with John Peel favourites The Martian Schoolgirls in the 1980’s and has been touring constantly since, from English stately homes to the Victoria Falls in Zambia. Paul’s funk-orientated approach to the blues is a major factor in C Sharp’s unique sound.
You will witness a take on the blues that has its soul in the Mississippi Delta, while its sound is firmly planted in the 21st Century
Clare Free
Dates Playing: Sunday
Website: www.clarefree.co.uk
ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY!
Clare is an artist who is redefining the blues for the modern world. Her roots lie in the blues but her influences go way beyond the genre, making her one of the most exciting new artists writing and performing in the blues world today.
A passionate, award-nominated songwriter and a fabulous guitarist, playing solo for this gig. Clare’s performances are fiery, exciting and heartfelt.
Coalhouse Walker
Dates Playing: Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.myspace.com/coalhousewalker
Raw and Live and that's how we like it! The Coalhouse Walker Blues Band recreates the distinctive Chicago blues of the 1940s to 1970s, topped with foot-stomping Boogie Woogie piano.
This four-piece band comprises of Harmonica, Piano, Guitar and Drums, providing a distinctive sound as the energy releases and the blues rhythms capture the audience.
Stuart Webb (vocals, harmonica) played with Big Moose Walker and Luther 'Guitar Junior' Johnson before forming his own band Mississippi Rhythm Method and playing regularly at London's Station Tavern. Now with the reformed Coalhouse fronting out the band with powerful soul and love for the blues.
Richie Biggs (piano) is foremost a Boogie Woogie pianist of 20 years experience and incorporates blues in his style beautifully. His solid and consistent boogie bass lines replace upright or electric bass and give Coalhouse their distinctive sound.
Mick Simmons (drums) not only provides the powerhouse for the band but generates huge enthusiasm too!
With 20 years of experience and regulars at the famous Ain't Nothin' But... blues bar in Soho, London you can expect an awesome experience.
David Raphael Band
Dates Playing: Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.thedavidraphaelband.co.uk/
The David Raphael Band have been quietly taking the live music scene by storm over recent months with appearances as far afield as Colne and Swanage.
With occassional guest vocals from the legendary British Blues singer Norrie Snakebite Burnett they are bringing their unique high octane,foot stomping, authentic sounding music - delivered with the genuine enjoyment of guys who love what they're doing.
These guys are top drawer players. Give your ears a treat and your feet a real workout.
These guys are the real deal!!
"The Dave Raphael Band gave us a demonstration of tight playing, exuberant showmanship, instrumental dexterity, some expressive singing and an obvious, infectious enjoyment in what they are doing." - Scott Duncan in Blues In Britain
"You would be hard pressed to find a slicker R&B band in the UK" - Otis Mack of Tubby's Blues Club
"A great night’s entertainment from a band that hit the floor running and stayed there all night! There was plenty of energy, humour and great musicality from a band which has that great ingredient: fun. They really enjoyed themselves and so did the audience. They were great in all departments and were just what the Oval crowd likes." - Bill Smith in Blues In Britain
Fabulous Fezheads
Dates Playing: Saturday
Website: www.fezheads.com
The Fabulous Fezheads are England's Premier Sand Dance Vaudevillian Illusionists carrying on in the tradition of Old 'Blind Ned' Cleggett with his famous stage act of the 1920's and 30's, and actually starring his Great-Grandson Pete 'the Flying' Cleggett .
Under the watchful eye of Father Ken and featuring Keith the Camel, the Fabulous Fezheads blend a mixture of Dance, Danger and Music that will Astound, Astonish and Amuse
Guv'nors, The
Dates Playing: Saturday
Website: www.youtube.com/roberthokum
In their 20+ year existence, Robert Hokum & The Guv’nors have remained at the forefront of the British Blues scene with an exciting mix of Funk, New Orleans and Latin influences grooving seamlessly with their Blues Roots.
They are ‘A funky spanking of the blues’ – music you can dance to but with substantial musical virtuosity if you just want to listen.
In their career they have made 11 albums and consistently had exceptional reviews in the Blues Press. Here’s a selection:
‘One of the more individual outfits on the current scene’ – Norman Darwen’s BluesNews (review of Guvnology DVD)
‘Their unique blend of Latin, funk and hip-hop rhythms, make their music a joyous event….. percussive power and great rhythmic feel.’ – Blues Matters (review of Guvnology DVD)
‘packed full of songs made for dancing…….The band are very tight ………fresh and vibrant’. - Blues in Britain (Review of Guv’nors CD ‘Kickin it Back’)
‘Not the usual Brit-blues…….but this is certainly a refreshingly different approach from a home-grown act. If you catch them at a Festival or show, just make sure you’ve bought your dancing shoes along.’ - Blues & Rhythm (Review of Guv’nors CD ‘Kickin it Back’)
‘……..a very soulful, grooving, enthusiastic amalgamation of funky, latin influenced Sax/Guitar led Blues. Hot stuff! Highly Commendable!’ - Blues in the South (Review of Guv’nors CD ‘Kickin’ It Back’)
‘…….unique take on the Blues…….their fusion of funk with Blues and Latin rhythms and huge percussion workouts is, for me, highly entertaining, very complex in many respects and very skilfully done’. - Digital Blues FM (review of The Guv’nors at Boogaloo Festival)
Howling At The Moon Duo
Dates Playing: Sunday
Website: www.hatm.co.uk
Howling at the Moon (Duo) are a two piece version of the world class party band with the sensational fiddle playing of Benny Wain and a hugely entertaining front man Jack Daniels
As professionals, Howling at the Moon play over 200 gigs per year and are one of the UK’s leading Party Bands.
