Music at Harry Smiths Bar St Albans:
Starts January 16th 2010 opening night with:
- The Electric Revelators
Gordon Wride, Simon Gregory, Colin Goldring and Sam GoldringPlaying an electric set of Chicago, Texas and British Blues (with an indie twist), they have performed (and been invited back) at many of the leading UK & European Blues Festivals including the Douro Blues Festival Portugal, Blues On The Farm, Colne, Darlington R/B, Abertillery, Tenby, Blaenau, Chicago Rock Festival Swansea, Mumbles Jazz & Blues Festival and at venues such as The 100 Club (Oxford Street, London), Bath Blues Club, Bristol Blues Club, Cheltenham Blues Club, The Tawe Delta Swansea, The Point Cardiff, The Toucan Club Cardiff, The Devalence Tenby, The Park & Dare Treorchy, The Met Abertillery, The Beaufort Ebbw Vale, The Milkwood Jam Swansea.
Dr. Shade’s Blues Band at Harry Smith’s 23 January
- Doctor Shades
Dr. Shades were formed out of members of the audience to the ‘Shades of Blues’ club at the Maltings St Albans. The band is going from strength to strength following a performance at the Maltings which was greeted by a standing ovation, with re-bookings at every venue. Dr. Shades are a five piece band of experienced local musicians; fronted by sensational female Blues vocalist Chris Lord the band also features Bob ‘Dr Shades’ Ayre on drums.
They present a wide range of Blues influenced music, ranging from well known classics by BB King, Eric Clapton, Howling Wolf and Etta James to less well known songs; all done with a smile ! Come on down to the Docs’, they’re gonna make you feel good all night!
Bea and the Honeytones January 30th
- Bee & the Honeytones
Bump and Grind Chicago Blues.Your in for a mighty fine time. with:
Bea Appleby – lead vocals
Janos Bajtala – keyboards
Ivan Ho – drums
Jamie Lawrence – upright bass
Stuart Dixon – guitar
Dave Shannon – harmonica and vocals
| Influences | Memphis Minnie, Sugar Pie Desanto, Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Little Walter, Van Morrison, Jimmy Smith, Tommy Tucker, O V Wright, Junior Wells, Sonny Boy Williamson, T Bone Walker, Memphis Slim |
6th Feb Gary Boner’s ROADHOUSE
- Gary Boners Roadhouse
ROADHOUSE, led by guitarist Gary Boner are a legend on the blues rock circuit. These regular headliners at the Colne Festival feature stunning female singers Mandie G, Suzie D and Kelly Marie. Their vocals hovering over an intoxicating mix of Gary’s rocking guitar and a rhythm section that really moves. As the critics say ‘Rocking Blues to set your soul on fire’
Delta Echoes & Delta LadiesDelta Echoes www.deltaechoes.co.uk are a duo who re-create the country blues, hokum and gospel music of the 1920s and 30s, played on Gibson acoustic and National steel guitars (most of them older than their players!), harmonica and kazoo.
- The Delta echoes
They are: Richard Scruton, well-known on the local folk and blues scene and an authentic interpreter of the guitar picking of the great Delta bluesmen, and Stuart Cumberpatch, who has been playing lap style and bottleneck blues on vintage National guitars for the last 20 years – ten of them with the legendary Kennet Sheiks. The duo occasionally expands to a trio or quartet with added double bass and harmonica. Stuart also plays in National Steel, a duo with Lewis Cohen, also listed on Lemonrock, as well as giving tuition in the black arts of slide guitar and lap-steel guitar.
- The Delta Ladies
Delta Ladies
Imagine the high lonesome sound of a mountain fiddle and bluegrass guitar, the knife edge of Delta slide guitar, the fluid jazz violin of Stephan Grapelli, the songs of Hendrix & Dylan with the addition of Gypsy violin and flamenco tinged guitar, using guitars, fiddles, mandolin and the unique chromatic dulcimer…Imagine music that contains all of these magical elements, great songs like Hey Joe, but with Gypsy violin, Night and Day with dark passion…songs about the railway, about the devil and about life…Imagine all of this, then the added spice of startling original tunes..
From Delta blues to Jazz,
From Gershwin to grunge,
From Vaudeville to Voodoo child..
