News @ Blues In The South

Adam & The King Bee – Pow Wow

2012-01-27T10:17:00.001Z

Adam & The King Bee – Pow Wow

We can exclusively reveal the artwork for Pow Wow, the new album from Adam & the King Bee (that's Adam and Derek from The Mustangs to you and me!).

The all original 11-track album will be released by Trapeze Music in March, and will be available from all major online retailers. The track listing reads:

1. Peace Offering 2. Turn Right Go Left 3. Take Your Time 4. Original Sin 5. After All 6. She Could Be Lying 7. You Got Me Right 8. Undone By Love 9. Hold The Bone 10. One More Then Bed 11. Kiss Me Four

All tracks were written by Adam and/or Derek. Adam plays all the instruments on the album, except Blues Harp, by Derek...Adam also undertook production duties. Swing by the Mustangs Website (www.themustangs.co.uk) soon for an interview with Derek on how the album took shape.

In the meantime Adam & Derek will be guests on Martin Clarke's Blues Session radio Show (www.thebluessession.co.uk ) on Friday February 24^th at 9pm, talking about Pow Wow and playing live.

Etta James Passes On

2012-01-20T17:38:00.001Z

The great singer Etta James has passed away after a protracted battle with the effects of leukemia. Full obituary to follow in the next edition of BiTS (www.bluesinthesouth.com). In the meantime check out the latest edition of BiTS (www.bluesinthesouth.com/download/ for information on her illness and the events surrounding it).

RIP Etta

BATTLE OF THE BLUES BANDS 2012

2011-11-02T10:38:00.003Z

Another Harvest of the best of British Blues

Following the resounding success of this year’s UK-wide search for Britain’s best emerging Blues talent, the world-renowned Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, is launching, for the second year running, its ‘New Brunswick Battle of the Blues’. The competition is looking for unsigned bands and artists creating original, quality music and the winner will be showcased on a world stage at the Festival in September 2012.

New Brunswick Battle of the Blues will launch on 15 October. Heats for qualifying artists will be held in January in the North West (Newton Le Willows, Merseyside), the North East (Newcastle), the South West (Bristol), and South East (Billericay, Essex).

Hosted by the Province of New Brunswick, the competition is a fantastic opportunity for emerging or established British blues artists to raise their profile, play on a world stage – and experience the wonders of the Canadian maritime province that is New Brunswick!

Says Lisa Gagnon, who’s organising the competition in the UK for New Brunswick, “Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival is looking for new international talent to add to its line-up for 2012. There are exceptional blues musicians in the UK and this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Heat winners, plus one runner-up chosen by the public, will play at the final in London in March. We will then fly the overall winner out to Fredericton, New Brunswick, in September 2012 for their performance at the festival.”

24 Pesos were the overall winners of the 2011 New Brunswick Battle of the Blues and they have recently returned from their trip. Says Julian Burdock from the band; ‘We got the chance to play on 4 different occasions, once with Matt Anderson. We also did a live radio show for the CBC! The audience were so receptive and really loved what we did. We also did some fantastic things like whale watching and cycling in kilts, going out to clubs and drinking beer. Everyone was so welcoming, we can’t wait to go back. And since we’ve been home it’s been non-stop. The winners of 2012 have a wonderful – and career enhancing – experience ahead of them.”

‘New Brunswick Battle of the Blues’ invites bands or solo singer/songwriters to enter the first stage of the competition by visiting www.tourismnewbrunswick.co.uk. Here they will find all the information they need to enter. Artists will need to demonstrate the ability to produce new and original work, though some covers are permitted. To qualify, they will need to be unsigned at the time of the competition (including the final). Entries will be accepted from 15 October up until 15 December. The selection of acts for the heats will require the submission of details of an online video. Check the above web site.

New Brunswick is one of Canada’s 3 maritime provinces and is known as the ‘Jewel of Atlantic Canada’. The province is rich in history, culture and natural beauty and music is an integral part of its psyche. Visit www.tourismnewbrunswick.co.ukfor more information

The Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival is an annual music festival held in Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick. It has an international following and features blues, jazz and world music, taking over the city for 5 days in September.

Details of heats:

· 13th January, True Blues Club, Newton Le Willows

· 18^th January, The Thunderbolt, Bristol

· 19th January, New Crawdaddy Blues Club, Billericay

· 27th January, Byker & St Peters Social Club, Newcastle

GIGS at the Star Inn, Bentworth

2011-09-20T10:12:00.001+01:00

Hi, folks,

Check this one out...It's a bit unusual, but sounds like mucho funo.

Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith passes on

2011-09-17T10:53:00.002+01:00

We are sad to report the passing of a true Blues legend, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith this morning in Chicago. Blues Blast Magazine had an interview with MrSmith in its May 26th issue. That issue can be read at:

http://thebluesblast.com/Archive/BluesBlasts/2011/BluesBlast5_26_11.htm

This sad news comes from our good friend Bob Corritore and Bob Kieser of Blues Blast, Bob Corritore has provided the following information:

With great sadness we report the unexpected passing of one the true greats of the blues. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Willie passed away this morning of a stroke. He was 75 and was musically active until the very end.

A brilliant drummer, harmonica player and vocalist, he represented the true essence of Chicago Blues, and was highly regarded by all as an undisputed master. He was an alumni of the Muddy Waters band and wore those stripes with honor. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith was born in Helena, Arkansas in 1936, and started playing harmonica at age 17, shortly after moving to Chicago. His harmonica first appeared on record in the 1950s gracing recordings by Arthur "Big Boy" Spires, and Bo Diddley (Willie played the harmonica on the Diddley classic "Diddy Wah Diddy").

At some point in the mid to late 1950s he started playing drums and in 1959 began his long association with Muddy Waters. Smith's drumming first appeared on record on Muddy Waters' 1960 album release of Sings Big Bill Broonzy. Smith had a real gift for drumming and his playing would help to define the later Muddy Waters Band sound.

Many of us remember the classic Muddy Waters lineup of Muddy, Willie, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, and Calvin "Fuzz" Jones. In June of 1980 members of Muddy's band struck out on there own, and formed the Legendary Blues Band which eventually found Willie as the lead vocalist, showcasing his stellar, down-home vocals. Willie released his first solo album, Bag Full of Blues in 1995, which firmly established him as an artist in his own right. Willie would revive his first instrument in later years, and in 1996 he would release Way Back, which debuted his new direction, and showed him to be a solid harmonicist. His final recording, Joined At The Hip was a collaboration with the now deceased Pinetop Perkins, and it it earned the two a Grammy in the Traditional Blues category.

We have just touched upon a few of the many recordings of Willie "Big Eyes" Smith who's discography as both a frontman, and a sideman represents the highest of heights in the blues. Willie had a strong work ethic and was a consummate professional, and as a result he worked relentlessly. He won numerous BMAs (Blues Music Awards) as "Best Blues Drummer", and he always carried great bands with him. Of note is the wonderful management of Patricia Morgan, who helped guide the later part of Willie's amazing career, and the impressive booking of Blue Mountain Artists. Also thanks to Willie for bringing out the wonderful talent in his band with Jimmy Mayes, Bob Stroger, "Little" Frank Krakowski, and for his wonderful collaborations with other Muddy alums. Willie leaves his greatest legacy with his son Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, who has become one of the world's greatest blues drummers and carries on his father's sound and tradition.

Prayers for all of Willie's family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans as we say goodbye to one of the greatest blessings of the blues. We love you "Big Eyes". To visit Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's website click http://www.williebigeyessmith.com/ ."

2011 British Blues Awards: WINNERS

2011-09-11T15:56:00.000+01:00

The winners of Awards in the 2011 British Blues Awards were announced on Sunday 11th September 2011 at the the Newark Blues Festival. Winners and runners up are below. Sincere congratulations to all from Blues In The South. Similar thanks and congratulations go to the Nottingham Blues Society who organise and manage the whole thing.

The Blues In The South Male Vocalist: – 1st Ian Siegal, 2nd Oli Brown, 3rd Marcus Bonfanti

Female Vocal – 1st Joanne Shaw Taylor, 2nd Sandi Thom, 3rd Connie Lush

Band – 1st Oli Brown Band, 2nd Ian Siegal Band, 3rd Matt Schofield Band

Guitar – 1st Matt Schofield, 2nd Robin Trower, 3rd Oli Brown

Harmonica – 1st Paul Jones, 2nd Giles King, 3rd Paul Lamb

Keyboard – 1st Jonny Henderson, 2nd Paddy Milner 3rd Bennett Holland

Bass – 1st Andy Graham, 2nd Fergie Fulton, 3rd Silas Maitland

Drums – 1st Wayne Proctor, 2nd Alan Taylor, 3rd Paul Hamilton

Instrument Other – 1st Son Henry, 2nd Patsy Gamble, 3rd Kyla Brox

Young Artist – 1st Chantel McGregor, 2nd Oli Brown, 3rd Ben Poole

Blues Festival – 1st Colne, 2nd Blues On The Farm, 3rd Maryport

Overseas Artist – 1st Joe Bonamassa, 2nd Walter Trout, 3rd Buddy Whittington

Album -
1st Heads I Win Tails You Lose - Oli Brown
2nd Merchants and Thieves - Sandi Thom
3rd Porchlight - Todd Sharpville

Kevin Thorpe Songwriter Award –
1st Same As It Never Was - Joanne Shaw Taylor
2nd Lousy Husband - Todd Sharpville
3rd Everything I Want – Ben Poole

RIP:David Honeyboy Edwards

2011-08-30T09:20:00.002+01:00

It is with great sadness that I pass on the news that the great Bluesman Honey Boy Edwards has died. He was 96 years old. He died of congestive heart failure early Monday morning in his South Shore Chiicago apartment.