The Duo have taken their brand of music and humour to such places as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Portugal, America and New Zealand, and have a unique rapport with their audiences, “A night of absolute Mayhem” sums up what you will get with this band.
British Telecom recommended Howling at the Moon to play at the end of the BT Global Challenge round the World Yacht Race in England and following the success of that performance were booked to play at sailings America’s Cup finals in New Zealand.
Hugh Budden
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
under construction
Jam Sessions with Robin Bibi Band
Dates Playing: Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon
Jam Sessions are hosted by the Robin Bibi Band at the White Horse from 2 - 5pm Saturday and 3 - 6pm Sunday.
Backline provided but drummers bring own sticks.
Jason Manners & 3 Buck Shirt
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday
Website: www.reverbnation.com/3BuckShirt
Dynamic and varied Blues from Swamp to Swing, heavily improvised and played with soul!
Jawbreakers
Dates Playing: Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.thejawbreakers.com
“Exciting, Amazing, Stupendous and Unique!” – Steve Darrington
Absolute Top Musicians playing Blues, Jump Jive, Theme Tunes and against all odds, Big Band Swing in a way you’ve never heard before - but you'll like it... you'll like it a lot!
The Jawbreakers’ attitude: ‘How hard can it be?!!!’ means no genre of music is out of bounds.
Jump Jive, Film Noir, Sensational!
Deano Robinson on drums, Philip Brannnan on rhythm guitar, Ed Brayshaw on lead guitar and vocals, Chris Riley on upright bass and Max Hunt on piano and organ
Unmissable.
Jay Tamkin
Dates Playing: Friday
Website: www.jaytamkinband.com
Steve Darrington says: "It's not often that I suggest you read a review first, but take a look at this one!"
Review of The Tropic Ruislip 30th July 2011 By Dave Hart
"I think the only way to describe this gig is Obscene.... there is no way in a million years that a guy of that age, should have that amount of virtuosity! Take all the best aspects of blues, rock and jazz put them in a blender and you will have something that starts to to sound akin to this amazing artist. All the material was "home grown" and would not be out of place in the repertoire of people like Eric Clapton, Joe Satriani, (the late) Gary Moore or Alvin Lee. Jay Tamkin has speed when appropriate, and a feeling and fluency is his playing which is a joy to behold. To any budding guitarists... seeing Jay play will do one of two things, make to strive a lot harder or make you hang you guitar up on the wall. To make matters even worse the kid can sing with great feeling and has the looks to go with it. Jay proves that Britain HAS got Talent, sadly plonkers like Simon Cowell are too thick to recognise true talent."
Jay Tamkin is a multidimensional, multi-talented singer/songwriter and instrumentalist who has been likened to Stevie Winwood and a young Jimi Hendrix. He writes all his own music and has over 30 songs published, with his debut CD, Sorted & Latest CD ALIBI available at HMV,Amazon,iTunes,Napster and Play.com.
He played four tracks live on the Paul Jones BBC Radio 2 Blues show and has toured Europe & USA extensively & played at almost all the music festivals in the UK, including the main stage at Glastonbury, and several in Europe. He has played with and alongside Robin Trower, Eric Burdon, Chris Farlowe, Madeline Bell, Roy Ayers,P opa Chubby, Pat Travers, The Groundhogs, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Blockheads and many more.
The band are Jay Tamkin - Guitar, Lapjack, Vocals: Rik 'Howling' Christiansen – Keys: and Nick Ramos Pinto – Drums.
There’s no doubt that congenital talent is at work here? Classic Rock magazine.’
Make no mistake...this is the arrival of somebody VERY special on the British music scene? GTFM radio.
"I thought that they were stunning, absolutely tremendous, one of the best Festival performances this year" - BIRMINGHAM 27th INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL Organiser
John Crampton
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday
Website: www.johncrampton.co.uk/
Wow! A one-man blues explosion with a big, powerful sound of hard-hitting and danceable up-tempo blues.
John plays slide or bottleneck style on a 1930s National Steel Guitar with fantastic harmonica and thumping stomp box to provide a driving rhythm. If you like John's influences - Howlin' Wolf, Bukka White, John Lee Hooker and Ry Cooder - you'll really enjoy John!
