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UCKFIELD BLUES & ROOTS 2022

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FRIDAY 29th JULY 2022

HOLLIE ROGERS | THE CINELLI BROTHERS | ELLES BAILEY

7.30 - 8.20

HOLLIE ROGERS

Hollie Rogers is a Cornwall raised, London based, singer, songwriter and guitarist with an incredibly powerful voice. Her live performances consistently receive outstanding reviews.

HOLLIE ROGERS

HOLLIE ROGERS is a Cornwall raised, London based, singer, songwriter and guitarist with an incredibly powerful voice. Her live performances consistently receive outstanding reviews, with regular reference to the level of candour in her lyrics. Hollie has supported acts like Suzanne Vega, Midge Ure, Paolo Nutini and Ralph McTell and she is no stranger to festival stages at Glastonbury, Black Deer, Cornbury Festival and more. Hollie is also a regular performer at events curated by Whispering Bob Harris, who recently invited her to record a live session at his home studio. Her much anticipated upcoming album, recorded with a world class band at Masterrlink Studios, features Jamie Lawson and US guitar legend Robben Ford and is scheduled for release later this year.

"A Magnificent and powerful voice"
-Suzanne Vega

“Reminiscent of Carole King & Joni Mitchell, amazing voice”

-Nick Mason, Pink Floyd

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8.30 - 9.30

THE CINELLI BROTHERS

The Cinelli Brothers is a project born out of a common passion for the electric Chicago and Texas blues from the 60s and 70s, when brothers Marco (guitarist and lead singer) and Alessandro (drummer)…

THE CINELLI BROTHERS

The Cinelli Brothers is a project born out of a common passion for the electric Chicago and Texas blues from the 60s and 70s, when brothers Marco (guitarist and lead singer) and Alessandro (drummer) decided to form an explosive team showcasing original repertoire in the style of Chess, Stax and Motown.

Joining the two brothers on stage, Enzo Strano on bass and Tom Julian-Jones on harmonica and guitar.

Their debut album Babe Please Set Your Alarm was recorded at the Soup Studio in London and the full live and analog recording was released in May 2018 on vinyl and digital format.
The record went number 2 in the IBBA (Independent Blues Broadcasters' Association) in June 2018.
The band is been featured in Blues in Britain, Blues Matters, Classic Rock and other magazines.
This album comprises nine tasty original compositions and three finely crafted covers. ‘Chain of Fools’ by Don Covay (an Aretha hit), ‘Back Door Man’ – which stays true to Willie Dixon’s number - and Prince’s ‘Kiss’, in a remarkable shuffle rhythm.

Music Republic Magazine nominated Marco Cinelli as Best Guitar Player of 2018.

Legendary radio and broadcaster David ‘Kid’ Jensen has played s different track from their album on six consecutive weeks of his United Djs radio show. Naming them as his favourite blues outfit, and his favourite blues album in many years.

The Cinelli Brothers champion a new generation of passionate musicians sharing in the love of Blues, Soul, R&B and the true authentic sounds that have made the blues a cornerstone of music history.

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9.45 - 11.15

ELLES BAILEY

Elles is a smoky-voiced human dynamo, who straddles the worlds of Americana and the blues, garnering accolades in both.

ELLES BAILEY

Elles is a smoky-voiced human dynamo, who straddles the worlds of Americana and the blues, garnering accolades in both. Despite the Global pandemic, 2020 started with a bang for the far-touring chanteuse when “Little Piece of Heaven” written with storied Memphis and Nashville giant Bobby Wood, & Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys) picked up ‘UK Song of the Year’ at the UK Americana Awards. It’s taken from her chart topping sophomore album ‘Road I Call Home’ which was released to rave reviews and awarded ‘Album of the Year’ at the UK Blues Awards. Adding to Elles’ string of awards she also picked up the high accolade of ‘Artst of the Year’ two years in a row at the UK Blues Awards 2020 and 2021 and a nominaton for Artst of the Year at the 2022 UK Americana Awards.

Her brand new studio album ‘Shining in the Half Light’ , recorded in those ‘silent’ days during the 2020 lockdowns, drops Feb 25th 2002 with the first three singles having garnered huge support from BBC Radio Two and Planet Rock. Cheats & Liars, Sunshine City and The Game have all been added to the Planet Rock A list playlist, with 11 weeks collectively at the top spot on the UK Airplay Charts. The title track Shining in the Half light received its first play, along with an interview with Cerys MaChews on the Radio 2 Blues Show on 7th Feb 2022.

