Acts

Since their formation in 1977 NINE BELOW ZERO have developed a reputation as one of the best blues bands in the country. Their high energy live act was already well established by the time they signed to A&M RECORDS in 1980 and was forever captured on their classic live album 1980’s LIVE AT THE MARQUEE. Legendary producer GLYN JOHNS subsequently worked with the band on 1981’s DON’T POINT YOUR FINGER and they became a familiar sight on seminal TV shows like THE OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW and memorably performed ‘’11+11’’ on the very first episode of anarchic comedy hit THE YOUNG ONES. High profile tours with THE WHO and The KINKS followed and although their musicianship was reaching new heights 1982’s THIRD DEGREE was the last album released by the classic line-up. During this hiatus Dennis formed the soul/pop outfit THE TRUTH producing two Top 20 singles in the UK and a Top 5 R&B hit in the US whilst Mark Feltham went on to become one of the most sought after harmonica players in the session world. The band made a triumphant return in 1990 to celebrate their 10th anniversary with an all new rhythm section consisting of BRENDAN O’NEILL (Drums) and GERRY MCAVOY (Bass) from RORY GALLAGHER’s band. A sell-out UK tour with this line-up led to a new record deal with CHINA RECORDS and tours with the likes of STING, RAY DAVIES, BRIAN MAY and an incredible 12 nights at THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL with ERIC CLAPTON. The band later formed their own record company, ZED RECORDS, and this creative control brought further success including 2009’s critically acclaimed album ‘IT’S NEVER TOO LATE’ and appearances with the likes of GARY MOORE, CHUCK BERRY, JOOLS HOLLAND and PAUL JONES. Universal’s rerelease of the band’s first three albums inspired the classic line-up, including BRIAN BETHELL (Bass), to reconvene for the first time since 1982. They were welcomed with open arms by loyal fans at shows culminating in a 35th anniversary tour with THE STRANGLERS. 2015 saw Mark and Dennis’ first release as an acoustic DUO, and the band return to GLENN TILBROOK’s 45 RPM STUDIOS where they recorded their own versions of rare blues and soul tracks for inclusion on the upcoming album 13 SHADES OF BLUE. For this recording the band introduced a horn section, keyboards, violin and backing vocalists to create an exciting new big band sound. A new 8-Piece NBZ Big Band took to the stage for the first time at GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2016 and were met with open arms by the fans. The new line-up of DENNIS GREAVES (Guitar/Vocals), MARK FELTHAM (Harmonica/Vocals), MICKEY BURKEY (Drums), BEN WILLIS (Bass), CHARLIE AUSTEN (Vocals), ANDREW NOBLE (Keyboards), CHRIS RAND (Saxophone) & PAUL JORDANOUS (Trumpet) then embarked on a 30date tour of the UK to coincide with the release of 13 SHADES OF BLUE in September 2016. After a successful tour and a live performance on Radio 4’s ‘LOOSE ENDS’ with Clive Anderson the band are now preparing for a number of summer festival dates before getting back on the road with SQUEEZE in Autumn 2017.

Essentially Wille and the Bandits is a classic blues rock three piece much in the vein of Cream or The Jimi Hendrix experience. But in a similar way to how these bands pushed the genre in their time, Wille and the Bandits try to take their sound beyond what is expected of such a traditional line up.

The use of more bizarre instrumentation and eclectic influences in the song writing often pushes them more into a world music or progressive category. Having toured with artists such as Deep Purple through to the John Butler trio and played major festivals across Europe, the band seem to leave an equally astounding impression on audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds with their energetic and soulful performances.

They have received great critical acclaim, being voted in the top ten must see bands at Glastonbury 2014 by BBC Radio 1 and reaching number 2 in the UK blues chart with their first single on downloads alone. Now touring their third independently released studio album Wille and the Bandits fan base, repertoire of sounds, styles and innovation seems to be growing at an exponential rate.

The band are praised in the press for their albums; bursting at the seams with textures, originality and soul. Rock legends such as Ian Paice, Joe Bonamassa and Francis Rossi have also praised the band’s musicianship and their unique edge to Rock and Blues.

