Following on from the successful Spring Blues and October Blues 2006, Amen Promotions have been asked by The Venue, Ryde Theatre to promote some Blues events in 2007.
I’m quite partial to the old blues and with that in mind, chuffed to see that next year, sees the start of a new regular event for lovers of The Blues at The Venue, Ryde.
The Bluesroom will be a quarterly event bringing top class UK and International Blues Artists to the Island.
The first event showcases “one of the finest blues voices this side of the Atlantic” – Ian Siegal and his band. Without doubt the most talented musician to emerge from Britain on to the European blues scene in years. He doesn’t just perform the blues, he is possessed by them. He doesn’t just play the guitar, he talks to it…and it talks back with a voice ranging from the soaring passion of James Brown and Otis Redding to the gravelly depths of Tom Waits and Howlin’ Wolf.
His latest CD “Meat & Potatoes� sees Ian returning to his roots with an album of powerful urban Blues, which he describes as “stripped down, mean and moody and as close as you can get to our live performances�.
Music Magazine Mojo reviewed his latest CD as “One of the most inventive blues recordings ever made by a British Artist “, awarding it four stars.
About the Man and his Performance……
“The closest thing I’ve heard to Howlin’ Wolfâ€? — Jeff Beck.
“My man! We’re from the same school” – Ronnie Wood.
“I love the voice and there’s a lotta soul in that guitar” – Albert Lee.
Ian Siegal will be supported by The Island’s own Amen Boogie Blues Band. “Chicago Blues from the Medina Delta”.
The Amen Boogie Blues Band were formed in 1998 when brothers Tim and Dave Hollis joined forces with Mick Fairservice and Ross Honeybourne. With a common interest in Chicago and British Blues a strong set of numbers quickly developed, consisting of covers by artists such as Muddy Waters, Son House, Elmore James and British Blues artists including John Mayall, Peter Green, ‘The Blues Band’ and The Producers.
The Band have been gaining momentum performing regularly on the Island Pub circuit as well as private functions. This has led to further opportunities including performing at an Oxford College Summer Ball, Cowes Week Marina, and numerous blues festivals as well as supporting touring artists such as The Harry Skinner Blues Band, Big Bill Morganfield (the son of Blues Legend Muddy Waters) and The Ian Siegal Band.
Tickets for the event are priced at £10 Advance, £12 on the door. Box Office 01983 568099
Doors 7.30pm, show ends 11.30pm.
Thanks to Tim Hollis for sending this info through. Further events are planned for June, August and November 2007.
More info about the mini Blues Festival to be held at the Winter Gardens in March to follow later in the week.