Honey Boy Edwards was the last of the original Delta Bluesmen. He was a contemporary of Robert Johnson and was even there with Robert Johnson the night Johnson died.

Here is a link to a story of his passing in the Chicago Sun Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/7352665-417/chicago-blues-great-honeyboy-edwards-dies-at-96.html

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the McCullough Funeral Home, 851 E. 75th St. There will be an open mike between 7 and 9 p.m. for remembrances from friends and fans. A friends-and-fans gathering will begin at 8 p.m. at Lees Unleaded Blues, 7401 S. Chicago Ave.

Services will be private on Friday. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the National Blues Museum.

Re-formed Producers gigs

2011-08-16T17:03:00.000+01:00

The Producers concert at the Electric Palace Theatre in Bridport has almost
sold out, 230 tickets have already been sold so if you haven't booked I'd do
it soon. The only other Dorset concert is on Sunday at Ferndown which the band are
also getting lots of calls about - book that too!

This weeks info below:
...................................................................

THURS 18th AUG - Electric Palace Theatre, South St,
Bridport, Dorset. DT6 3NY
£12.50/£14.50              01308 428354        Doors 7.30pm
Adv tickets can be bought at Bridport TIC             01308 424901
.................................................................

FRI 19th AUG - THE PRODUCERS, The Jook House, Railway Approach,
Worthing, W.Sussex BN11 1UR
Adv £12.00 from Box office             01903 203489       / 410276 or             07889 949850
................................................................

SAT 20th AUG - THE PRODUCERS, Music in the Marquee¹
Brasenose Arms, Cropredy, Oxon OX17 1PW
Times + further info c/o             01295 750244
................................................................

SUN 21st AUG - THE PRODUCERS, Blues Night at the RBL¹
Royal British Legion Club, Church Rd, Ferndown, Dorset. BH22 9ET
c/o             01202 631912        Adm £10.00 Members £7.50 Doors 8pm
Playing 8.30-11.00pm
...............................................................

Future Producers gigs are:
18th Sept - Darlington R'n'B Festival, DARLINGTON.
23rd Sept - Worthenbury Village Hall, Nr WREXHAM.             01948 770215
1st Oct - Quicksilver Mail, YEOVIL, Somerset.             01935 424721
13th Oct - The Tunnels, Temple Meads, BRISTOL.              0845 6050255
28th Oct - David Hall Art Centre, SOUTH PETHERTON, Somerset
(Rare acoustic concert) Box office             01460 240340
19th Nov - The Greystones, SHEFFIELD.             0114 2665599
25th Nov - Chapel Arts Centre, BATH.             01225 461700
1st Dec - Bullfrog Blues, SOUTHSEA, Hants.             02392 877933
7th Dec - The Railway Venue, WINCHESTER, Hants.             01962 867795
New Years Eve - Square + Compass, Nr ILMINSTER, Somerset.             01823 480467
25th Feb 2012 - SHAFTESBURY Arts Centre, Dorset.             01747 854321
(half acoustic / half electric sets)

Buddy Whittington Gigs and New CD (Advertising)

2011-08-04T15:11:00.000+01:00

WEW: Next Show on July 27, 2011 (6pm UK time)

2011-07-25T15:48:00.001+01:00

This weeks show includes an interview with slide ace Eric Sardinas, and music from Dana Fuchs, Hugh Laurie, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tampa Red and much more. Find out more about British Wireless for the Blind (http://www.blind.org.uk/news.asp) and hear more great music from Rick Payne.
The show is live, so you can email me in the studio (studio@phonic.fm) for a shout out or even a request. Join me for 2 hrs of blues and fun music!

Listen again to Wednesday's Even Worse

2011-07-21T16:47:00.002+01:00

Last night's Wednesday's Even Worse is now available on Listen Again at www.bluesinthesouth.com/musicplayer

It will be available for one week only. The playlist is at wewblues.blogspot.com

The Mustangs

2011-07-17T11:20:00.000+01:00

The Mustangs are gearing up for a busy Summer of activity with a host of major festival appearances and a brand new studio album. The band has been confirmed for slots at the Maryport, Rogate, Cambridge, Newark, Swanage and Boogaloo Isle of Wight Blues Festivals.

