Thanks to Rachel for this reminder about tomorrow’s event at Quay Arts. Ed
The Spikedrivers are one of the most original, innovative and exciting bands on the live music circuit.
The bluesy combination of US guitarist Ben Tyzack’s sublime slide & finger-picking guitar, Californian Constance Redgrave’s deceptively simple bass lines, Maurice McElroy’s precise drumming and percussion, along with their distinctive vocals and harmonies, creates a sound that is familiar yet different to anything heard before.
Roots in the Mississippi Delta
Their roots are firmly in the Mississippi Delta, but their songwriting and arranging talents bring them right up to date. Their music has been described as ‘haunting’, ‘gutsy’, ‘tribal’ and even ‘psychedelic’. The Spikedrivers are the new sound of transatlantic blues.
While all the early blues influences are here – Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Rev Robert Wilkins et al -they add their own blend of north African and Native American rhythms, gospel harmonies, sixties blues and rock guitar.
They take you on a journey, from southern juke-joints and lazy front porches to the huge open spaces of dust bowls and railroad tracks disappearing into the distance…..
“..hard picking, sinuous baritone guitar and growling vocals..” Blues Revue – USA
“…a gift for evocative songwriting” Paul Jones, BBC Radio2
Support comes from soul-blues modernist Laurie McVay and his band, The High Rollers – fresh from their recent performance at Bestival.
Widely acknowledged as one of the brightest talents on the British blues scene, his soulful vocals, funky guitar and powerful harmonica playing have been heard at festivals and blues events up and down the country.
Tickets £12 advance, available from Quay Arts Box Office 822490