As a self-confessed ‘rolling stone’ Elles continues to do everything she can to call the road her home. She had select festival dates throughout the summer of 2021 and a sold out tour in the Autumn of 2021. And 2022 is looking bright; this year sees Elles play festivals across the length and breadth of the UK and into Europe, and taking to the high seas to play the Joe Bonasmassa - Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Cruise.

Miss Bailey really does call the road home & when she arrives near you, don't think twice, get there. A great evening and a long musical friendship will be waiting.

“Absolutely Superb” Bob Harris BBC Radio 2

“Incredibly listenable” Music News

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SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2022

GEORGIA VAN ETTEN | DAVID MIGDEN & THE TWISTED ROOTS | AYNSLEY LISTER

7.30 - 8.20

GEORGIA VAN ETTEN​

London based singer-songwriter Georgia van Etten, soulfully blends roots music with alt-pop to craft songs that stick.

GEORGIA VAN ETTEN​​

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Georgia packed one tiny suitcase six years ago and headed for the U.K. Since then she has solidified her position as an international touring artist, having headlined London Omeara (2019), Porretta Soul Festival (Italy 2019), Borderline (UK), Hideaway with Omar (OBE), Ealing Blues Festival with Grammy Nominee Earl Thomas, headlined Stompin’ On The Quomps (UK), Cambridge International Jazz Festival and joined leading artists to play the prestigious Montreux Jazz (Switzerland), Jazz à Vienne (France) and the mega Falls Festival (Australia).

Her debut EP ‘Live at the Pool Studio’ had extensive international and BBC Radio 2 play with Jamie Cullum remarking “this really blew me away when I first heard it”, and Blues & Soul Magazine UK declaring “Put simply, this is a damn fine EP”.

The EP release particularly sparked attention surrounding van Etten’s unique mouth trumpet impression with media giant UNILAD SOUND featuring a clip from track 'Sugar' that reached viral views and coined her the 'Human Trumpet’.

Georgia has also written and recorded extensively with soul-electronic artist Alice Ivy who has quickly risen to fame in Australia after success with tracks 'Touch' and 'Almost Here' that feature van Etten and have gained phenomenal streams on Spotify. Together they have toured the UK and Germany, and a run of impressive Australian dates including support for Foster The People at The Forum, Melbourne.

Widely celebrated for her unbounded creativity and authenticity, Georgia van Etten’s debut album ‘Deep Black Water’ is something very special indeed.

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8.30 - 9.30

DAVID MIGDEN & THE TWISTED ROOTS

David Migden & The Twisted Roots are an exciting electric five piece, performing unique original material in a genre-busting crossover of rock, blues and twisted American roots.

DAVID MIGDEN & THE TWISTED ROOTS​

After a lengthy break, extended by the pandemic, David Migden & The Twisted Roots are back with their unique mix of dirty blues and roots music and will be showcasing the music from their new album titled 'GET INVOLVED'.

David Migden & The Twisted Roots are an exciting electric five piece, performing unique original material in a genre-busting crossover of rock, blues and twisted American roots.

David Migden was raised in Little Rock Arkansas and moved to the UK as a teenager. After playing and touring around London and Europe, initially in the Lee Sankey Group with Matt Schofield and Ian Siegal, he then teamed up with ‘The Dirty Words’ and released ‘Second Hand Tattoo’ to a fantastic response from critics and fans alike.
Gigs across London and the Southeast followed at venues such as The Jazz Cafe, Dean Street Pizza Express, Ronnie Scott’s, the Borderline, and the American Embassy. The band members have played with many other internationally renowned artists including Robert Plant, James Brown, Corinne Bailey Rae, Matt Berry, Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), and Andy Newmark (Sly & the Family Stone, Roxy Music, John Lennon, Bowie), and have gained a reputation for putting on fantastic shows that focus on David’s incredible songs.
David Migden & The Dirty Words released their second album ‘Killing It’ in 2012 and received glowing reviews and radio play from across the globe.

The band has represented the UK in the European Blues Challenge and after the success of ' Second Hand Tattoo and 'Killing It' this was followed by 'Animal & Man'.