The South Coast based four-piece band will also be releasing their 6th album in July. Titled Shaman & The Monkey, the album is the band’s second on the Cross Border label, following the critically acclaimed Cut Loose. The 13-track album will be available from Amazon, iTunes, and all good online retailers.

For more information on the Mustangs’ Summer gigs, and the new album, visit www.themustangs.co.uk

Wednesday's Even Worse - Listen Again

2011-07-14T16:45:00.000+01:00

The listen again version of the show broadcast on July 13 is now atwww.bluesinthesouth.com/musicplayer It will be available for one week only. There is a playlist at wewblues.blogspot.com

New Blues Radio Show

2011-07-12T16:23:00.001+01:00

Stan Cockeram of Riverside Blues Band and Steamer has a new blues radio show on The Park FM . Called OUT IN THE WOODS, you can listen through http://www.thepark.fm/ or if you are near The New Forest , on 96.9fm on Tuesdays from 8pm to 10pm.

Buddy Whittington Gigs and New CD

2011-07-12T16:19:00.000+01:00

Buddy Whittington UK Tour

Buddy Whittington will be touring in the UK to promote his new album, Six String Svengali, at the end of August. The ex Bluesbreaker has been solo since 2008 and this is his third solo album. The album is available on Manhaton Records and has eleven original songs by Buddy, who is backed by Wayne SIx on bass and Mike Gage on drums who also produced, mixed and engineered the album. Six String Svengali is available for order from the Manhaton Records or Buddy Whittington websites.
Sat 27th Aug The Railway, Winchester, St.Pauls Hill, Winchester SO22 5AE
Tel: 01962 867795
Tickets £13. Doors 8.00.pm

Sun 28th Aug Limetree Festival, Limetree Farm, Hutts Lane, Grewelthorpe, HG34 3DA
Mon 29th Aug Great British R’n’B Festival, The Muni, Albert Road, Colne, BB8 0AE
Tel: 01282 661220
Tue 30th Aug Half Moon Putney, 93 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney, London, SW15 1EU
Tel: 0208 780 9383
Tickets £12. Doors 8.00.pm
Thurs 1st Sept New Crawdaddy Club, Billericay, The Belvedere, Harding Elms Rd,Crays Hill, Essex, CM11 2UH
Tel: 01268 522828
Tickets: £10. Doors 8.00pm

BLUES ON YOUR INTERNET RADIO

2011-07-12T12:41:00.000+01:00

Don't forget you can listen on line tomorrow (13 July) to Wednesday's Even Worse (6pm to 8pm) on www.phonic.fm AND then to DIGITAL BLUES ON GATEWAY 97.8 on www.gateway978.com from 9pm to 11pm. Blues music to sooth your soul and inspire your mind!!

WEW: Next Show on July 13, 2011

2011-07-09T12:18:00.000+01:00

For info about the next blues radio show on phonic.fm go to wewblues.blogspot.com

JOIN ME

British Blues Awards: A reminder

2011-07-06T17:33:00.000+01:00

Hello Folks,
Don't forget to vote in the British Blues Awards (www.britishbluesawards.com) You don't have to be a Brit to vote and the Male Vocalist of the Year is sponsored by Blues In the South. Voting ends 31 July 2011. In addition don't forget that Clare Free's song "Funky Mama's Kitchen Blues" was nominated for the Kevin Thorpe Award (Best Original Blues Song) by listeners to Wednesday' Even Worse...Now you've just got to vote for that one!

Wednesday's Even Worse - Listen Again

2011-06-30T10:42:00.000+01:00

The show broadcast on Phonic FM on 29 June 2011 is now (for one week only) available to listen to at www.bluesinthesouth.com/musicplayer

A playlist of the tracks in the show is at wewblues.blogspot.com

The show includes and interview with BBA nominee Fiona McElroy of Big Mamma's Door.

Festival “Blues & Booze In The Bury” Sat 25 June 2011

2011-06-20T12:42:00.001+01:00

This event, now in its fifth year, combines a blues festival, a real ale festival and a family fun day, raising funds for charities, including The Neurofibromatosis Association (NfA). It is located open-air in The Bury, at the heart of the beautiful old town of Odiham, Hampshire, United Kingdom. The music starts at 12 noon and finishes at 6 pm.Entry is free and there’s plenty of parking.

As in previous years, the emphasis of this successful event will be on blues, with both acoustic solo artists and bands. This year’s performers are…..

Eddie Martin (both solo acoustic and with his band)

The Pete Harris Blues Band

Adam Franklin

Bob Long

For details, click on this link: http://www.bobalong.co.uk/news.html

Take your own chairs and umbrellas (just in case!)