He has recently played in Florida, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Czech Republic, Poland, France and Slovakia, and is booked for a tour of Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia.
"Stomping and unstoppable ... like a runaway train ... an act well worth watching " Blues in Britain
"You can practically fry eggs on the man as he radiates energy into the room. His gravel-gargling voice is a perfect compliment to his 1930's National steel guitar, harmonica and footboard. The sound he produces has astonishing depth" Bill Grainger, Beaford Arts
"Crampton plays heavy blues in a kind of Tom Waits/ John Hammond vibe ... a wonderful singer and guitarist ... really cooking!" Michael Messer
"One of the UK's top acoustic slide and steel guitarists" Hookers Blues Club
"Stunning blues voice ... he blew me away!" Blues in Britain
"Crampton creates a big and powerful sound which gets your feet tapping, your body dancing and your heart singing ... everyone was blown away" Ashwyn Smyth, Digital Blues
"John's incredible, he takes to the stage with nothing more than a National Steel guitar, a harp and miked up stomp box and then lets rip." The Spitz, London
Johnny Sharp
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.thedeltakings.co.uk
Johnny took up playing the electric guitar with a keen interest after receiving one as a present for his eighth birthday. Devoted to the blues artists he grew up listening to, such as Lightning Hopkins, Otis Rush, Freddie King & Elmore James, he formed his first band at 14 years old and was performing professionally at 17.
He joined various Indie/Alt bands during the 1990's and after moving to London, he was asked to join Indie/Alt group 'Denim', who had a cult following on the underground club circuit and were featured in NME 2000, after making an appearance at Glastonbury festival.
A career move saw him relocate to Bath and joining rock band ‘Countermine’ whilst at university, sharing the stage alongside Snow Patrol, The Charlatans & David Bowie at the Isle of Wight festival in 2004.
Johnny is a well known face on the blues circuit with his band 'Johnny Sharp and the Delta Kings', and co-hosts the ‘open mic’ sessions at Swanage blues festival.
Kevin Brown
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.mykevinbrown.com
A few festivals ago we had the pleasure of being introduced to great British slide player, writer and singer, Kevin Brown at an Open Mic session.
Right from the outset, the audience knew they were in for a treat and he duly delivered with his driving, poignant and often amusing songs alive with anecdotes and humour.
Kevin wraps his rich vein of material around some delicate yet punchy slide playing that really reflects the many years he has spent as a full time musician.
Kevin learnt a lot both from his brief time he spent with Son House, and the time he spent in Texas during the early 80’s.
Hailed by Mark Knopfler, Albert King, Wiz Jones and many more, Kevin is a great favourite amongst fans and musicians alike.
Presently signed to Doodah Records his impending album will feature much of his material aired at Swanage, this is very likely to include the sound of his new love, the lap steel.
Kris Dollimore
Dates Playing: Sunday
Website: www.krisdollimore.com
During a career in music spanning more than four decades, Kris Dollimore has graced some of the world’s greatest stages and has played with many international bands and artists. These include The Godfathers, The Damned, Dee Dee Ramone, Johnny Thunders, Adam Ant and Del Amitri.
His guitar skills have always been admired in whichever genre he has played. Now those skills are honed to perfection and they need to be, he has chosen a field where his playing is at its most exposed. A man, a guitar and sometimes a voice. No room for error and nowhere to hide. With a largely acoustic repertoire, a fair portion of that being instrumental, in the vein of John Fahey and Jack Rose, precision playing is expected and delivered.
Kris took the decision to perform as a solo artist seven years ago and has toured relentlessly, travelling the length and breadth of the UK and Europe, earning a hard core following of loyal fans which is growing by the day. This is backed up by the stunning success of his first two albums, ‘02/01/1978’ and ‘Now Was The Time’, which both received great reviews from the music press both at home and abroad. His third CD ‘No Ghosts In This House’ has just been released and is attracting the same positive interest as it’s predecessors.
Dollimore burns with a passion for his music and wants to bring it to as many people as possible. If you know Kris from his past life, don’t fear change. Follow Kris down new roads and you’ll feel all the richer for it.