:Reviews:
‘…a contemporary fusion of blue-eyed soul shouter and Beefheartian swamp growler’ Susie Goldring BBC Online
‘Migden’s Joe Williams-like deep tones, contrasted with a Howling Wolf falsetto, asserted pretty clearly that we’ll be hearing a lot from him.’ The Guardian

‘…David Migden’s resonant baritone and knack for writing intriguing melodic twists sidesteps the usual blues cliches’. Play Music Magazine
‘They have managed to successfully blend blues, funk, soul, rock with a little bit of country and come up with an original unique sound they can definitely call their own’. Rob Stanley – The Midlands Rocks Jan 2013
’Blues. Funk. Soul. Rock. The band themselves say it’s ‘twisted American roots’ and they probably know best. Either way, you can safely file under “Great Music”.’ Heritage Music UK Jan 2013
‘
“Phenomenally good” Jamie Cullum

“Compelling Listening” Metro

“This could be big” Time Out

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9.45 - 11.15

AYNSLEY LISTER

Aynsley Lister is one of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists – many consider him to be among the best in the world. His unique brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing fueled with the kind of heart and soul that’s missing from so much modern music.

AYNSLEY LISTER​

Aynsley Lister is one of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists – many consider him to be among the best in the world. His unique brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing fueled with the kind of heart and soul that’s missing from so much modern music. Whether passionately writing and recording his own material or mesmerising audiences at his live shows, one thing is abundantly clear: music is hard-wired to his DNA and flows from his fingertips like sonic bolts of lightning. With over 100,000 albums sold, lashings of critical acclaim and years of high profile touring, Lister’s resumé speaks for itself and firmly secures his position as a leading light in the resurgence of British blues-infused music.

Blazing a trail in a bar band from the age of 13 honed his skills. By 18 he'd started singing and had also formed his first group, during which time he landed a dream support slot with Buddy Guy and released two low key CD's featuring his earliest original material. In 1998 those self-penned titles caught the attention of Ruf Records owner Thomas Ruf, who immediately signed Aynsley and hooked him up with Stevie Ray Vaughan's producer Jim Gaines. With a maturity that belied his years, the self titled debut announced Aynsley Lister as a major new talent and kicked off a successful relationship with Ruf Records, releasing 7 albums and 2 DVD's in ten years. Their influence, coupled with his dynamite live shows and an intense touring schedule, earned high profile support slots with established artists like Walter Trout, John Mayall and Robert Cray, whilst rousing festival appearances alongside artists like the Fun Lovin' Criminals cemented his standing as an artist whose work, although rooted in blues, transcended the genre with a fiery modern sound that was eagerly embraced by fans of rock, pop, soul and acoustic music alike. In 2007 Aynsley was the only British artist to be named in Classic Rock magazine's "Top 10 Contemporary Blues Artists", alongside John Mayer, Derek Trucks and Joe Bonamassa.

In 2008 Aynsley's huge crossover potential then saw him sign to Manhaton Records, where he released his 'Equilibrium' and 'Tower Sessions' albums. Produced by Steve Darrel Smith and featuring Paul McCartney guitarist Robbie Macintosh, 2009's 'Equilibrium' exposed Lister in his best ever form, throwing all his musical influences into a delicious melting pot that delivered sultry melodies, full throttle hard rock riffage and introspective ballads. 'Equilibrium' received fantastic reviews and stormed into Classic Rock’s Top 50 Albums of 2009. The subsequent tour saw Aynsley playing to sold out shows to over 16,000 people whilst opening for the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd, after which he and his band relocated to the Tower Arts Centre and with the tape rolling, nailed a cracking rendition of their high-octane live set to produce the storming 'Tower Sessions' record, which was consequently voted ‘Best Live Album’ in the 2011 Blues Matters Writers Poll.

In 2013, Aynsley then completely bucked the trend and moved away from the traditional format, going into partnership with his wife, Stephanie Lister, and launching their own record label, Straight Talkin' Records. The pair have since released two of the most successful albums of Aynsley's career under their own steam. 'Home', released in 2013, garnered the guitar ace the 'Songwriter of the Year' award at the British Blues Awards and 'Eyes Wide Open', released on October 7 2016, saw him confidently pursuing his own musical path. Self-assured, inventive and richly-textured, Aynsley brings his 18 years of hard touring, 11 album releases (eight studio and three live) and all his experience as a musician to fruition on Eyes Wide Open.

