2020 March
BACK PORCH
Fri 2pm The Legion, Fri 9pm Herston C&C, Sat 8.30pm Grand Hotel
With their foot-stomping, danceable rhythms and a lot of fun, Back Porch will make you laugh, cry and tap your feet! It’s a stripped down line-up of harp, washboard and guitars – just some mates sitting on a back porch, playing the blues. www.backporchuk.com
BACKWATER ROLL BLUES BAND
Sat 9.30pm Ship
Backwater Roll are a powerful five piece blues unit from Southampton, they have been featured in some of the Biggest Blues Magazines in Europe including The Legendary German online Magazine ROCKTIMES.DE BLUES and closer to home in Blues in Britain and Blues Matters. The band have played some of the biggest festivals in Europe and the UK and most of the blues Clubs of the British Blues Scene, They continue to grow and play more and more iconic venues and festivals. Their Highly acclaimed Live Album, Backwater Roll - Live at The Platform reached number 5 in the IBBA’s most played album on the blues radio shows in the first month of the release of the and the boys were voted Number 1 Best Band in Blues Cafe’s Top Ten bands of The Great British Rock & Blues Festival in Skegness.2018. Backwater Roll have literally just toured Holland with Guitar virtuoso Paul Size from one of the most iconic bands of our generation The Red Devils playing some of the biggest festivals in the NL and The House of Blues!:
www.facebook.com/Backwater-Roll-Blues-Band-1395560240708254
BLUE TOUCH
Fri 9pm The Legion, Sat 9pm Herston C&C
Blue Touch delivers heavy duty blues rock with a blend of original and re-worked classic blues songs in an entertaining stage show. There is the captivating Andrea Maria on vocals, World class guitar and vocals from pro musician Neil Sadler backed by Hugh Lawrenson on Drums and Merv Griffin on bass. One not to miss!
www.bluetouch.info
BLUES DHARMA
Sat 4.30pm The Centre, Sunday 4pm Grand Hotel
Is it Blues? - Yes. Is it Raga? - Yes. Divyanand Caird (Saraswati Veena), Nafees Irfan (Tabla), Paul White (percussion) & Robert Hokum (vocals, guitar) explore the common ground between Asian music and the Blues. Prepare to have your ears opened!
www.facebook.com/bluesdharma
DAWG 'n' BONEZ BAND
Sat 3pm White Swan, Sunday 3pm The Waterfront
Blues with a twist, their special take on songs from the likes of Bull Moose Jackson, Peter Green and Muddy Waters, whipped up with the Latin tones of Santana and wrapped in a bag full of their own compositions.
www.facebook.com/dawgQbones
DOGHOUSE BLUES
Sun 9pm White Swan
Information unavailable at time of going to press.
ERIC RANZONI
Fri 6.45pm The Legion
Blessed with a warm singing voice and an undoubted knack to entertain a crowd, Eric has also been the pianist for Mud Morganfield, son of Muddy Waters, for 10 years. They have played all the major Blues festivals in Europe, BBC2's 'Later with Jools Holland' etc. Jools recently awarded Eric 'Blues instrumentalist of the year' at Boisdale of Canary Wharf.
His unique-in-the-world tribute to Blues legend Memphis Slim has brought him plenty of work in the UK and at festivals abroad. Beside Blues, the 'Rockin' Roman' as dubbed by some, enjoys also a parallel career as a versatile performer of standards (Pop, Swing, Rock'n'Roll, etc.) in bars, restaurants, pubs and at functions of all sorts. Eric will be solo singing and playing at The Legion.
www.ericranzoni.com
FABULOUS FEZHEADS
Sat 2pm Herston C&C, Sat 9pm Red Lion
Under the watchful eye of Father Ken, the Fabulous Fezheads blend a mixture of Dance, Danger and Music that will Astound, Astonish and Amuse.
www.fezheads.com
GARRY ‘THE SLIDE GUY’ SMITH
Sat 12noon The Centre
"wicked slide and fine humour" Andy Snipper. Music News.com
www.slideguysmith.com
GARY FLETCHER WITH NICK RITCHIE
Sun 3.15 The Centre
Gary is a founder and ever-present member of The Blues Band and has appeared or recorded with Peter Green, Maggie Bell, Van Morrison, John Mayall and more. Performing originals plus the odd cover, Gary accompanies himself on guitar, slide, banjo, mandolin and possibly ukulele! He's joined by Nick Ritchie, who features in in the full GF band, on guitar. GF has a new album 'River Keeps Flowing' on Repertoire Records. Blues Matters magazine concludes its review of the record with the comment "one of this year's finest albums".
www.garyfletchermusic.net
GEOFF’S JAM
Fri 4pm The Waterfront Open Mic Blues Jam with guitarist/singer Geoff Hills. Great fun and all blues standards very welcome.