Glenn Patrik’s first UK gig at The Blues Room St AlbansGlenn Patrik
The Blues Room is proud to present the first ever UK gig by the esteemed US bluesman Glenn Patrik (www.glennpatrik.com), he comes to St. Albans the UK’s premier music with a pedigree that links back to some of the biggest names in Blues & Rock ‘n’ Roll, Albert King, Albert Collins and many more. Backed by St. Albans favourites Elephant Shelf with whom Glenn is recording – a red-hot grooving night is ensured.
18th Feb – From the USA Glenn Patrik with Elephant Shelf.
- Glenn Patrick
Glenn Patrick. is from Kansas City USA and I had the good pleasure to meet him recently when I interviewed him for Blues Matters Magazine. Glenn has been acquainted with some of great names of American music including Albert Collins, Albert King, Duane Eddy and many more. He has a band full of great musicians who’ve also played with some mega names – Marshall Tucker Band, Sister Sledge and many more. Glenn has a superb album ‘Nuthin’ but a Thang’ out on Shakehouse records. It’s an album that captures all that is best is in American music; true swing and great ensemble playing; so there’s an introduction. Tonight Glenn will be playing with Elephant Shelf as his band so expect something a little different 
- Elephant Shelf on Stage
The UntouchablesAbout The Untouchables
A classic Chicago Blues style combo, featuring Pete Ellison; expect retro style blues with a twist plus some rockabilly influence originals. They come right in the middle of a string of well received London gigs and a great night’s rocking blues is in store.
The Untouchables transport you in time, bringing the blues of 1950s Chicago to 21st century England. This is the music of the Chess Records era influenced by jazz, folk, R&B and Gospel ……. ENJOY
“the band turned in a stonking set which again shook off any audience lethargy and had them rocking in the aisles! I am sure we will see these guys again soon, they were excellent.” Ashwyn Smyth of Digitalblues
“‘Round Midnight Blues and Jazz Bar had an amazing Friday night with the Untouchables- what a band and what a crowd! Thanks to everyone who made it such a top night!” Mike at ‘Round Midnight
“You guys are smokin’ hot! Really enjoyed your dancin’ blues.. You gotta new fan here!” Queen Creole xxx
Eric Ranzoni Thurs 25th Feb
Eric Ranzoni
Blues pianist and singer Eric Ranzoni leads his band into this blues evergreen.
Recorded at FLUFF STUDIOS, LONDON, 2007
Singing piano player Eric Ranzoni is a full-time musician.
Born in London in 1969, he spent the majority of his life between Rome and Milan, so he’s both British and Italian.
Since coming back to London in 2003, he’s gained a reputation as a skilled and versatile pianist, “equipped” with a warm singing voice. Solo or accompanied by excellent musicians, he’s played the Blues (and Roots music in general) in many top venues in London and about, with frequent stints abroad. In great demand as Blues pianist with several London-based bands, a recent highlight was playing the piano in the UK tour of Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters, along with Big Joe Louis and West Weston.
A brilliant selection of New Orleans and classi R&R piano by Sheffield based Dale Storr who has played with Eugene Bridges, King King, Dave Berry, Dukes of Robillard and many more. Think Dr. John meets Jerry Lewis. The evening will close with a rock ‘n’ roll jam as Dale meets with the fabulous Elephant Shelf 9pm |
Juke Joint Sat 3rd April
Local favorites Juke Joint have been playing good old fashioned 50′s style Rhythm & Blues, Jump Jive and Rock/Soul for a long time and they keep getting better! They perform songs by Freddie, BB & Albert King, The Coasters, Otis Rush, Johnny Guitar Watson and Jerry McCain to name but a few. The material mainly comes from Paul’s extensive Blues collection ensuring that the band play obscure as well as more well known blues classics from the 20′s to the 60′s. The emphasis is on recreating the old 50′s USA Juke Joints where people can dance and let their hair down
Guitarist and singer Paul (who also performs 20′s tunes on his ukulele) is a veteran of the blues circuit having played with many famous names including Peter Green, Brian Knight and Steve Marriott. He plays and sings blues like an original with great passion and soul. Paul uses vintage correct guitars and amps for authenticity including a ’54 Fender Custom Shop Strat made for him by Master Builder John English, a ’54 Gibson Goldtop Les Paul (same as Freddie King) & a tweed deluxe amp. There is no one around quite like Dave who plays Double Bass or original Hofner ’63 Senator Bass. He has a unique Jazz Blues quality to his playing. Bob completes the lineup. He is a blues veteran having played the 2 I’s coffee bar and original Marquee often supporting Hendrix and The Who in the 60′s. Bob has his own authentic Blues Rock drumming style owing much to Buddy Rich & Charlie Watts (he’ll pay him when he sees him). Great vocals too! Latest! Band have recently been recording for Bramfield Recording Productions.