Listings For The Brook, Southampton – July 2011

2011-06-20T10:04:00.000+01:00

Blues in The South is sponsored by The Brook

FRI 01 – GROOVEJUICE – Funky Disco Kings and one of the UK's finest live party bands! Expect hit after hit after funky hit from these masters of groove ‐ £10 adv / £12 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:30pm

SAT 02 – LOS PACAMINOS – Come and have a hoot with Paul Young and his tequila drinkin’ party boys! Los Pacaminos are a band you can absolutely count on for a great night out! Tex‐Mex music is somewhere between the Mariachi and Norteno styles of Mexico and the country/blues sounds of South‐Western America. The band comprises some of the best‐known names in the business. From a variety of backgrounds they've covered all kinds of music but are all in accord on one ‐ the sound that's brought them together as Los Pacaminos ‐ £12.50 adv / £14.50 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:30pm

SUN 03 – MOSTLY AUTUMN – Moody, Floydian, celtic‐tinged rock ‐ Mostly Autumn are a seven piece band from York and have been formed for over nine years playing music that has been described as organic emotionally charged rock with Celtic undertones. They are hailed as the band rock fans have been waiting twenty years for. The amazing seven‐ piece have all the hallmarks of the great bands from the seventies – there are echoes of Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Genesis and all of the greats, but the sound is unmistakably their own. Like the Autumn season itself, their music has a romantic, organic quality and are a rare naturalness, but it also combines elements of sheer power and intensity. The songs seem to grow into life rather than emerge as the work of a laboured writing process ‐ £14 adv / £16 door. Doors open 7:30pm, on stage 8:00pm

WED 06 – HAYSEED DIXIE – The Mighty Hayseed Boys are Back In Town! Get 'Em Early!!! Classic Rock meets Bluegrass, 'Ace of Spades', 'Walk This Way' etc... This band is a Brook favourite ‐ If you have been here lately, you will have heard their CD ‐ £16 adv / £18 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:00pm FRI 08 – SILVER BEATLES – Early Beatles, late Beatles, living Beatles, dead Beatles…you get them all with the Silver Beatles! ‐ £9 adv / £10 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:30pm

SAT 09 – ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? – Widely regarded as just about the best Jimi Hendrix tribute show you will see. Guitarist John Campbell bears more than just a passing resemblance and has drawn on his many years of playing in different bands and various styles to perfect his ‘Hendrix’ persona. When he plays his Strat behind his head and with his teeth, it brings a smile to the face of even the most finicky Hendrix fan. Catch Are You Experienced? when they come to town and relive the excitement and explosive stage show of the JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE. Let the band take you through all the favourites like ‘Hey Joe’, ‘Voodoo Chile’, ‘All Along The Watchtower’, ‘Foxy Lady’ and ‘Little Wing’, culminating in the guitar‐burning finale of ‘Wild Thing’. The legend lives on ‐ £10 adv / £12 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:30pm

FRI 15 – THE WURZELS – The Wurzels' first commercial video was released in 2002 along with another CD ‐ both now highly sought after by collectors. In recent times several albums and singles have been released, including their first collaborative single 'Cider Drinker 2007' along with DJ Tony Blackburn – a single to raise money for a prostate cancer appeal following band member Tommy Banner's fight with the disease. More recently a re‐recording of the single 'One For The Bristol City', also a charity single for prostate cancer, tickled the national charts. The Wurzels are regularly asked how long will they keep going. The band members always respond that they intend to keep going whilst they enjoy performing – and that suits the rest of us just fine! ‐ £12 adv / £14 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:30pm

SAT 16 – IT MUST BE MADNESS – It Must Be Madness are the ultimate tribute to the Nutty Boys. Recreating the energy and excitement of
Madness live in their prime, they are one of the most thrilling and authentic tributes around. With a focus on their early, lively songs, It Must Be Madness play all the classic Madness hits (One Step Beyond, Baggy Trousers, House of Fun, Night Boat to Cairo…the list is endless!) alongside a selection of Madness greats right up to the present day. You won’t be able to stop yourself singing or dancing along – or probably both! ‐ £10 adv / £12 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:30pm

FRI 22 – WHOLE LOTTA LED – The Led Zepellin that us mere mortals can actually get to see. Keeping the spirit and songs of the legendary Zep alive with their unique energy and stage presence, Whole Lotta led play to over 40,000 enthusiastic fans every year. They don't try and reproduce what the Classic Led Zeppelin line up looked like because for these guys it's all about the music. And what music! ‐ £10 adv / £12 door. Doors open 8:00pm, on stage 9:30pm