“Music is a release for me. When I play I get lost in it and it's a very happy place to be” - Aynsley Lister

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SUNDAY 31ST JULY 2022

Free Session - Afternoon

STORMY T & BLUESMAN'S LANE | SAIICHI SUGIYAMA | BIG BLUE | MILLER ANDERSON with BOB BROOKES & JEREMY SHERMAN | BRAVE RIVAL

12.30

STORMY T & BLUESMAN'S LANE

Stormy-T and Bluesman’s Lane is a four-piece Hastings-based Blues band. We play traditional Rhythm & Blues, Swing, Blues & Funk from the 1930s to the 2000s.

STORMY T & BLUESMAN'S LANE​

Stormy-T and Bluesman’s Lane are a four piece Hastings based Blues Band, playing traditional Rhythm & Blues, Swing, Blues Funk & Classic Blues from the 1930’s to the 2000’s The Band was formed in 2018 due to a mutual love of the more traditional blues & swing music, and since playing their first gig in July of 2018 the band have been playing regular weekly gigs & secured monthly residency’s and although they haven’t been together long, they have built up quite a following and a reputation for getting their audiences singing and dancing.

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1.30

SAIICHI SUGIYAMA

Saiichi Sugiyama, born in Asakusa, Tokyo, is a British-based guitarist, composer and singer, best known for his writing, production and performing collaborations with Pete Brown, the lyricist for Cream, since 2002 to date.

SAIICHI SUGIYAMA

Saiichi Sugiyama, born in Asakusa, Tokyo, is a British-based guitarist, composer and singer, best known for his writing, production and performing collaborations with Pete Brown, the lyricist for Cream, since 2002 to date.

Sugiyama released his eponymous first album in 1994 backed by Phil Williams and Mike Caswell of Walk on Fire, Andy Smith of Hot chocolate, Cutting Crew’s rhythm section and Zoot Money. Playing on the London blues club circuit, Sugiyama’s on stage bands in 1990s at various times featured Boz Burrell of Bad Company, John Cook of Rory Gallagher Band, Sam Kelly and the guitarist Paul Wassif. The album received airplay by Paul Jones and Sugiyama supported Eric Bell, appeared on Live TV and jammed with Otis Grand and members of Jeff Healey Band at Roadhouse in Covent Garden.

In July 2016, Sugiyama with the producer Mune Sugiyama released a single Melting Away, which was a collaboration with Andy Fraser, the former Free bassist. The track was written by Sugiyama and featured Rietta Austin on vocals, Mune Sugiyama on the drums and Fraser on the bass. The release became one of the last recordings by Andy Fraser. The video of Melting Away became a track of the week on Classic Rock website and Sugiyama was invited to perform at Annual Free Convention in Newcastle in 2016.

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2.30

BIG BLUE

The Big Blue are not your typical covers band but they do perform classic blues numbers with a special edge. Stuart Bligh is an exceptional musician and his band are all top class.

STORMY T & BLUESMAN'S LANE​

The Big Blue are not your typical covers band but they do perform classic blues numbers with a special edge. Stuart Bligh is an exceptional musician and his band are all top class.
Listen out for some special takes on Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray and many others. As many times that you have heard The Big Blue it's never enough, they always sound great , very dynamic and leave you wanting more.
The band and Stuart in his own right have a tremendous following and are popular throughout the South East. Stuart is such a popular figure on the local music scene, teaching and mentoring budding guitarists of all ages and hosting many Open Mic evenings.

You will enjoy !

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3.30

SPECIAL GUEST SPOT

3.50

MILLER ANDERSON with BOB BROOKES & JEREMY SHERMAN

Master musician Miller Anderson assisted by Dr. Bob Brookes & Jeremy Sherman! Miller Anderson Guitar Vocals ( Veteran of Woodstock has performed in every state of the US, lauded by many as the musicians’ Musician!