It’s rare to find a band as dynamic as Wille and the Bandits, one that is just as comfortable and as impressive at both ends of the sonic spectrum. In the modern age of disposable music it is refreshing to hear a band that still value the art of creating albums and who continue to bring new instruments and ideas into their songwriting rather than settling for a tried and tested formula. Ten seconds of Youtube will not scratch the surface of the band’s sound and message; this is a band that is very much about discovery and one best experienced LIVE!.
STEVIE NIMMO TRIO

As one half of Scotland’s highly respected ‘Nimmo Brothers’, Stevie Nimmo has been a well known and respected figure throughout the blues and roots world for over 2 decades. Now, having toured extensively with the critically acclaimed blues rock outfit over the last few years, as well as taking to the road in a stripped back, acoustic format to promote his debut solo project ‘The Wynds of Life’, Stevie is now in full stride with his full-on, electric, no-holds-barred trio format. Stevie says that, although the acoustic project is extremely satisfying and allows him to showcase his voice and song writing talents in the perfect environment, sometimes “…you just want to break out the Les Paul or strat, crank up the old orange amp and make some noise!” Which is exactly what he plans to do. Stevie’s new cd ‘Sky Won’t Fall’ was released worldwide in 2016 on the Manhaton Records label and it has already been voted album of the year by many in the media and by his fans. He is enjoying making music now as much as at any point throughout his 20 years in the business and is fully relishing touring and performing the new songs to his ever growing army of admirers. Don’t miss this chance to catch an artist at the top of his game doing what he does best – standing on stage playing his own music in his own passionate, inimitable fashion. You will not be disappointed!

SUGARAY RAYFORD

Rayford began his musical career at the tender age of seven, singing and playing drums in church, and his gospel influences definitely shine through in his music. The soulful rasp and emotive vocal style hint at his first-hand experience with hardship, and a childhood marked by poverty and loss. “I remember a sad game I used to play with my brothers, a competition that determined who was skinniest by counting the number of belt holes left unused,” recalls Rayford. His mother struggled to raise three boys alone while battling cancer. "She suffered and we suffered," Rayford says. "Then, we moved in with my grandmother and our lives improved. We ate every day and we were in church every day, which I loved. I grew up in gospel and soul.” As front-man of The Mannish Boys, Rayford and the band won the Blues Music Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2013 and Rayford himself has been nominated for over a dozen BMA’s, including Vocalist of the Year multiple nominations for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. With his 8-piece crack band and personal charm, Rayford’s live shows are quickly becoming re-known for their high-energy and celebratory nature, with Rayford whipping the crowds into a frenzy, like a Gospel Preacher. In the studio and in person, Sugaray Rayford is developing a reputation as a force to be reckoned with and an artist to watch in the coming years.
KYLA BROX

Kyla's voice remains a stunning example of the soul singer's art: turning up the heat by degrees, lulling and charming before unleashing emotional catharsis, and blurring the distinction between pleasure and pain like the soul greats of old. Whether fronting the mighty Kyla Brox Band, or harnessing undiluted soul power in a duo with musical and life partner Danny Blomeley, Kyla Brox is without doubt the most authentic UK blues and soul singer of her generation. Born in Lancashire in 1980, she was exposed to the passion of Afro-American music at first-hand from her blues singing father, Victor. She traces her interest in singing from age three, partly from a desire to be closer to her charismatic but distant dad. She was the late product of the marriage between Victor (Caiaphas in the original cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar) and Annette (the 'maid by the fire' in the same), and, unlike her elder sisters, gifted but non-professional singers, she didn't spend her formative years in the back of a touring van under a cloud of cannabis smoke. Kyla joined the family business in 1992, singing with Victor onstage at Band On The Wall at the age of 12, and performing with his regular touring group shortly afterwards. The core of the Kyla Brox Band go back to this remarkable unit, nominally the Victor Brox Blues Train, but known as 'the child slavery band' for the extreme youth of the players. As well as Kyla (13, but could pass for 21), it contained bassist Danny Blomeley (13, but could pass for eight), and drummer Phil Considine (19), both Kyla Brox Band mainstays. A two month stay at Victor's house in France at the age of 16 was a period of growth and development. Then, in 2000, she accompanied her father on an extensive tour of Australia. Blomeley had left the Blues Train to travel the world, and, to ease the blow, he promised to find Victor some dates in Australia. Kyla, just turned 20, found herself singing risque blues songs to hard men in mining camps in remote parts of the outback. This was the trip that transformed the novice singer into a seasoned soul belle. Back in Manchester in 2001, Kyla and Danny formed a duo, occasionally augmented by old members of the child slavery band: the Kyla Brox Band was born! They plied their trade in Victor's old stomping grounds in North West pubs and clubs, before a career-making performance at Colne Blues Festival in 2002 sealed Kyla's reputation as the first lady of the British blues. The line of development can be traced through Kyla's six albums. From the 2003 debut Window, where the tone is summery and romantic, to the acoustic Grey Sky Blue (2009), where hopes and longings are freighted with deeper emotions, via the blues/soul calling card Beware (2003), the band triumph Coming Home (2004) and the more introspective Gone (2007). The songs have developed too: the team of Brox/Blomeley have grown into a potent songwriting force, writing in the blues/soul idiom with an individual, nicely personal touch. In an age of conveyer belt pop stars and emote-by-rote singers, Kyla Brox is the real deal.