SUN 31 – SOUND OF THE C – A selection of the finest up and coming indie bands for your delectation. This month featuring Til Dusk, Crosstown and Munich. Could be the next big thing unearthed right here! ‐ £6 adv / £7 door. Doors open 7:30pm, on stage 8:00pm

Play List - Wednesday's Even Worse - 15/ June /2011

2011-06-17T15:25:00.001+01:00

The playlist for the last edition of Wednesday's Even Worse is now at www.wewblues.blogspot.com

A 'listen again' version of the show is at www.bluesinthesouth.com/musicplayer/

WEW: Next Show on June 15, 2011 (6pm UK time)

2011-06-14T17:09:00.002+01:00

Another super show coming up on Wednesday 15th June at 6pm on Phonic.FM (www.phonic.fm) 106.8 in the Exeter (UK) area.

There will be new music on new CDs from old names including, Jimmie Vaughan and Matt Schofield (both guitar heros) and new music on new CDs from new names including Sterling Koch (pronounced Cook) (exemplary Steel Guitar work) and Sammy Blue (equally exemplary acoustic blues).

There will, of course be the usual mix of contemporary and ancient blues, some gospel and maybe even a tad of jazz. Join me for 2 hrs of the best of blues at www.phonic.fm (online) or 106.8 in the Exeter (Uk) area.

Email me when I am live in the studio at studio@phonic.fm for a shout-out.

Twinwood Festival 2011

2011-06-14T17:01:00.000+01:00

Want a festival with a difference? Check out

http://www.twinwoodevents.com/

Get those dancing shoes

Blues Radio for your delight

2011-06-09T11:10:00.000+01:00

The latest edition of the Phonic FM blues show with Julian Piper is now available for listen again (one week only) at www.bluesinthesouth.com/musicplayer/..enjoy!

Big Country: Six major UK/Irish festival Appearances Announced

2011-06-06T17:26:00.000+01:00

Southampton and Exeter Dates start 9^th June

New Single Details Announced

Big Country have been announced at six major UK/Irish festivals - Isle of Wight, T in the Park, Oxygen in Dublin, V festival (Chelmsford & Stafford) & Inverness with Simple Minds.

Legendary producer Steve Lillywhite who produced Big Country's finest work from the 80s including their first and second albums (The Crossing & Steeltown) will be back producing the bands first single in over 12 years. Steve remarked "when I heard the demo of their new song I was impressed on first listen. I am looking forward to working with the band again whom I last worked with in the 80s on one of my favourite albums I have ever produced - 'The Crossing'".

“It will be a real buzz working with Steve again, he is a producer we all have a great regard for and are looking forward to working with again”. "We'd also like to thank all the festival promoters for having faith in us". says Tony Butler.

The band will also soon announce a series of smaller dates where they will be "breaking in" new songs for a future release. "These will be places we have never played before, giving us the chance to work in new songs in the more intimate type of venues” adds Mark Brzezicki.

"Due to the success of the January and April tours, the band have decided to continue and have already started planning for a new album and a 30th anniversary tour in the new year" says Mike Peters.

Bruce Watson comments, "We are 100% dedicated and intent on making this new line up a permanent one. We can finally look forward to completing unfinished business from the past, particularly internationally, and look to a creative and active future".

Before their festival appearances Big Country will be coming to the following venues:

Thursday 9^th June Southampton The Brook

Saturday 11^th June Exeter The Phoenix

The Mustangs play Strawberry Hill Music Festival

2011-06-04T16:07:00.001+01:00

The Mustangs once again play this fabulous free music festival in south west London.

They will take the stage at 4pm on Sunday 26^th June.

A superb day out for all the family, the popular festival has live music, stalls, fairground rides, food, children's entertainment and beer tents...and loads more...!

Set in the beautiful grounds of Strawberry Hill House, you can find out more details by visiting

www.strawberryhillmusicday.co.uk

Bourbon St Jazz n Blues stage @ Glastonbury 2011 Festival

2011-06-01T18:00:00.001+01:00

Here is the listing for artists appearing on the Bourbon St Jazz n Blues stage at the Glastonbury 2011 Festival. Sandi Thom is now confirmed as playing at the festival, there was a doubt as to her availability when I emailed you all a couple of weeks ago, but she is 100% confirmed to play.