MILLER ANDERSON with BOB BROOKES & JEREMY SHERMAN​

Master musician Miller Anderson assisted by Dr. Bob Brookes & Jeremy Sherman! Miller Anderson Guitar Vocals ( Veteran of Woodstock has performed in every state of the US, lauded by many as the musicians' Musician! Anderson was born in Houston, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Apart from pursuing his solo career, he was a member of the Keef Hartley Band. Other groups he has been associated with are the Spencer Davis Group, Broken Glass, the Dukes, Mountain, Savoy Brown, T.Rex and Chicken Shack.[1] In early 2006, he joined the British Blues Quintet with Maggie Bell, Zoot Money, Colin Hodgkinson and Colin Allen.

In the spring of 2016 Anderson returned to the studio and in July 2016 released a new album, Through The Mill.

Dr. Bob Brookes Harmonica & Vocals. A latecomer to music joined his first band in '68 but since then has played with some of the best musicians in the business! Leo Sayer, Chris Farlowe, Buddy Whittington, Sherman Robertson, and many others.

Jeremy Sherman Lap steel and vocals. Jeremy Sherman is a versatile guitarist/composer specializing mainly in Roots music. Over 30 years of experience of playing in many varied bands has contributed to his ability to play and write in a diversity of styles, ranging through country, bluegrass, blues, ska, folk and jazz. He has spent the last few years putting that experience into writing and recording music for the media. Since becoming involved with Audio Network Jeremy has had his music used extensively in the UK in programs such as Scrap Heap Challenge (Channel 4), Mums Who Strike (ITV Network) and Seven Man-Made Wonders (BBC2). His music is now all over the world. A much-admired musician!

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4.50

BRAVE RIVAL

What happens when you take a drummer tighter than Ron Jeremy’s boxers, a bassist with more low-end than the Grand Canyon, a guitarist who shreds faster than Simon Cowell’s accountant and two singers whose voices seem to make the world that much sweeter?

BRAVE RIVAL​

Brave Rival are the South East’s brand-new rip-roaring rock and blues Machine. Hailing from Portsmouth, the UK Blues Award Nominated band features the powerful and beautiful twin vocals of Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick. On lead guitar, providing dramatic guitar solos and crunching rock riffs is Ed “The Shred” Clarke. And holding it all together is the rhythmic backbone, the self-proclaimed engine room of Billy Dedman (bass) and Donna Peters (drums).
Drawing influence from the likes of John Mayer, Aretha Franklin, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and Tedeschi Trucks, Brave Rival offer a style and sound that you’ve always known, and yet never heard before.
Since their inception in the summer of 2019, Brave Rival have gone from strength to strength, featuring in Raw Ramp Magazine as one of the 'Top 20 Bands To Watch In 2020' and nominated for 'Breakthrough Act 2019' by Get Ready To Rock Radio.

At the turn of the decade, hot off the heels from supporting blues rock giants such as Stevie Nimmo and The Billy Walton Band, Brave Rival captured their raw energy live by recording their headline set to a gracious sold-out audience at Hook’s famous Echo Hotel Music Club. This fabulous set of early material was quickly released to critical acclaim as their first Live Album ‘Brave Rival Live at the Echo Hotel Music Club’. Keeping the momentum going, a Kickstarter was launched for their first studio album with the target being smashed by their loyal fanbase with time to spare. It was time to repay that loyalty with a studio album. Little did they know however, that the world was about to change forever.
With the pandemic putting the brakes on recording plans, Brave Rival spent much of the UK Lockdowns writing new material via the power of Zoom calls and Google drive. The abundance of material produced served them well for the eventual recording of their debut album in the summer of 2021. Recorded at The Mayfair Studio in the picturesque Surrey countryside with producer slash seducer Tarrant Shepherd at their side, Brave Rival’s highly anticipated debut album “Life’s Machine” will arrive on May 6th 2022 with the first single, “Guilty Love” releasing on the 11th Feb.
The future is looking incredibly bright for this young up and coming band. A successful set on the introducing stage at the 2022 Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Skegness saw them win the competition, securing a deserved place on the main stage in 2023. The relentless gigging and hard work in 2021 has also paid off for the band with a UK Blues Award Nomination for Best Emerging Blues Band.
Brave Rival are a band on a meteoric rise, firing on all cylinders and are about to take the world by storm. Brave Rival’s unique combination of beautifully harmonic, soulful vocals, epic guitar solos, pounding drums and powerful bass serves up an infectious sound that is not to be missed.