HUGH BUDDEN
Thu 8.30pm The Legion with Andy Stone; Fri, Sat, Sun MC, Host, Guest Artist and Sound, Lighting & Stage Manager at the Grand Hotel; Sun 6pm The Legion with the Blue Chords
The hardest working harmonica and vocals man I know, no doubt due to his style, showmanship and sheer professionalism! Blues, Rock 'n' Roll, Jazz, Country, Indie… Hugh can play ‘em all – and he does! Make sure you catch him at least once!
www.hughbudden.com
JOHN McCLEAN & THE CLAN
Fri 9pm White Swan, Sat 1pm YHA open mic jam with invited guests, followed by a set from the Clan. John McClean & the Clan play Rockin' Gospel Blues, featuring John's gritty and soulful vocals, original songs and well chosen covers - think Tom Waits, John Lee Hooker, the Stones.. Bring your dancing shoes!
www.johnmccleanandtheclan.com
JON VAUGHAN
Fri 9pm Red Lion with Tommy Allen, Sat 2.30pm IoP Golf Club with Pete Harris Blues Band, Sun 3pm White Swan with Tommy Allen, Sun 8pm Red Lion with Pete Harris
A great harmonica player and much in demand!
JON WALSH
Thu 9pm Red Lion with Ray Drury
Blues singer / songwriter / guitarist Jon is well known for his acoustic blues, jazz and ragtime guitar styles. He also coaches beginners, intermediate and advanced guitar playing.
www.facebook.com/jon.walsh.908
LEWIS COHEN & BRUNO PICHLER
Fri 6pm & 8.15 Sea Breeze, Sat 2pm Greyhound, Sat 6pm & 8.15 Tawny’s
Lewis Cohen and Bruno Pichler play an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric country blues. As a solo performer, Lewis has built a strong reputation at home and abroad thanks to his powerful and versatile vocals and mastery of roots guitar styles. With Bruno’s award-winning dobro and lap steel playing added into the mix, the duo enthral, excite and, above all, entertain
www.lewiscohen.co.uk
MARKY DAWSON
Thu 8.30pm The Legion
Marky grew up in Poole and started teaching himself piano at 14. At 18, whilst studying at The London College of Music, he started working as a resident musician in bars and clubs. It's here he developed his fast and wild Rock n Roll style piano playing skills along with his ability to interact with an audience. Taking requests and heckles, becoming an experienced showman. He mixes his versions of classics with his own catchy songs and some jokes. He’ll make sure you’ll sing along! He hates to sit still and has often been described as a Piano test Pilot. Marky is a charismatic entertainer with a voice most often described as a mix of Elton John and Freddie Mercury, and Piano chops to make Jerry Lee Lewis blush. You will be entertained with the intimacy of a blues club, the performance of stadium act quality, and the fun of the pub. Remarkyble!
www.markydawson.co.uk
NORTHSYDE
Sun 6pm White Horse
Funky Rocking Blues, guitar, bass, drums, vocals (and what vocals!) by Lorna Fothergill.
www.northsyde.co.uk
OPEN MIC SESSIONS
Fri 2pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm all at the Red Lion
Dave Griffiths runs the Open Mic stage at The Red Lion and welcomes live performances from all genres. He said: “It’s a great place for the less confident to try out their songs alongside professional artists, with a supportive host and audience. Respecting that this is a live festival, we don’t accommodate backing tracks and, as we are predominantly an outdoor event (weather permitting!) the management of the Red Lion, in consideration of their neighbours, don’t allow drums/percussion and require bass to be kept to a reasonable level. Other than that, anything goes. Come and enjoy some irreverent humour, original songs and of course, some homespun blues of the finest calibre!” Slots are not booked in advance. Book in with the host on the day. Turn up early if you can to avoid disappointment. 1.30pm on Saturday might still be OK. www.tweedjacketmusic.com www.facebook.com/swanagebluesopenmic
PETE G and EAST-WEST SLIM
Sat 3pm The Centre
Acoustic Chicago sounds - Little Walter meets Big Walter meets Jimmy Rogers meets Muddy Waters and some. Featuring Nick Hyde on vocals and acoustic guitar and Pete Welland of PG and The Magnitones on vocals and harmonica. An hour of tunes that changed the world before Mr. Morganfield invented electricity. Smokin'!