Wednesday 22^nd

Alpha Manoeuvre

Matt Andersen

Claude Bourbon

Havana Swing

Paddy Milner

Thursday 23^rd

Will Scott

Connie Lush

Ben Poole

Sandi Thom

Sean Taylor

Ledfoot

Marcus Bonfanti

Matt Andersen

Nicki Allan

Top Shelf Jazz

Leon O’Doherty & Nick Davis

Friday 24^th

Rabbit Foot Spasm Band

Orbitsuns

Simon McBride

Ben Poole

Will Scott

Benoit Viellefon and his Orchestra

Chrissi Poland(Scissor Sisters)

Alpha Manoeuvre

Nova Scotia Jazz Band

Havana Swing

Grey Dogs Jazz Band

Saturday 25^th

Paddy Milner

Marcus Bonfanti

Connie Lush

Ledfoot

Claude Bourbon

Clara Sanabras

Clare Teal

Nicki Allan

Carmen Ghia & The Hotrods

Trudy Kerr

Brooks Williams

Sunday 26^th

Top Shelf Jazz

Rabbit Foot Spasm Band

Sean Taylor

Simon McBride

Chrissi Poland (Scissor Sisters)

Benoit Viellefon

Jon Allen

Maggie Bell & Dave Kelly

Clara Sanabras

Bourbon St Jam

Bourbon Street Jazz and Blues Publicity
Tel + 44 (0) 1604 456561
Mob +44 (0) 7758 781032

WEW: Next Show on June 1, 2011 (6pm UK time)

2011-05-30T10:14:00.001+01:00

This week, another show with a mix of blues old and new, plus some Jazz and gospel music. The show will include Steady Rolling Revue, Ben Prestage, and some tracks from the new Blues In Devon CD, including Jerry Cahill & Simon Webb AND The Difference . Also one of the funniest blues tracks ever recorded!

Join me for 2 hours of fun and frolics, competitions and music to sooth you soul.

Email me when I am on air at studio@phonic.fm

Buddy Whittington Gigs (From August in the UK)

2011-05-20T09:24:00.001+01:00

Wednesday's Even Worse - Listen Again

2011-05-19T09:43:00.002+01:00

The 'listen again' of last night's (18 May) show is now on line at www.bluesinthesouth.com/musicplayer/

The show includes a fascinating interview with Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records which is celebrating 40 years of bringing top quality blues to the world.

Enjoy

WEW: Next Show on May 18, 2011

2011-05-17T15:54:00.001+01:00

Check out wewblues.blogspot.com for info about the next blues radio show on Phonic FM.

Blues Radio for your delight

2011-05-12T12:05:00.000+01:00

The Phonic FM show produced and hosted last night by Julian Piper is now on the web at http://www.bluesinthesouth.com/music.htm Give it a try, you'll enjoy it!

BLUES FOUNDATION: Blues Music Award Winners 2011

2011-05-06T09:45:00.001+01:00

The winners of the 2011 Blues Foundation Blues Music Awards were announced at a ceremony and music event on Thursday 5th May 2011 at the Cook Convention Centre in Memphis. The music event is often described as "a real houserockin' blow out"!

The following are the winners

Acoustic Album of the Year - Last Train to Bluesville - The Nighthawks

Acoustic Artist of the Year - John Hammond

Album of the Year - Living Proof - Buddy Guy

B.B. King Entertainer of the Year - Buddy Guy

Band of the Year - The Derek Trucks Band

Best New Artist Debut - On the Floor - Matt Hill

Contemporary Blues Album of the Year - Living Proof - Buddy Guy

Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year - Robin Rogers

Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year - Buddy Guy

DVD - Ruf Records - Songs from the Road (Luther Allison)

Historical Album of the Year -Delta Groove - Harmonica Blues - (Bob Corritore & Friends)

Instrumentalist-Bass - Bob Stroger

Instrumentalist-Drums- Cedric Burnside

Instrumentalist-Guitar - Derek Trucks

Instrumentalist-Harmonica - Charlie Musselwhite

Instrumentalist-Horn - Eddie Shaw

Instrumentalist-Other - Sonny Rhodes (Lap Steel Guitar)

Koko Taylor Award - Ruthie Foster

Pinetop Perkins Piano Player - Dr. John

Rock Blues Album of the Year
Live! In Chicago - Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band featuring Hubert Sumlin, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bryan Lee and Buddy Flett

Song of the Year - "Living Proof" - Tom Hambridge/Buddy Guy

Soul Blues Album of the Year - Nothing's Impossible - Solomon Burke

Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year - Irma Thomas

Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year - Solomon Burke

Traditional Blues Album of the Year - Joined At the Hip - Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith

Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year - Charlie Musselwhite

Some Tour Info

2011-05-03T10:05:00.000+01:00

Tour info -
SIMON McBRIDE starts an 11 date UK tour on May 1st. Over the summer he plays the HRH Road Trip in Ibiza, Glastonbury, and the 25th anniversary of The Bulldog Bash (the UK’s premier biker event).