Press Quotes – ‘No Ghosts In This House’ – May 2011
The opening two tracks are both fine blues tunes, full of Dobro, slide guitar and a voice full of so much passion and regret you expect the singer to burst into tears as he plays the final notes; especially Worry which is probably the strongest song on the album. Alan Harrison – Maverick
Quite apart from the splendid trio of Delta Blues workouts that open the album, where this album really glows is in the variety of styles he addresses, as on the classical Spanish-influenced ‘Dias De Los Meurtos’, Eastern inflections on ‘Sahara’ and ‘Kamaj’, plus a confident nod to John Fahey on the medley of ‘In Christ There Is No East or West’ and Blind Blake’s ‘West Coast Blues’. Gerry Ranson – Rock n Reel
The opening brace of ‘Where I Belong’ and ‘Worry’ drip with delta authenticity – Dollimore’s taut slide moves dancing around on the former, a vocal growl owing a debt to John Hiatt, but with the plaintive voice of Robert Plant on the latter. Elsewhere he’s in more frivolous mood on the jaunty ragtime of West Coast Blues and explores Latino motifs on Dias De Los Meurtos’, with the same sense of space and atmosphere as Ry Cooder. Terry Staunton – Classic Rock
There’s no mistaking Kris Dollimore for the real deal. There’s an earthily authentic feel to this, his third album of original, neo-primitive blues-based explorations for solo voice and guitar. He’s comfortably at home handling anything from rags to ragas to rasgueados, but it’s the fuzzed up Bukka White stomp of the title track that proves most irresistible. The territory charted here lies somewhere between the rarified Eastern-influenced wastelands of John Fahey and the warmer countrified backwoods of Chris Smither. Throw a touch of the late Chris Whitley’s raw and ragged romanticism in there and you’ll get a feeling for where Dollimore’s headed. Just go with him. Steve Bennett – Acoustic Magazine
Photograph copyright David Rivoal
Lewis Cohen
Dates Playing: Saturday
Website: www.lewiscohenblues.com
Since developing an obsession with pre-war blues, Lewis Cohen has established himself as one of the most entertaining of a new generation of British acoustic blues musicians. Powerful yet melodic vocals blend with a guitar style steeped in the finest vintage blues and roots traditions, delivering heartache and humour in equal measure through a stew of classic and original material.
His debut CD “Ain’t Like Me” gained critical approval from a hard-to-impress British blues press, and his live gigs and festival appearances delight aficionados and newcomers to the genre alike.
Martin Froud
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Martin does a wonderful job leading the Open Mic sessions all weekend. He's also a top slide-player!
Milton-Farrow Skiffle 'n' Blues Band
Dates Playing: Saturday, Sunday
Website: richiemiltonandthelowdown.co.uk/
At last! Richie Milton comes to Swanage Blues! and with no less than his Skiffle 'n' Blues Band! UNMISSABLE!
Here's a review of their latest album:
Barefoot & Blue
Right Track RTR-S 12011
Richie Milton will best be judged by history and most likely found to be a significant figure in the British blues scene. With releases on the Note-Music, Blues Matters! and Indigo labels, plus some he has put out himself, the be-shaded frontman for his Lowdown is not a new name but he does seem to get overlooked in the UK blues pantheon - despite always receiving excellent reviews (and he'll get another of those here).
Fellow singer/ guitarist Bill Farrow is known to some for his song "Canning Town Blues", which West Ham fans will have heard down at Upton Park, but Bill is also an all-round talent, being both an actor and poet in addition to his blues skills. This CD presents the two men alternating their vocals, backing each other up, and performing real duets.
The music is acoustic based, with a rhythm section of Greg Harewood on bass and Graham Hollingworth on drums providing just the right kind of bottom for this music, and Roger Cotton on organ on two tracks. Alan Glen provides his top-notch harmonica playing to six songs and also supplies the kazoo on "She Don't Know".
Alert readers may now be forming reasonably accurate ideas of what this release sounds like - kazoo may suggest the urbane hokum sound of Tampa Red And Georgia Tom, and the use of the word "skiffle" tends to reinforce that - and it has English sounding connotations which are certainly borne out by the likes of the gospel-based "Hammersmith And City Line" and several less obviously-titled compositions.
There are also a couple of tips of the hat to rockabilly - but in a aid-back style, as is the rest of the album. I enjoyed this very much; a little different, but a lot familiar. Richie never disappoints, does he? Neither does Bill...
Norman Darwen - BLUES IN BRITAIN
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Motel 6
Dates Playing: Saturday
Website: profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=118149470
Dan Anderson - Guitar/Vocals. Dan has been on the music scene since the age of fourteen, playing in various bards such as Pack M Up, Triple Rock and Custers Last Blues Band. He has also played many festivals and is also highly regarded on the dep. scene.
He has also played with some of the top players in the country such as Paddy Milner, Ben Waters, Collin John (USA) and Robbie McIntosh, to name but a few.
On a small tour of the club scene in Austin Texas he cut teeth with some of the top local players, he then moved on to Chicago and met up with the legendary Buddy Guy. Dan's main concern now is the playing and the promotion of Motel 6.
Chris Page - Drums/Vocals. Chris has been a professional drummer since leaving school, playing in bands and freelancing for numerous acts of diverse styles (Psychedelic-punk to shows and cabaret). He has played all over the world with some of the finest musicians and professional acts in the business. Chris has vast experience in both studio and live recordings and can list many live albums and radio sessions, along with several TV appearances.
He has toured the USA, Middle East and Scandinavia several times over and has had many European engagements, including Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy and Ireland. Chris has also played in many of the most prestigious and famous venues including 'The Whisky A Go-Go' (LA), CB-GBS, The Cat Club, Limelight (New York), The Good Morning Club (Paris), 100 Club, The Marquee, etc.
