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This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
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LITTLE TOBY WALKER returns to THE BULLFROG BLUES CLUB, SOUTH PARADE PIER, SOUTHSEA, next Thursday, 30th JUNE! The American blues man Little Toby Walker performed a literally awe inspiring gig at The Bullfrog Blues Club on his first visit to the U.K last year, and since then his fame has spread far and wide, and he's much in demand for many major festivals in the U.K and the rest of Europe, as well as his native country. Different people have differing mental images of a "bluesman", and Little Toby is nothing less than a raconteur, translator, interpreter and composer for the human condition. and 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 the likes of Eric Clapton and the "three Kings" - B.B., Albert and Freddie, Toby is steeped in the blues tradition, and journeys of discovery along the crossroads of the Mississippi Delta have wrought profundity and fluidity in his muse. Toby's jams and lessons at the feet of Eugene Powell, RL Burnside , James Son Thomas and Jack Owens, frequently oiled by a coffee mug or two of Bourbon are the stuff of legends, Toby has recreated and nurtured a growing interest of the blues throughout the region. His opening sessions for luminaries as diverse as John Hammond, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, John Sebastian, Taj Mahal and Chris Smither sets the bar mighty high for the headliner. Toby plays a guitar as it it were and extension of his soul, and his ancient National rings with the power that only a soul man can give, whilst his electric forays are stirring reminders of the emotional impact that blues music can make. Not only blues come from this man's soul. His finger breaking performances of Guy Van Duser's transcription of The Stars And Stripes Forever and Scott Joplin rags are exercises in incredulity and crowds settle to an awed hush as "the man" goes to work. 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..." DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!!!!!! LITTLE TOBY WALKER appears at The Bullfrog Blues Club, South Parade Pier, on Thursday 30th June. Doors open at 8 p.m. Advance tickets available from The Wedgewood Rooms Box Office (023) 9286 3911.