www.facebook.com/midnightspecialblues
PETE HARRIS AND…
Fri 6pm & 8.15 Tawny’s with Ray Drury, Sat 2.30 IoP Golf Club with Pete Harris Blues Band, Sun 8pm Red Lion with Jon Vaughan
Pete & Ray Drury play Blues, Soul and Rock'n'Roll. Pete Harris Blues Band plays Chicago-style Blues with Jon and Ray plus Henk Leerink on bass and Brian Wright on drums. Pete Harris & Jon Vaughan, guitar and harmonica, play acoustic goodtime Blues and Ragtime with a hint of Gospel and Americana.
www.peteharrisblues.com
RAMON GOOSE
Sat 1.45pm The Centre with Robert Hokum, 6.15pm The Centre with Ramon Goose Trio, Sun 2.30pm Grand Hotel with The Great West Groove, 8.30pm Grand Hotel with Robert Hokum All Star Session.
Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and ground breaking contemporary blues artists, Ramon Goose is constantly looking to extend and expand his musical horizons. Having previously performed with the likes of Eric Bibb, Boo Boo Davis, Eric Burdon and Pee Wee Ellis, Ramon has been on a musical journey over the past few years discovering and channelling the sounds of Africa through his own unique filter. Long Road To Tiznit is the apotheosis of that journey, as old-school blues in the tradition of Skip James, John Lee Hooker and R.L. Burnside collide and meld with hypnotic grooves and melodies from the Sahara, telling stories of refugees and contrabandiers, danger and freedom.
The album was written whilst travelling in Morocco where Ramon channelled the spirit of the desert into his music with mesmerizing effect. This can clearly be hear d on the classic track ‘Marrakech Sunset’, where Ramon also drew on influences as diverse as Davey Graham and Brian Jones; as well as ‘Wandering Sheikh’ where he was influenced by the female Berber singers and percussionists which he’d heard in traditional Moroccan ceremonies.
Ramon first visited Africa on a musical project with Justin Adams and Julian Joseph where they visited Dakar in Senegal and worked with amazing local musicians. ‘It w as a sort of epiphany,’ he said. ‘I’d never heard anything like it and it made me want to delve further into the melodies and rhythms I heard there.’ He’d met and worked with the legendary Senegalese griot Diabel Cissokho, who taught him a great deal about his musical heritage and culture. Through these experiences Ramon hasdeveloped his very own style of playing, creating a blend of music that is infectious, heart-warmingand utterly intoxicating. The album features guest performances from Justin Adams (Robert Plant and The Sensational Shape Shifters) and Urdu singer Najma Akhtar. It was recorded in London using Ramon’s own band and also in Marrakesh using local Berber musicians. The result is an album which blends global soundscapes by seamlessly combining rich melodies and hypnotic percussion with virtuoso blues guitar playing!
Band is Ramon Goose, (Gtr, Vocals) Joe Goose (Bass) and Ndene Ndiaye (Drums + Perc)
www.ramongoose.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/ramon.goose
RAMSDEN’S ACOUSTIC FISH FRY
Fri 5pm, Sat 12 noon, Sun 12 noon Harry Ramsden’s
Percy Paradise's delightful sessions here grew out of the Station Buskers looking for a new home. Percy writes: "I am really looking forward to seeing everybody at Harry Ramsden's. I hope that it is OK to point out that I have assured the manager that these will be entirely acoustic sessions. I will bring along at least one spare, reasonable, acoustic, for the use of any electric guitarists who have need of an instrument. (Sorry south paws, it will be right handed!) All acoustic instruments welcome."
RAY DRURY AND…
Thu 9pm Red Lion with Jon Walsh, Fri 6pm & 8.15 Tawny’s with Pete Harris, Sat 2.30pm IoP Golf Club with Pete Harris Blues Band, Sat 6pm & 8.15pm Sea Breeze with Tommy Allen, Sun 8pm The Legion with Tommy Allen’s Trafficker
Here, there and everywhere! He’s a top keyboards man with amazing range of styles and moods whatever he touches. Soul, blues, jazz, funk… you name it! www.raydrury.co.uk
RIVERSIDE BLUES BAND
Fri 9.30 The Ship
"Foot-tapping tales from Chicago, Texas and Canvey Island...A healthy portion of Classic Blues – Up-tempo and upbeat so get your dancing boots on!"
www.riversidebluesband.co.uk
ROBERT HOKUM and...