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SUNDAY 31ST JULY 2022

Evening

DOM MARTIN | JON GOMM | ALICE ARMSTRONG

7.30 - 8.20

DOM MARTIN

His jaw dropping, entirely natural sounding and unforced/unschooled skill on acoustic guitar, matched with an authentic ‘Belfast Blues’ voice, brings to mind comparisons with many from (Glasgow born) John Martyn to Rory Gallagher, with nods to many in-between not least perhaps the likes of Van Morrison and Foy Vance.

DOM MARTIN

Although a young man new to the scene, it would be wrong to think Dom Martin hasn't paid his life and musical dues. Brought up in the often tough, but community driven streets of Belfast Northern Ireland, Dom traded his craft for a time locally without a (self confessed) clue how to break into the (international) music business and possibly with too much humility to try. 'Discovered' by his present manager, Dom has made a fairly 'meteoric' rise in terms of today's industry, with his first ever EP release attracting BBC 6 music and BBC Radio 2 support - including a converted session with Cerys Matthews and quite rightly, he now has a number of international tours and Festivals in the book for 2021/22 (Subject to Covid-19 restrictions of course).  His jaw dropping, entirely natural sounding and unforced/unschooled skill on acoustic guitar, matched with an authentic 'Belfast Blues' voice, brings to mind comparisons with many from (Glasgow born) John Martyn to Rory Gallagher, with nods to many in-between not least perhaps the likes of Van Morrison and Foy Vance.

In 2019 (his debut year) Dom undertook two very successful UK tours, as well as playing many festivals including the International Guinness Blues on The Bay Festival, The International Rory Gallagher Festival at Ballyshannon (including the final night Big Top stage, The Letterkenny Rhythm and Blues Festival, a 5 show tour in Moscow, The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne Lancashire, The Harvest Time Festival in Monaghan, The Canterbury Festival in Kent and he also made his mainland European debut in Switzerland at the Blues Zeppelin Festival.

Dom has opened for Elles Bailey and Jo Harman and has also appeared for noted promoters AGMP Concerts as special guest support to the (US Grammy Winner) Mike Farris/Jo Harman at the big double bill London show on Wednesday 22nd January 2020 at the prestigious Under The Bridge venue, in Chelsea and the following evening as special guest support at the iconic 100 Club to Band of Friends. Dom then completed his first European Tour taking in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany before returning to Northern Ireland via shows in England just a week before the first Covid lockdown.

​

Dom was awarded Best Solo/Acoustic Act in the European Blues Awards 2019 and having been a three category nominee in the 2020 UK Blues Awards, picked up Best Acoustic Blues Artist 2020, so all in all, pretty impressive for his first full year and a very impressive and personal debut album indeed.

​

Dom has just been awarded Best Acoustic Blues Artist 2021 and nominated in 3 categories in the 2021 UK Blues Awards so this is now a young man well established in the UK and European Blues scenes. Dom has just been invited by the UK Blues Federation to represent the UK at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis USA in 2022!

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8.30 - 9.30

JON GOMM

Jon Gomm, based in Yorkshire in the UK, is an acoustic singer-songwriter with a revolutionary virtuoso guitar style, where he uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, bass lines and twisting melodies all at the same time.

JON GOMM

Jon Gomm, based in Yorkshire in the UK, is an acoustic singer-songwriter with a revolutionary virtuoso guitar style, where he uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, bass lines and twisting melodies all at the same time. The emphasis is still on the soulful vocals and songwriting, and his original material is influenced by everything from Robert Johnson to Radiohead. 

His live shows combine deeply personal, emotive performances and a natural wit, with a once seen, never forgotten two-handed guitar style, both physical and complex, producing sounds people can barely believe are coming from a humble acoustic guitar. 

Jon first laid his hands on a guitar at the age of two (actually it was a ukulele - his parents couldn’t find a guitar small enough). He wrote his first song at the age of six, and was soon accompanying his father, a music critic, to gigs in his hometown of Blackpool. Touring musicians would often stay at the Gomm household on the understanding Jon would get a guitar lesson, meaning he had one-to-one instruction from such blues legends as BB King and Jack Bruce of Cream. 