Juke Joint look forward to seeing everyone at their next booking and keep doing your reviews!
Sat 27th Feb
Tim Aves + Elephant Shelf
About Tim Aves:
Says I sing, play harmonica and guitar. Until the beginning of April, 2008 I fronted a great funky Texas blues band called THE ROCKIN’ ARMADILLOS- check them out on their myspace page at myspace.com/therockinarmadillos and their fabulous website at www.rockinarmadillos.com
My old band, AUTOMATIC SLIM still gigs occasionally, too. ‘Slim also has a myspace page (myspace.com/autoslim) and a website www.automaticslim.com
I’m currently working on a number of musical projects, but the most regular is my collaboration with Alaskan singer, guitarist and lap steel virtuoso SON HENRY under the working name, The Tim Aves-Son Henry Band or TASHB for short!
We’ve played several festival gigs and completed an eight-date tour of southern England in the spring of 2009 – boy, was that some fun! We are next due to tour in January, 2010, but in the meantime, we have a live album available right now!
I also host a two-hour weekly blues show every Sunday night on SAINT FM on 94.7FM (if you’re within gobbing distance of Burnham) and online at www.saintfm.org.uk if you can’t get it on the radio. Have a listen sometime – and don’t be afraid to get in touch if to tell me what you think, or request a favourite blues tune…
Cheers!!!
Tim
| Alt Country Mini Fest featuring | |
| Grae J & The Jailbirds (Country) plus | |
Chuck & the Waggons (Country Rock)   plus |
|
| Delta Ladies (Acoustic Covers & Originals) plus | |
| Jj Stark (Country) plus | |
| Surprise Guest Artists (Country) The Blues Room presents an evening of alt country / Americana – Grae J Wall & the Jailbirds / Chuck & the Waggons / Delta Ladies / J J Stark – starts early 8pm (ish) and a great evening is in store. 8pm – till 01:00 |
On Thursday resident pianist Eric Ranzoni Click for details…
For a quick gig listing go >> here.
This Saturday 13th
“We’ve seen this band at Charlotte Street Blues and other venues and they really do rock “- highly recommended – The Delta Ladies
http://www.myspace.com/bethandtheblackcatbones
9pm – midnight
Band Members
Beth Packer- Vocals
- Beth
Charles Benfield- Electric and Upright Bass
Ivan Kormanak- Drums
Jess Zubkevych- Guitar
Dr Shades are back at the Blues Room this Thursday 22nd APRIL.
Dr Shades is :
Chris Lord (lead vocals) 
Niall MacMahon (lead guitar, backing vocals)
Steve Austin (bass)
Steve Henrys (rhythm guitar)
and last but not least, Dr Shades himself, Bob Ayre (drums)
The band was formed out of the audience at “Shades of Blues”, the blues club that Bob used to run in St Albans. He sent an email round asking if anyone wanted to get together to do some jamming. After a couple of changes of personnel, the line-up has settled in its current form. And the rest is history……!
Jackrabbit Slim
+
Rocking Ray
- Jackrabitt Slim
One of the UK’s most highly rate Rockabilly bands, led by charismatic Bob Butfoy they exude charm, menace, warmth and danger in equal amounts. This is Rockabilly with a real edge, it swings and it stings and it rocks like crazy.
Support from local three-piece out Rockin’ Ray with some classics from the golden era of reverb laden rock ‘n roll. An evening not to be missed.
Fri 9 Apr Elephant Shelf
This week, due to a long standing private engagement The BLUES ROOM will be on Friday and will feature local favourites ELEPHANT SHELF with a rocking selection of rootsy rhythm and blues.
- Elephant Shelf
www.thebluesroom.liveblues.info
Sat 17 Apr Jackrabbit Slim
Thu 22 Apr Dr Shades
Sat 24 Apr Sidewinder + We Three
Sat 1 May Blue Bishops
Sat 8 May Earl Jackson + ES
Sat 15 May Jay Tamkin
Sat 22 May Dr Shades
Sat 29 May Rollo Markee
Thu 3 June Dr Shades
Sat 5 June Larry Miller
Thu 10 June Jerry Donahue + Don Morter
Sat 12 June TBC
Thu 17 June Paul Cox plus Charlie Fabere
Sat 19 June Grapevine
Sat 26 June Roadhouse