DEL BROMHAM'S
BLUES DEVILS

Del Bromham is best known for his work as singer/guitarist/songwriter for the now legendary UK band STRAY. Del made his first public performance at the age of 13 and two years later formed the band STRAY while still at school. The bands first album was released in 1970 and to date have 11 studio albums 4 live albums and a double dvd. Del still tours constantly with STRAY. So what of his solo career which really began in 2004 when he was asked to accompany legendary American artist Leslie West on his solo European tour. This coincided with Dels first solo album, the blues based ‘Devils Highway’. The album never had an official release, however was only obtainable via his website and live shows. Since that time Del has continued to tour as a solo artist as well as with STRAY. Del is something of a raconteur often telling stories relating to his career and the songs he performs. He performs solo acoustic or with a band. The band has become known as Del Bromham’s Blues Devils and like a chameleon can take many forms, from a basic guitar bass and drums three piece, up to a seven piece band which often features his good friend and fabulous vocalist Cherry Lee Mewis. Cherry featured on his last studio album titled ‘Nine Yards’ which received excellent reviews by the music press and fans alike. Due to the success of the album, Angel Air Records suggested they release the album officially, only this time Del went back into the studios and recorded six additional bonus tracks. Del Bromham’s Blues Devils have recently played some major festivals going down a storm at every show. Finally here is what The Encyclopedia of Rock had to say about him. “In the late 60’s the first wave of guitar idols were usually Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, or Jeff Beck. Bromham’s work must be re-appraised as he clearly slipped through the net.” Don’t miss your chance to see Del Bromham live!

RHR
(REDFERN-HUTCHINSON-ROSS)

RHR is the new powerhouse band featuring the triple guitar-frontman lineup of Troy Redfern, Jack J Hutchinson and Mike Ross, plus Darren Lee and Jack Browning. Mixing the best of southern rock, Americana and blues, the group are also heavily rooted in the jam band scene. The band’s debut album ‘Mahogany Drift’ was released in ovember 2018 and was met with rave reviews. The single ‘Rapture’ was play listed on Planet Rock Radio, who also gave the album a 4/5 review, saying: “A record with palpable crossover and chemistry among the band that swaggers confidently between loose-limbed blues, Southern rock and even a touch of psychedelia” The album also received an 8/10 review in Classic Rock Magazine, who said: “Southern rock hooks so strong you suspect they waterboarded them out of the Robinson brothers.”

"Eliana Cargnelutti is a guitar player/singer from North Italy. She is the new hope of rock blues. A strong singer and a crafty guitarist, Eliana is one of the rare real front women of the European scene. She signed for the Ruf Records label three years ago and she already did her international tour with Girls With Guitars 2015 (performing in big festivals and clubs from Germany to US) . Joe Bonamassa put a song of Eliana on the list of the eight recent songs absolutely to hear. Eliana was named one of the five “best female guitarists” in the rock blues scene at the American “Jimi Awards” in 2015 and she was nominated the 5th best female guitar player of the rock blues world by the american Blues E-news magazine. Eliana's is endorser Frog amps and cables, Dophix pedals, D'Orazio Strings. Her quartet plays a flavour of rock blues with a bit of everything in between: electric funk, mixed with pop and jazzy instrumentals, raw rock, tight blues grooves, illuminated by her skills as an electric guitarist. Her sets truly have something for everyone."