Festivals include Cork Jazz and Blues Festival, Wembley Country Festival, Glastonbury, The More Blues Festival. Acts include Max D Barnes (7 US country no. 1's), Albert Lee - Tammy Jones (UK no. 1), Ricky Valance - Steve Simpson (Meal Ticket), Bernard Manning, Roy Chubby Brown, Rocket 88, Diz Watson, Robbie McIntosh (P. McCartney, Pretenders), Big Bill Morganfield (Muddy Waters' son) Eddie Kirkland (John Lee Hooker), Phil Guy (USA), Jack Johnson & The Oilers (USA), Colin John Band (USA), Ben Waters, Paul Howard and Tender Trap, Orange, The Little Angels and Kevin McDermott.
Laurie Higgins - Bass. Laurie has been playing bass for 15 years, having studied jazz under such luminaries as Steve Berry (Loose Tubes) and Nikki Iles.
He plays in a variety of bands in many musical styles, including Lightning Head (a samba/ reggae band that has just finished rocking top London venues like Cargo and The Vibe Bar). A versatile musician, Laurie is equally at home alongside top jazzmen like Tony Roberts as well as blues men like Big Bill Morganfield, Paddy Milner and Colin John.
Laurie has performed at many top UK festivals including Glastonbury and The Big Chill, as well as occasional tours of Europe including France, Portugal and Italy. His first love will always be jazz and blues, and Motel 6 is one of the most electrifying bands he has been involved in for sheer musical excitement.
Tom Hughes - Hammond B3. Tom Hughes has been playing for 23 years and his main instrument is the Hammond organ. He also plays accordion, guitar and sings.
Tom is a member of originals band, The Lucky Bishops who started in 1994 and who have had 2 self produced albums released and are completing a 3rd. They play their own unique brand of short psych pop songs with vocal harmonies. The band have played many gigs and festivals notably several Terrastock festivals in London and Boston as well as the SXSW festival in Austin, TX, gigs in New York -CBGBs and The Knitting Factory, plus a short tour of Germany and a recent appearance at the Felipop festival in Spain.
Tom is also a member of Dorset group, Gothic Chicken - "Hot psychedelia played by cold professionals." They play lots of obscure and not so obscure songs by the likes of The Association, Blossom Toes, Soft Machine, The Zombies etc.
Tom does lots of gigs with local group, The Sidekicks, a popular covers band who can be found jamming songs they've not necessarily played before in many local pubs.
In 2003, Tom toured Spain with Phil Guy (blues legend Buddy's brother) and fellow band mate, Chris Page and guitarist, Colin John.
In 2004 Tom joined progressive rock group, Nektar, touring all over America. He recently played with them in Germany and appeared on German TV show, Rockpalast. (!!!!)
In his spare time, Tom records other local bands as well as his own
Mustangs
Dates Playing: Friday
Website: www.themustangs.co.uk/
THE MUSTANGS are one of the most established and well known blues rock bands in the UK, with a reputation for blistering live shows and ground-breaking original blues albums. In 2009 the band was nominated for three British Blues Awards.
Regarded as a breath of fresh air on the UK blues scene, the London-based four piece combines the power and punch of traditional R’n’B with great original songs and a show-stopping stage set. They have established a formidable reputation as one of the hardest-working and most charismatic bands in British blues.
The Mustangs are led by the stunning voice and slashing guitar of livewire frontman Adam Norsworthy. The razor-sharp rhythm section of Jon Bartley (drums) and Ben McKeown (bass) is the tightest on the circuit. The line-up is completed by R’n’B veteran Derek Kingaby on vintage blues harp.
The Mustangs formed in Hampshire in 2001. They immediately started gaining rave reviews in the blues press, with writers hailing the band as the country’s brightest new blues talent. News of their deft song-writing and hunger for playing live soon spread. Since then the Mustangs have headlined stages all over the UK and Northern Europe.
Having been on the Blues Matters label for five years, in 2011 they signed a worldwide record deal with Trapeze Music and released their sixth album, Shaman & the Monkey, to great critical acclaim.
“This outfit has the potential to change how British blues is perceived and received” Blues Matters Magazine
“In a genre so dominated by predictable cover bands, the Mustangs have broken free…sheer balls tempered by plenty of heart and soul” Record Collector
“Truly storming, ferocious…the very definition of blues rock” Rock’n’Reel mag
"Blistering musicianship" Music Eye magazine
“Split Decision is a compulsory purchase for British blues rock fans” The Musician magazine
“Musical depth, sheer balls and plenty of heart and soul” Record Collector
“Skill, flair, and a true feeling for the music they so clearly love” BluesMatters.com
“This outfit has the potential to change the way British blues is perceived and received” - Blues Matters magazine
“Infectiously funky..and downright beautiful” – R2 Magazine
Open Mic Sessions
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.facebook.com/swanagebluesopenmic
The Open Mic Sessions are held at the Red Lion from 2 - 5pm Friday and Saturday, and 1 - 4pm on Sunday. Slots are not booked in advance.
