|
|
 |
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 |
|
You may (if you check out the website!) wonder why there's no listing on Saturday 4th July for Bullfrog Blues At The R.MA. Tavern, in Cromwell Rd., Eastney, Portsmouth... Well, there's a good reason - we've been trying to get one of the great bluesmen of our time, KING ROLLO, but he's committed on that date. HOWEVER...... I'm pleased to say that KING ROLLO will be playing a very special gig at The R.M.A. Tavern on Sunday 5th July - and entry is free! KING ROLLO was always a great favourite at The Bullfrog Blues Club, but his commitments have been such that we haven't been able to find a date to book him for some time, so it will be great to see him back here! Here's just a few glowing tributes to the genius of the man... Paul Jones, of the Blues Band and BBC Radio 2.... "One of Britain's finest acoustic blues performers" Dave Kingsbury, of "Blues In Britain Magazine".... "A performer who really connects with his audience and sets a dauntingly high standard" Brian Williams, of "Blues Matters Magazine"...."I've heard no-one to touch him, if you get the chance to see him, go!" King Rollo celebrates forty years since his talents were first recognised with one of his early songs being published by the Beatles organisation, Apple Corps. In 2008 three of his recordings from 1968 were included on a new CD release by Cherry Red Records to mark the history of Apple, and the subject of a forthcoming BBC TV documentary. Other track s on the CD are from other contemporary Apple songwriters such as Gallagher & Lyle, Badfinger and Grapefruit. Rollo has spent the last decade as a twenty-first century troubadour touring European clubs and festivals "dispensing harmony to a jangled world, delivered with conviction," as Mel Kingsbury wrote in "Blues In Britain" magazine. With four decades of performing experience his repertoire is wide and far ranging; from wistful, philosophical songs that might be compared to Leonard Cohen to hard-biting, down and dirty blues you might expect from Howling Wolf. His lived-in vocals fulfill the promise of a soulful dexterity creating improvisations around novel interpretations of jazz classics, latin vibes, rhythm & blues standards, African grooves and gospel-tinged folk songs. His accompanying guitar has the capabilities of a full orchestra using ragtime and classical finger-picking techniques interwoven with soulful melodic solos that make you think there must be at least two musicians playing. Notable appearances include festivals at: Colne, Burnley, Banbury, Sheffield, Rotherham, Romily (France), Madrid Raices Ritmo, International Festival of Acoustic Blues, Madrid, Humber Mouth (LitFest), The Bath International Guitar Festival. And of course, Barking Spider's festivals - Isle Of Wight Roots Festival, Southsea Roots Festival and Blues At The Abbey. His concerts have included appearances with Eric Bibb, Michael Roach, Peter Green, Ian Siegal, Mojo Buford and Country Joe McDonald. He is a regular performer at th e Wolds Collective events Ecofest and Small World held at Badger’s Farm Asterby.and currently tours the UK with blues keyboardist Dr.A. Rollo is also resident M.C. for the Acoustic Stage at The Great Rhythm & Blues Festival, Colne, Lancs. Don't miss this one! KING ROLLO at The R.M.A. Tavern on Sunday 5th July - free entry, 8 p.m.