The Ryk Mead Band, are indeed a blues band but by definition a lot more. A Stunning Power Blues, Jazz, Rock Trio. Through playing many different styles of music it has always been the case that the blues has had a deep influence on whatever type of material I’ve played. As time progressed, so did the inclination to select the more obscure and less trodden path of song and material I wanted to play. It's hard to say whether this is my influence on the other members of the band or if the others have joined because they feel the same about the way music has influenced them. Whatever the case my band has developed a style of its own. When i play live the set may change from night to night. We might suddenly change an arrangement or change direction at any moment within a song. The basis of the song stays the same but things change, imagination and feel for the moment take over; something new is created. Not even the guy’s in the band know when it's coming. This creates a tension and excitement that means things evolve and develop night by night. With hard work it becomes possible. This makes every gig potentially electrifying and new. Ryk Mead, singer/guitarist, songwriter, Musical Director; Heart and soul of the band. A confirmed guitar virtuoso, started a gigging career on stage in the late 60s, touring in Germany from October 1969, he has built a reputation on solid experience gained alongside some of the worlds famous names, such as: Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Annie Lennox, Alison Moyet, The Pretty Things, Steve Waller (Manfred Man's Earth Band), Paul Fox and Dave Ruffy (The Ruts), Elmer Gantry (Stretch / Alan Parsons Project) Beverley Martyn (partner of former icon John Martyn) and a host supporting musicians from the professional arena. Working through many styles and genres, as professionals often do, Ryk has paid his dues and now has a world of experience to draw on. But if you listen you will hear in all these styles the heart of the blues. Internationally, this native Londoner is performing all over the world, from China to the United States. Recently appeared in the USA as supporting act for Willy Nelson, and in Europe often touring France. A mix of new songs and traditional covers plus original material. Genres are a spread over Rock, Jazz, melodic, and ethnic blues. Featuring songs from the album “Chicago” the last CD from Ryk Mead. And his latest EP “Pictures in a Gallery”, due for release soon.

The Achievers are one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed new bands on the UK Blues and Roots Music scene. The UK & European Blues press agree that The Achievers are one of the most original and exciting bands to emerge in British Blues. Layered with four-part harmonies, joyful melodies and infectious, danceable rhythms there has never been a better time to see and hear The Achievers. Their unique approach and willingness to move away from familiar guitar-solo orientated styles prove that soul , grove and song-craft still matter in the blues.

This the current line up is the best and they are on fire right now; bringing their own unique sound and style of fun, playing their style of Country blues, Rock & Americana. Wherever they are playing including Festivals, theatres pubs and venues such as the 100 Club their ethos is always to have fun and make the audience are as well. The band are signed to the 3Ms Music label and have released one album to date with them Diff’rent Gravy which has been getting rave reviews. They’ve shared line-ups with likes of Bellowhead, Wilko Johnson, The Pretty Things, Jefferson Starship, Eric Burdon, Carl Palmer, The Blues Band, Stray, David Knopfler, The Quireboys, Dr Feelgood & the Yardbirds and they’ve supported Eddi Reeder & the Animals to name but a few. Left to Right: Nick, Dave, James, Jamie & Jake After 10 years of constant gigging the band’s line up has now evolved into the great live fun band that they are today with Jamie Williams leading them and who writes all of the songs which are then arranged by the whole band. Jamie ‘Jim Bob Mc’Williams (lead vocals & rhythm guitar), Nick ‘Charity saint’ Garner (harmonicas & backing vocals), Dave ‘the Hat’ Milligan (lead guitar and backing vocals), Jake ‘The Dude’ Milligan (bass & backing vocals), James ‘The Hog’ Bacon (drums and percussion) also we have Paul Madden on drums when James is not available. It was at Pauls Studio in France The Coach House where they recorded their last album Diff’rent Gravy. Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective are all good mates on and off stage as they say “we are not a band we are a family.” They have honed the rough edges to become one of the most exciting and fun originals live bands on the circuit today. Their ethos is ‘it’s all about the party’ – they know when the audience is having fun they’ve got it right! This is a band who love to entertain people and to make them smile; to inspire them to dance & sing along too. Although the band plays festivals, and plenty of them, they still love playing clubs & venues in fact they just love to play live. With lots of UK & international air play, the band is gathering a worldwide following of loyal fans some of whom travel a great distance to see them play.