Sat 1.45pm The Centre with Ramon Goose, Sat 4.30pm with Blues Dharma, Sun 2.30pm Grand Hotel with The Great West Groove, Sun 4pm with Blues Dharma, Sun 8.30pm with The Robert Hokum All Star Session featuring members from the Ramon Goose Band, The Sepia Swing Show Twins, Hugh Budden and more
Bluesmaster, Funkateer, Global Groover and Raconteur, Bob will be performing Blues across the spectrum!
www.roberthokum.co.uk www.facebook.com/robert.hokum
ROBIN BIBI BAND
Fri 5pm East Bar, Sat 9pm The Legion (also see next entry)
Explosive, passionate, dynamic and entertaining! Stalwarts of UK Blues Rock and played every Swanage Blues Festival since 2007. One of the UK’s hardest working bands since the release of their debut album “Blue Thrash Therapy” in 1997. They’ve played all the major UK blues festivals and in Europe, Scandinavia, Ireland and the USA.
12 albums to their credit, with the critically acclaimed all-originals “No More A Secret” reaching No.2 in the IBBA playlist. Robin Bibi - guitar / vocals / harmonica; Tony Marten - bass guitar/ vocals; Wez Johnson – drums.
www.robinbibiband.co.uk
ROBIN BIBI BAND JAM SESSIONS
Sat 2.30pm Acoustic Jam at Grand Hotel, Sun 12.30 Electric Jam at The Legion
Some of the finest impromptu music of the weekend with one of the best ‘Jam Masters’ I’ve ever seen. Check in with Robin at the Jam Sessions, drummers bring own sticks.
www.robinbibiband.co.uk
STAN’S BLUES JAMBOREE
Sat 1pm The Legion
Yet another cornucopia of blues performances, starting with Stan’s Blues Jam, followed by Showcase Slots, then a second portion of electric jamming.
www.stansbluesjam.co.uk
STEAMER
Sun 3pm Black Swan
Blues from the Delta, Chicago, Texas and British Blues with the spirit of Riverside Blues Band
www.facebook.com/Steamer-214635201893050
STEVE BROOKES
Sat 6pm & 8pm The Waterfront, Sun 2pm Greyhound
Steve plays solo acoustic guitar with vocals, a bluesy soul feel is pushed along with a footstomp for a real full live sound. He has written and recorded four albums of original songs and has guested with the likes of Paul Jones, Kirk Fletcher and his old mate Paul Weller. Steve received a Silver Disc for his contribution to Paul Weller's 2015 Saturns Pattern and has performed on several other of his albums. Steve engages his audience with a warm delivery and his style is firmly rooted in the blues.
www.stevebrookesmusic.com
STEVE DARRINGTON
Creator and organiser of Swanage Blues Festivals, Steve was the house pianist and harp player at the legendary Nag’s Head Blues Loft, High Wycombe on many occasions from the 1960s to 1990s. After 35 years of touring and with 50 albums recorded, he retired to Swanage in 2000. Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Arthur Crudup, Jo-Ann Kelly, Billy Boy Arnold, Duster Bennett, Brewer’s Droop, Mark Knopfler, Dave Edmunds, Marty Wilde, Lonnie Donegan, the Roxon Roadshow, Don Everly, Albert Lee, The Boogie Band, ABBA and many more will figure in his autobiography - if he ever finds time to write it.
Steve is hoping to make an appearance on Thursday at The Legion if his health and festival organisation permit.
www.stevedarrington.com
STOMPIN’ DAVE TRIO
Fri 4.45pm The Legion
With 25 years of performing experience Bridport-based vocalist, multi instrumentalist and tap dancer Stompin' Dave has worked exclusively as a musician. He has performed across the UK and beyond including major festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival and Camp Bestival. A former member of former UK blues band of the year The Producers, Dave was nominated for a British Blues Award in the acoustic act category 2014.
“Let’s face it, in adding the quality of his original material, the man is a downright genius” Blues In Britain.