Nowadays, Jon tours worldwide. In January 2012 his song Passionflower went viral online, with the video passing 6 million hits, resulting in national TV appearances in the UK, Portugal, Holland, Brazil and Turkey,

Suddenly being catapulted from cult obscurity to mainstream acceptance has been a strange experience for someone so devoted to his craft, and Jon is an unlikely star and remains very much true to his roots in the acoustic circuit of the North of England.  

Jon is a truly and fiercely independent artist, with his own label and no mainstream industry support, but using mostly online social networks for promotion, he has defied the odds with a huge, truly supportive fanbase resulting in headline tours on all 5 continents, from Australia, Canada and Europe to China and South Africa and South America. His debut CD Hypertension has sold over 50,000 copies at the time of writing, and his second CD Don’t Panic sold out within 3 days of appearing on Amazon. His videos are watched tens of thousands of times within minutes of appearing on Youtube.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

“Wonderful to watch. Genius.” - Stephen Fry  

“I love your work and style so much. You are very special” – Jon Anderson (Yes)  

“Wonderful playing and singing” - David Crosby (Crosby, Stills and Nash)  

“Hands down the most amazing guitarist I have ever seen!” - Tommy Lee (Motley Crue)  

"Jon you are a genius man, I LOVE your music and playing!" - Steve Lukather (Toto)  

"There are very few musicians on the planet who can actually strike me speechless with the beauty and skill of their playing. Jon Gomm is one of those musicians." - Randy Blythe, Lamb Of God  

"Making music can be a battle between trying to be a technical guitarist and trying to convey emotion. Unless you're Jon Gomm. Then you can write the most complicated passages and have a heart-breaking melody as well." - Andy McKee

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9.45 - 11.15

ALICE ARMSTRONG

Alice Armstrong is a multi UK Blues Awards nominated singer-songwriter from the UK, known for her wide vocal range, unconventional lyrics, long red hair and enigmatic delivery. 

ALICE ARMSTRONG

‘Really loving that vocal‘ Craig Charles, BBC Radio 2

Alice Armstrong is a multi UK Blues Awards nominated singer-songwriter from the UK, known for her wide vocal range, unconventional lyrics, long red hair and enigmatic delivery, topped off with light-sensitivity glasses and an unrivalled love for chips. 

After gaining a following fronting and writing for the Crossfire Blues Band with celebrated young guitarist Marcus Praestgaard-Stevens, Alice spent the last few years on the stage of many of the UK’s biggest rhythm & blues festivals, completed a European tour and featured in both the 2020 and 2021 UK Blues Awards, singing alongside renowned musicians on a lockdown-cover of ‘Soulshine’ by the Allman Brothers.

Teaming up with the Stevie Watts organ trio to write the positively received album ‘Mission to the Moon’, they hit number 12 on the IBBA top played list for 2020 and earned a nomination at the 2021 UK Blues Awards for band of the year.

Alice credits Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Donnie Hathaway, Amy Winehouse, Peggy Lee and Dinah Washington to be her main musical influences, peppering her performances with her trademark sense of humour.

An ardent advocate of the Black Lives Matter, Body Positivity and Feminist movements, Alice also uses her voice to fight for every person’s right to exist in freedom, safety and equality.

‘Armstrong delivers a soulful, immaculately phrased vocal… [She] shifts her tone from reflective to assertive… slinky and sultry… in the soulful singer stakes Alice Armstrong, I have to say, is a real find’ - BluesEnthused.com

'Nice Pipes, Miss Armstrong’ - Phill Jupitus 

‘Alice is THE best female vocalist in the UK at the moment: there are others with superb voices and charisma, but Alice has it by the bucket load’ - Blues in Britain Magazine, 2019

‘From deep and soulful to spine-tingling: add to that her sassy wit and Alice is the full package’ - Blues in Britain Magazine, 2020

‘Armstrong deserves special credit for the amazing range of her voice. She reminded me of a young Amy Winehouse.’ - Blues Matters Magazine

‘’Prodigiously talented … Armstrong’s voice set the hairs on the back of my neck at full attention – I cannot remember the last time I heard such a purity of tone and a depth or range’ - Music-News.com

“Best album I’ve heard this year by a mile!” “It’s an understated monster!” - Jason Elliott, Former Director of the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival

“This album has to be my top pick of the year” - Paul Long, Chair of the IBBA

“Armstrong delivers a soulful, immaculately phrased vocal“ - bluesenthused.com

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