Book in with the hosts of the Open Mic sessions on the day - turn up early if you can to avoid disappointment. 1.30pm on Saturday might still be OK.
Paint It Blue
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday
Website: www.myspace.com/paintitblueuk
“Paint It Blue entertained us at a Swanage Blues Club gig and the overwhelming demand from our members was that they should be booked for the next blues festival!” says Steve Darrington, festival organiser.
Paint It Blue is a five piece band, fronted by three young talents, Hannah Robinson (vocals, guitar and percussion), Peter “Pedro” Quintin (Guitar) and Ed Fish (Harmonica). They are backed by a mature rhythm section - Ian Walker (Bass) and Marcin Dyba (Drums).
Paint It Blue play Blues – a blend of original songs alongside carefully chosen covers and standards - delivered in their fresh, soulful style. The band is based in Bournemouth, Dorset and play at venues along the South Coast.
Paint It Blue formed in 2008, with the current line up becoming established in summer 2009. Their self-titled debut album was released in July 2010, and made Blues in Britain Magazine’s ‘Best of British Blues on CD’ list for the same year.
In May 2011 Paint It Blue won the Cooltura Music Awards prize, a national competition, where they performed original songs at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London to an audience of 2,000 people.
Singer and front woman Hannah Robinson came to the blues through her love of soul music, particularly that of Sam Cooke, developing an obsession that has grown ever since Paint It Blue was formed. Guitarist Peter ‘Pedro’ Quintin is heavily influenced by the emotional, ‘less is more’ style of Peter Green, as well as admiring the showmanship of Pete Townshend. Ed Fish evolved an individual, self-taught style after being inspired to take up the blues harp whilst watching a video of Junior Wells.
Paint It Blue’s rhythm section provides the perfect strong, sensitive backbone for the band. Bassist Ian Walker credits Peter Cetera of Chicago and John Paul Jones to be his greatest influences. On drums is Marcin Dyba, with a rare, intricate style that helps make Paint It Blue’s sound so distinctive. He is influenced by listening to The Beatles, as well as admiring Tony Royster Jr. and Steve Gadd, which helps to keep Paint it Blue’s rhythmic style open.
The band intends to commence creating a second album in the near future, whilst continuing to perform at new venues and festivals.
“With Paint It Blue, what you hear is what you get… brilliantly played music by a very talented band of musicians” Karl Hayman, Bhone.co.uk – Album Review
“The music is tight, the technique sound and the music mostly original. The moody voice of singer Hannah Robinson puts into question the ageist prejudice I mentioned earlier: her voice might yet be young and have years of maturing ahead, but she grabbed my attention – she has a rich, working voice that allows an unexpected emotional depth. This is an unassuming band that, again, deserves a wider audience” Nick Baines, Wordpress Blog – Album Review
“…the stunning voice of Hannah Robinson who really shines in all areas backed ably by her band of quality musicians. The guitar work is intricate and of a very high standard with a number of great solos along the lines of Gary Moore or Eric Clapton. If you love your Blues music or you just want a break form your normal style of music this is well worth a listen” Chinners, rockregeneration.co.uk – Album Review
Pearl Handled Revolver
Dates Playing: Friday
Website: www.pearlhandledrevolver.co.uk
Back by popular demand, Pearl Handled Revolver perform their own brand of dirty-blues-rock at The Swanage Blues festival, this time as part of their ‘Colossus’ album tour. The band will be playing tracks from ‘Colossus’ and their previous four EP’s and promise to make it a night to remember.
The all original five piece have recently toured extensively across Europe at some of the most well known venues and festivals with such notable artists as; The Black Crowes, UB40, 10CC, The Wailers, Pretty Things, Toots and the Maytals, The Animals, Steve Cropper (Stax, Booker T & The MG’s), The Blockheads, The Quireboys, Wilko Johnson and Saint Jude to name a few.
Since signing a worldwide distribution deal with King Mojo Records in USA in 2010 the band have been enjoying extensive radio play across USA and Europe and are making quite a name for themselves on the blues and rock scenes.
Their energetic performances, strong musicianship and unique sound make Pearl Handled Revolver a live act that you will never forget. So if you like your blues dirty, get down to The Ship, Swanage on Friday 2nd March for a completely new experience.
Pete Harris Duo and Blues Band
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.peteharrisblues.com
Pete Harris has been active on the South Coast blues scene for nearly 30 years.
With the Bob Pearce Blues Band he gigged extensively in the UK and Europe, recording a 'live' album on the prestigious Blue Horizon label. He has subsequently led various incarnations of the Pete Harris Blues Band, recognised as one of the leading blues bands on the South Coast.