"Dave is without doubt one of the most entertaining musicians on the scene today." Boogaloo Promotions.
www.stompindave.com
THE GREAT WEST GROOVE
Sun 2.30pm - Grand Hotel
The Blues, nothing more nothing less. Using a 'stripped down' acoustic format, Robert Hokum (gtr, vocals), Steve King (bass), Paul White (percussion, vocals) play it as basic as it comes! . With songs like: 'The Gospel According to John Lee Hooker', 'Why the Hell Wasn't I Born Rich!', 'It must be Jelly 'cos Jam don't shake like that'... you get the idea!!!!
www.facebook.com/thegreatwestgroove www.thegreatwestgroove.com
THE MILK MEN
Fri 10pm White Horse
One of the hottest bands on the circuit, with a rapidly-growing reputation, The Milk Men are a blues 'supergroup' made up of members of Swanage regulars the Mustangs and legendary r'n'b group The Pirates. Their latest album Gold Top reached the top 10 on the Amazon blues chart, and number 2 on the iTunes chart, and received glowing critical acclaim. The band will be releasing a third album in Spring 2020 and will be playing brand new tracks from that album at Swanage, alongside a mix of tracks from both their previous albums, and some choice classic rock and blues covers.
www.themilkmenmusic.com
THE MUSTANGS
Sat 10pm White Horse
Now celebrating their 20th year together, the Mustangs are one of the most established and best-loved blues rock bands in the UK. They have toured Europe, won awards and even played Glastonbury. Last year they released their 11th album, Watertown, which received overwhelming critical acclaim and a host of 10/10 reviews, with some calling it a "masterpiece". The band's jam-packed Saturday nights in Swanage have become tradition, with the band playing a huge range of songs from originals, rock, blues and even often improvising covers and requests from the audience. Perfect let your hair down fun for a Saturday night.
www.themustangs.co.uk
THE SEPIA SWING SHOW TWINS
Sun 12 noon The Centre
If you are a regular to Swanage, you will have seen David Raphael and Nick Hyde over many years as part of The David Raphael Band. David is also a regular side-man with Robin Bibi and a multi-instrumentalist with Blue Hayz. Nick has been a long-time member of The Mighty 45s, Uncle Buck and new band Quick Fix. Together, they run a monthly acoustic music club and for the festival they bring together the flavours of Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Leadbelly, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee and more. Best to get to your seat early. Ladies and Gentlemen, this what they call The Blues...See you there!
www.midnightspecialblues.com
SPIKEDRIVERS
Sun 1.45pm and 5pm The Centre
Their music has been described as 'haunting', 'gutsy', 'tribal' and even psychedelic. Blues in Britain said: “From the first note, Spikedrivers demand to be listened to. Ben Tyzack, Constance Redgrave and Maurice McElroy are three very talented musicians willing to experiment and evoke unusual contemporary sounds while they continue to keep diggin’ the blues by the roots.” From the early blues of Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker and Big Bill Broonzy they have added their own blend of north African and Native American rhythms, gospel harmonies, 60s blues and rock guitar. They’ve been compared to The Band, Led Zeppelin, Ry Cooder, JJ Cale, Fleetwood Mac and even Pink Floyd! With their high energy show, Spikedrivers have been burning up European festival stages. They’ve gained rave reviews at the Chedigny Blues Festival, Cognac Blues Passions, Lugano Blues to Bop Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, and the Jazz Rallye de Luxembourg to name just a few.
“For their multitude of admirers, they seem to be growing in stature as a headline band. If you have not seen them, you simply must.” Blues in Britain
www.spikedrivers.net
TOMMY ALLEN and…
Fri 9pm Red Lion with Jon Vaughan, Sat 6pm & 8.15 Sea Breeze with Ray Drury, Sun 3pm White Swan with Jon Vaughan, Sun 9pm The Legion with Trafficker
Street-style Chicago blues from the 1950s and much more from this amazing singer/guitarist and friends
www.tommyallenmusic.com
VOODOO SHEIKS
Sat 9pm White Swan
The Band are celebrating 10 years in 2020. Award winners, The Voodoo Sheiks, with three albums and hundreds of gigs under their belt, continue the quest to bring Weapons Grade Rhythm & Blues to the masses!
www.voodoo-sheiks.com
WILL KILLEEN
Fri 9pm and Sun 2pm Beach Hut Seafood Bar, Sat 8pm Greyhound
A one-off. Acoustic blues guitarist, singer, songwriter mixing Celtic roots with American blues and Dylan classics.
Once replaced Rory Gallagher in Taste. International artist with a huge repertoire of songs, Will is also a successful fine artist who specialises in painting portraits and horses in oils.
http://willkilleen.weebly.com
ZOE SCHWARZ BLUE COMMOTION
Fri 8.30pm Grand Hotel
With an exciting live set based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs and exciting grooves, they mix old school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication. There is no ridged musical template for Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, the only stipulation is that it feels good, tastes good and sounds good. The band pride themselves on filling their 'live' and album sets with original music. They were finalists in the last UK Blues Awards.
Zoe Schwarz-vocals, Rob Koral-guitar, Paul Francis-bass guitar and Dave Wallace-Drums
zoeschwarzmusic.com
