|
|
 |
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 |
|
On Thursday August 1st, The Bullfrog Blues Club in Southsea are delighted to be presenting The Lil' Jimmy Reed Band. Now 80 years of age, Lil' Jimmy Reed epitomises the classic Louisiana down-home blues tradition, with stinging guitar work, gritty vocals and haunting harmonica. Lil' Jimmy is one of the last of the original Louisiana bluesmen. Almost all of the other greats of the genre have passed on, leaving only their recordings to testify to their genius. Lil' Jimmy was born in a shot-gun shack in Hardwood, Louisiana, a small cotton and sawmill town on the Mississippi River. He grew up near a blues club where every night he absorbed the music from across the street. At six he made his own guitar from a cigar box, and by the time he was a teenager he was playing guitar and harmonica in local clubs around Baton Rouge. Filling in one night for blues star Jimmy Reed (who was too drunk to perform!) earned Leon Atkins (his real name) the title "Lil' Jimmy Reed" and started him on the road to success, playing small clubs and bars. His career blossomed, and he's shared the stage with B. B. King and Bobby "Blue" Bland amongst many others, and head-lined festivals all over the USA and Europe The Li'l Jimmy Reed Band also feature bass guitarist Hilary Blythe and the critically-acclaimed pianist Bob Hall (ex Savoy Brown & Groundhogs). "Surely the finest of the British blues and boogie pianists" (Blues and Rhythm) "master of the austere arts of blues and boogie woogie piano" (The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings) Over the past five years this fine trio have performed together throughout Europe. DON'T miss one of the last chances to hear the raw, unadulterated sound of authentic original Louisiana blues. Advance tickets are available for just £10 via - via Paypal on our secure website - http://webplus.barkingspider.abelgratis.com/tickets/ and also from Street Level Music, 139 Albert Rd, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 2SQ. (cash only) Tickets also available on the door (£12 - cash only). The Bullfrog Blues Club is at The Dockyard Club, Onslow Rd, Southsea, PO5 2NH. Doors open 8.p.m.