Glas (which translates as Blue in Welsh), are one of the hardest working trios on the UK circuit averaging two hundred and fifty gigs a year playing a unique mix of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, R’n’B, rockabilly and western swing - sometimes all in the same song. They even make the occasional foray into “prog” rock, inspired by the influence of Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, and Man. Like Man, Glas incorporate a gleeful sense of experimentation whilst staying true to their roots.

The unique vocal pairing of mother and daughter Lee and Tori Ainley. The raw, untapped talent of teenage guitarist Elliot Young. Musical direction by a former A&R manager who worked with John Mayall, Peter Green, Buddy Whittington and John Lee Hooker.

Put these all together with the driving rhythms of one of the South Coast’s most in demand blues drummers, and you end up with Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm – a band dedicated to entertaining audiences with a stunning selection of Blues infused grooves.

Put on your dancing shoes as it’s Blues Jim, but not as we know it!

Deep Blue Sea have crashed onto the UK music scene with a new wave of indie blues – a small selection of reviews are here:

100 Club, London – It’s blues Jim, but not as we know it. The quality of the playing alone would put this gig up there with the best but this is also great fun; the band obviously enjoy themselves and audiences will always pick up on that. Great performances and big smiles all around the room - that’s a good combination for a great night.
Allan McKay, Music Riot

Woodlands Blues Club - A breathtaking performance from Deep Blue Sea with a flawless mix of self penned songs and covers featuring a soulful harmonic voice and driving guitar work - we knew this was something special from the first song to the sudden rush to buy CDs at the end. Andy Davies, Woodlands Blues Club

Blues in the South - The new songs are simply outstandingly good. The instrumentation is nicely balanced and beautifully played with a voice and delivery to die for. Will this band will eclipse what has gone before? One comment: Given this start, No problemo!
Ian MacKenzie, Blues in the South - DJ

The Hope Tavern - With Iago on lead guitar, backed up by the rhythm section of Graeme on bass and amanda on drums and fronted by the beautiful Dregas with outstanding vocals, it just got better and better. What a cracking afternoon! and what an amazing band "Deep Blue Sea". Vince Collins, writer/blogger

The Blues Show on Bishop FM - Deep Blue Sea will float your troubles away with their great new sounds, no lifejacket required!
Gary Grainger, The Blues Show - DJ

The music of the "WANG DANG DOODLE BAND" confidentially "THE WDD" is based on R&B, blues but they easily go on heavily on rock and jazz.The elements usually taking a blues standard and bringing a rock sound and style to it. The band is based on three killer sections: the traditional rock roots come from kosmas guitar, the jazz syncopate rhythm from Francesco's drum , and the fabulous flying harp of laurent that with his energy and character is the glue of this musical engine by throwing his heart and his soul into his singing, from which approach the power of the blues is said to come...... This is The sound of the band a synthesis of different traditions in an explosive cocktail to drink without breath, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs and kicking off the weekend with a bang! THEY ARE THE WANG DANG DOODLE.

A howlin’ blues three piece - harmonica, guitar, drums – modelled after acts on the Fat Possum label such as RL Burnside and T Model Ford and in the tradition of Hound Dog Taylor and the like. But we also throw in a good heap of Little Walter and New Orleans music, including Professor Longhair and James Booker, making for a unique mix. We’ve been featured in Blues in Britain and our debut CD, a mix of originals and covers, has been getting radio airplay on blues programmes around the country and the US. Our motto: “Work all day for money, fight all night for love.”

The Mojo Preachers are a five-piece, female fronted, boundary-pushing outfit, delivering hard-hitting original tunes; conjuring up a melodiously intricate, authentic yet unconventional sound. Think raw riffs, psychedelic waves, rooted rhythms & thought-provoking lyrics, all with an occasional touch of sweeping, soaring, musical emotion that only progressive blues can bring.

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