|
|
 |
This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
For the latest information on what's on at The Bullfrog Blues Club click here
Barking Spider Promotions Mailing List |
|
Hurrah! Our mailing list is up and running again! Apologies to everyone who
was missing the updates, but we had a huge problem with the server and lost our
mailing list. However, the indefatigable Andy Broad has worked his butt off
to get the list up and running again, and we're back in business!
So..... what's on this week? well, it's definitely blues week in Southsea,
with no less than three top gigs!!!!!!!
Tonight (Tuesday 2nd March) at The R.M.A. Tavern, Cromwell Rd., Eastney,
Portsmouth: The very wonderful HELEN WATSON. Entry is FREE!!!!!! And there's
support from a new duo comprising of Debs Peake (ex Blue Horses) and Helen Andrews,
so this is going to be a night to remember.
Helen Watson has six albums available; her first album "Blue Slipper" came
out in 1987, and was recorded with such heavyweights as most of Little Feat, and
Steve Luthakar. Not a bad line up for a debut album!
Helen's matured voice lies in between blues, soul, jazz and folk. She started
playing in the club circuit during the late sixties, and amongst her many
accomplishments she was one half of a soul duo, a singer with a blues band called
Loose Lips, fronted the Manchester band Well Knit Frames, and was also a
backing singer for Carmel
Her unique style has earned her much session work, and in the early 80's she
worked with artists such as Little Feat, Albert Lee and Andy Fairweather-Low
and toured Europe with Joe Cocker and toured Europe, America and Canada.
Helen has also worked with Christine Collister, Chris While,, Julie Mathews,
Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Rondstadt, often contributing songs, backing vocals
and harmonica and has also produced a number of albums.
A live review of a gig at Ronnie Scotts stated "There's no arguing with
claims citing her as one of the country's premier jazz blues singers."
Other media quotes include:
"Helen Watson, blessed with excellent phrasing and control she slips
effortlessly from breathy, seductive jazz to gritty R&B."Folk on Tap....
"A singer of goose pimply beauty and songwriter of rare depth." City Life
"Helen Watson is a long neglected gem who's keeping R&B alive and positively
kicking for anyone willing to listen." Siobhan Long , Hot Press (Ireland).
"A bright future beckons for this crystal voiced lady." Q Magazine
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
On Thursday 4th March the Bullfrog Blues Club on South Parade Pier, Southsea,
features the very welcome return of the fantastic U.S. bluesman LITTLE TOBY
WALKER...
As well as being a raconteur, translator, interpreter and composer, Little
Toby Walker is one of the finest Piedmont and Delta influenced guitar players
alive. His alternating bass style echoes that of Blind Boy Fuller and
Mississippi John Hurt while his lead (which is played simultaneously) blazes trails
hinted at by B.B. King, Albert King and Freddie King.
Toby's jammed with Eugene Powell, R.L. Burnside, James "Son" Thomas and
Jack Owens, and played sessions sessions with John Hammond, James Cotton, Johnny
Winter, John Sebastian, Taj Mahal and Chris Smither
John Hammond claimed that Toby is "a real killer with fantastic technique. He
just knocks me out."
There is no greater tribute than Eugene Powell's accolade, "Now, you play
them blues real good. I want you to carry them on for me..."
Check out his website, www.littletobywalker.com
Doors open at The Bullfrog Blues Club at 8 p.m, and tickets will bev
available on the door.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
On Saturday (6th March) at The R.M.A. Tavern, Cromwell Rd., Eastney,
Portsmouth Steve Roux and Matt Little from White Knuckle Blues Band present one of
their very infreaquent duo nights.Not only are White Knuckle Blues Band amongst
the top bands in the area, they have an excellent reputation throughout the
blues world, so this is going to be another great night, and once again, entry
is FREE!!!!!!
See you at a Barking Spider Blues gig this week!!!!!!!!!!!
J.R.