MATT SCHOFIELD tours the UK May 3-9 previewing his upcoming new release, Anything But Time. He then has an extensive tour of the USA commencing May 30 to June 27 this includes headlining the T-Bone Walker Festival in Texas. The US tour continues at intervals through to mid-October.

IAN SIEGAL plays a one-off special at Dingwalls on May 11 as the special guest of the North Mississippi Allstars brothers, Luther and Cody Dickinson. Cody produced Ian’s new release The Skinny. Through the summer Ian plays festivals around Europe. In September the Ian Siegal Band tours with the Wilko Johnson Band for 16 shows around the UK.

BEN PRESTAGE returns to the UK in June for eight shows starting June 15.

WEW: Next Show on May 4, 2011

2011-05-01T11:50:00.000+01:00

Go to http://wewblues.blogspot.com/ for information on the upcoming show on Phonic.fm

Nominees for the Kevin Thorpe Award - Blues Song/Songwriter of the Year

2011-04-22T11:44:00.002+01:00

These are the nominees. The voting will start after 30th April at www.britishbluesawards.com.There will be a podcast on the BBA site so that you can hear all the songs.

SONG - ARTIST	STATION	DJ
Steady Rollin` Train - Spikedrivers	Boundary	Stuart Preston
When the Blues Comes Calling - Todd Sharpville	Digital	Ashwyn Smyth
Cotton On My Back - Dave Arcari	GTFM	Bob and Norm
Devils Left Hand - Dave Arcari	Hambone	Jimmy Carlyle
Funky Mamas Kitchen Blues - Clare Free	Phonic	Ian McKenzie
Everything I Want - Ben Poole	Raven	Dave Raven
Lousy Husband - Todd Sharpville	Saint	Tim Aves
The Last Dance - Kris Dollimore	Saint	Tim Aves (Wildcard highest R.U.)
Handbagged - Big Mammas Door	UBT	Paul Stiles
Same As It Never Was - Joanne Shaw Taylor	Varmints	Rob Bancroft

Malaco Records - latest

2011-04-20T10:57:00.000+01:00

Information received is that the Malaco masters have not been destroyed (contrary to some news reports). They were all transferred to digital format some time ago, and apparently they're kept in a vault off-site.

The warehouse is also still intact, which means that the company can continue to sell product.

Malaco is reportedly going to rebuild the facility.

www.bluesinthesouth.com

BLUES FESTIVALS - BOTF / BATF

2011-04-17T11:59:00.000+01:00

BLUES ON THE FARM
Blues On The Farm takes place again this year on 16th - 19th June. For their 20th Anniversary Blues on the Farm, the festival will feature Gary Brooker (Procul Harum) and his 'No Stiletto Shoes' outfit to headline Friday night. Gary has played BOTF to great acclaim on a number of occasions, but was last included some 7 or 8 years ago.

On the Saturday. Former ‘Canned Heat’ guitarist and ‘John Mayall Bluesbreaker’ Walter Trout is going to Chichester. A world-renowned bluesman, Walter is named by BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris as ‘the World’s greatest rock guitarist’.
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Other acts include Never the Bride, Todd Sharpville, Ben Prestage, The Brass Knuckle Blues Band, and Midnight Train, alongside many old favourites including the stunning King King, the irrepressible Connie Lush, and three-times Blues Harmonica Player of the Year, Errol Linton. Keep checking the website for updates. <bluesonthefarm.co.uk>

BLUES AT THE FORT

Hampshire's Leading Blues and Real Ale Festival takes place on at Fort Purbeck overlooking the city of Portsmouth on Friday 20th May 2011, and Saturday 21st May 2011

On Friday from 6:30pm - Late Blues at the Fort presents an evening guaranteed to get you on your feet with Rock, Soul and Tamala favourites.: Cheese Doctors; Rufus Stone; Big Brother Soul

On Saturday 21st May 2011, 5:30pm - Late For the Blues enthusiasts, the Saturday festival again starts earlier this year, and features a fantastic range of artists, each bringing their own special interpretation of R&B : Robin Bibi Band; The Mustangs; Saiichi Sugiyama Band and the Brass Knuckle Blues Band. Tickets through <bluesatthefort.com>

The Mustangs at Blues at the Fort

2011-04-17T11:52:00.000+01:00

The Mustangs will be serving up a blues rocking treat as they take the stage at the fantastic Blues at The Fort Festival, the set will kick off at 7pm on Saturday 21^st May.

There will also be food and real ale stalls - all under a huge marquee set within the historical grounds of Fort Purbrook - right outside Portsmouth.

Other acts on the day include

Robin Bibi Band
Saiichi Sugiyama Band
Brass Knuckle Blues Band

Tickets for the festival can be purchased from the Blues at the fort web site http://www.bluesatthefort.com