Pete has performed onstage with many American Blues artistes, notably Phil Guy (brother of Buddy Guy), Lowell Fulson, Tabby Thomas, Gene "Mighty Flea" Connors, Mojo Buford (ex Muddy Waters Band), Byther Smith, Carrie and Lurrie Bell, and Jerry McCain.
He has appeared on BBC television, Southampton TV, Portsmouth TV and many times on local and national radio. He is also known on the Folk scene as musical partner of acclaimed singer/songwriter Mick Ryan.
The versatility and sheer brilliance of Hugh Budden's playing has rightly earned him the reputation as one of the South's best harmonica players and a fine singer too.
http://www.dolfinmusic.com/hughsblues.htm
Ray Drury
Dates Playing: Sunday
Website: www.producersbluesband.co.uk
Festival Finale - Special Guest - at the Grand Hotel, Sunday evening
Ray started his keyboard-playing career age 17 in an 8-piece soul/stax band. He played throughout the South of England on the same bill as many of the touring soul and R&B greats including Edwin Starr, David Ruffin, Ben E King, Gloria Gaynor and Geno Washington.
From Soul and Stax, Ray moved onto more bluesy and jazzy influences playing in multiple Hampshire and Dorset-based blues bands throughout the UK and Europe. Predominantly a Hammond organ player, Ray has been inspired and influenced by the likes of jazz/R&B organists Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy McGriff and Richard 'Groove' Holmes.
Ray currently plays in the recently reformed award-winning blues band The Producers who have just released their first album in 11 years 'London Blues', which is receiving much acclaim and radio airplay worldwide. Ray can also be seen performing across the South of England with many blues and soul outfits including The Bob Pearce Blues Band, The Pete Harris Blues Band, Blues Etc and The Steve Brookes Band.
Riverside Blues Band
Dates Playing: Friday
Website: www.riversidebluesband.co.uk/
The Blog comments from previous festivals tell the tale... Riverside Blues Band were "A Knockout!" at the March festival - B and VH said so, so it must be true. "Short Songs and LOTS of them" said the Blues Cats.
Riverside play uptempo blues with energy and excitement (apart from the slow ones, which are still quite exciting but a little bit less energetic), covering Blind Blake to ACDC, taking in Dr Feelgood, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and more along the way.
No banjos.
Robert Hokum Band
Dates Playing: Sunday
Website: www.myspace.com/roberthokum
Robert Hokum and his band get back to their roots and play classic Chicago and Delta Blues the way it was intended.
Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Son House would all have been proud of the way their songs are portrayed.
From fast and furious to breathless, a guaranteed stunning performance by these superb entertainers.
The Robert Hokum Blues Band first played the Swanage Blues Festival in March 2002 and are proud to have been associated with it for 10 years.
'very talented', 'stonkin' guitar', 'consumate style & technique' - Blues Matters
"They pack the punch of a short sharp lightning strike. Wonderfully free from clichés and dirge-laden Americanisms... Uncluttered, vigorously played R 'n' B throughout" - Blues Art Studio
www.facebook.com/roberthokum
Robin Bibi Band
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Website: www.robinbibiband.co.uk/
Robin Bibi is a charismatic and versatile performer who never fails to engage his audience. He has worked with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Ben E. King and many more.
Due to the band's growing reputation and a highly entertaining stage presentation, The Robin Bibi Band has become one of Britain’s busiest bands.
Blues, funk, soul, rock, reggae and jazz are all rolled together in their unique sound which can be heard on the album 'Blue Thrash Therapy'.
This is a mixture of the band's most requested songs from the live set and their own original songs. This album received excellent reviews and extensive airplay.
Robin Bibi is exuberant, passionate, dynamic, exciting and fun. His music is played straight from the heart and will move your head, your heart and of course your feet!
Steamer
Dates Playing: Saturday
Website: www.myspace.com/steamer234
Steamer - an acoustic blues trio with songs from the Delta, Chicago, Texas, and British blues including some of their own, with the spirit of Riverside Blues Band.
Stan on vocals & guitar, Helen on bass and Tom on djembe & cajon.
Steve Darrington
Dates Playing: Sunday
Website: www.stevedarrington.com/
Festival Organiser Steve Darrington played piano and/or harmonica for over 40 years with blues, country and pop artists as diverse as Lonnie Donegan, Marty Wilde, Don Everly, Albert Lee, Brewers Droop, Roxon Roadshow, The Boogie Band, Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup, The Mighty Flea, Billy Boy Arnold and on over 50 albums.
Steve gave up touring in 2000 due to ill health, came to Swanage for two days - and never left.
He started Swanage Blues in 2001 originally as a birthday party and has since developed it over the years into the Biggest Blues Party on the South Coast!
Swanage Blues now operates as part of the not-for-profit limited company, 'Blues Roots', which promotes live music and how its rhythms, melodies and stories express the same life experiences for people all over the world.
Steve also compiles the local "Live Music and more!" guides, available free at venues, tourist information centres and for download here.
Steve hopes his organisation duties will allow him some time to join in playing piano over the festival weekend, especially the Festival Finale.
"Catch him if you can!" - Blues In Britain
Tim Harrison
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday
Website: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrRFMufDLe4
16 year old Tim Harrison has established himself as a local must see with his incredible piano skills and bluesy vocals.
Tim is a self-taught boogie woogie performer, incorporating everything from 40s swing to 50s rockabilly and 60s surf into his act.
He has performed at the UK Boogie Woogie Festival on three different occasions, twice appearing in the Youth Talent Showcase, and with boogie woogie star Ben Waters on several occasions. Tim has recently introduced a ukulele to his act!
Tim can often be found playing with Swanage blues band The Blind Lemon Gliders, where he demonstrates his natural feel for the blues
Tin Cats, The
Dates Playing: Sunday
Website: www.facebook.com/thetincats
"Fantastic all round band - you'll recognise some of these guys from the band Freezer. My favourite for a party!" - Steve Darrington
The Tin Cats are a band comprised of 4 musicians from the Dorset area. Known for their diverse set pushing 300+ songs, they are gaining a reputation for covering all styles of music from Funk, Soul, Blues, Rock, Jazz and Latin.
Dave Phillips (bass, vocals) has over 12 years playing experience. Through his work with Beaver, Never Loved Elvis, Freezer and Methane 57 Dave has over 4000 gigs to his name over the UK and Germany. He has had the honour of playing for 9th/12th Lancers including various Royal members associated with The Forces.
Andrew Sundt (guitar, vocals) has 13 years playing experience. Through his work with Beaver, Equilateral and Entity amongst others Andrew has over 3000 gigs to his name over the UK and Europe.
Paul Sundt (guitar, vocals) somewhat of a local legend he has far too much experience and accolades to write in this small paragraph. Most recently appointed Guitar Lecturer at The Academy of Music by Shaun Baxter, Paul is quickly becoming one of the most sought after musicians in the country.
Michael Keane (drums) has 8 years playing experience credited with over 800 gigs all over Europe and Asia. Locally Mike has be known for playing for The Change, Voodoo Blue and Chris Taylor. Noticeable gigs include The Montreux Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Nibe Festival and SkagenFest.
Tommy Allen & Johnny Hewitt
Dates Playing: Friday,Saturday
Website: www.tommyallenband.com
This is a true capture of street style Chicago blues during the 1950s where many guys just set up on Sunday down on Maxwell Street and performed to passing crowds. The well-balanced musical mixture of Tommy Allen and Johnny Hewitt has come from years of love and passion of the true blues.
These two guys in everyday life perform in totally different style bands; though grown from the same roots, these roots are where Allen and Hewitt meet and take us on their very own journey to where the delta headed to Chicago and became electrified.
You would have seen and heard music like this along Maxwell Street every day with the likes of Robert Nighthawk, Carey Bell and many other artists who bridged that pre-war acoustic and post-war urban electric styles.
Tommy Allen and Johnny Hewitt, the duo, are no-frills, no-nonsense, raw and honest and like Johnny says, "Let the music speak for itself".
Tommy and Johnny have supported in 2009 Mud Morganfield – son of Muddy Waters, and Buddy Whittington – John Mayall Guitarist and performed at Colne Blues Festival 2009 and 2010.
“Man – these guys sound real good” Mud Morganfield – son of Muddy Waters
“Thanks for two sensational sets at Tenby” Committee – Tenby Blues Festival
“They gel superbly – it’s as though they were meant to play together” Paul Cowley – Sutton Blues Collective
“For two men, you make a real big sound” Buddy Whittington – John Mayall guitarist
Will Killeen
Dates Playing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Website: willkilleen.weebly.com
A dazzling player with a huge repertoire of songs, Will is a walking blues history manual, taking you on a journey from Robert Johnson and Elmore James through to an unlikely but brilliant version of "Duelling Banjos" - all on one acoustic guitar!
It may all have been said before about Will, and his fans will know what to expect, but for the uninitiated, you will be dazzled by a brilliant mix of Elmore James/Robert Johnson and Bob Dylan and more, by simply stunning guitarist.
Irish acoustic blues player with totally unique style. Celtic roots mixed with American blues. You can expect songs from early blues standards through to Dylan classics delivered with inimitable percussive guitar and whirling vocals. He's also considered to be one of the foremost slide guitar players in Europe today.
Will Killeen was born in Mayo, Ireland. He taught himself guitar from the age of 10 then was influenced by Howlin' Wolf, Doc Watson, The Pretty Things, Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones to name a few. Soon he was performing around London and once replaced Rory Gallagher when Taste was formed.
Will's unique-Blues guitar style shows influences from a mixture of Country, Celtic, Eastern and Rock music.
He plays regularly at countless venues and festivals around London and the rest of England, in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Germany and the United States.
Wherever he plays, he amazes audiences with his own compositions and new arrangements of traditional songs.
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