| Bands |
Festivals |
Media |
Miscellaneous |
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Aynsley Lister
| In a world full of manufactured over-hyped pop music, Aynsley Lister is proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Witnessing him live on stage, what you see is what you get. Powerful, infectious blues-influenced songs performed with the kind of conviction of someone twice his age, but with the vigor and energy of any one of the current A list acts. |
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Carvin Jones
| Carvin Jones' blues-rock trio puts the guitarist-vocalist squarely in the spotlight, and he's got the licks and stage moves to fill it up. Albert Collins called Jones "one of the brightest young stars on the blues scene today." If the blues scene includes Jimi Hendrix, then yes, Jones is right there. His stage act includes tunes by Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Eric Clapton, as well as a growing number of originals, but there's no questioning Jones' devotion to Hendrix. The way he wields his guitar, the way he peels off a tasty run down the fret board, his expressions as he plays, and the hats he wears will remind you of a certain guitar hero from Seattle. - Experience Hendrix Magazine. |
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Connie Lush & Blues Shouter
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Connie Lush - the Blues singer with her own inimitable style of performing blues songs both old and new showing why she has been voted 'Best Female Blues Singer' five times now. A song writer in her own right, Connie performing with Blues Shouter appears all over Europe at Blues Clubs and Festivals. Connie says: 'My biggest influence was the church choir from the age of 5 - 16 and then came Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James! I returned back to music later in life and wondered why I had been away so long! My love of music linked me up to my other love of travel. I'm a lucky girl! I am also very proud to have been voted UK Female Blues singer five times now. I have been involved with recording a couple of songs for soundtrack of the totally British film 'One More Kiss' that has just been released. It was thrilling to be able to sing a couple of tracks for this film. Touring with B.B. King was about the most incredible experience ever. I just hope that Blues Shouter can stay around as long as Him. |
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Danny Bryant
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A blues/rock trio led by a truly stunning lead guitarist and singer/songwriter Danny Bryant. The band has built up a formidable reputation as a live band and are fast becoming one of the most popular blues/rock bands on the festival and club circuit. Danny is one of the most exciting live performers you will ever see. If you have not already seen the band live then make it your number one priority, you will be very glad you did! The powerhouse line up is completed by Ken Bryant on bass and Dave Raeburn on drums. 2006 sees The Redeye Band recording their first live album and where better to record it than the Flowerpot on the 23rd September. Definately a night not to be missed. |
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Deborah Bonham
| Deborah is the younger sister of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. She was five when she started going to Led Zeppelin concerts and with such an illustrious brother it was no surprise when she became a singer and songwriter herself. After John died in 1980, when Debbie was 17, she was invited to Robert Plant’s house and it was there she recorded her first proper demos. As siblings of stars go, Deborah is a damn good act in her own right. She's blessed with a powerful rock-blues voice, which she uses to screamingly good effect. No, she's not trying to be Led Zep, but big brother would definitely be proud and she should be checked out by all lovers of contemporary blues and rock.. |
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Dr Feelgood
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Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970's, Dr Feelgood has become one of the most popular live rhythm and blues acts in the world. The raw and uncompromising style that made them so popular resulted in the band achieving a number one chart position with the album "Stupidity", a testament to their dynamic stage show. Dr Feelgood have enjoyed a string of hit singles in many different countries including Milk And Alcohol, Down At The Doctors, Roxette, She's A Wind Up and See You Later Alligator. 2006 sees Dr Feelgood maintaining a hectic touring schedule across the globe, still thrilling crowds with the vitality of their explosive show. |
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Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges
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The `real deal' from Texas, Eugene sings like Sam Cooke, and plays like BB King; what better accolade can there be? |
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Groundhogs
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Seminal musician in the continuing development of British blues, Tony McPhee and his band have been together since 1984 and play at all the major blues clubs and festivals in the UK. |
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Ian Parker
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Guitar hero? Consummate show man? Electrifying live performer? Ian Parker is all these things, but let's face it, it's the song that really counts.
Ian offers something for everyone -rock, blues, roots, soul, gospel, funk are all to be found in the musical melting pot of a man fast becoming Britain's best-loved blues / roots performer.
He is a genuinely literate songwriter, a young artist rooted in the Blues but not trapped in them. Guitar lovers need not fret, there's plenty to satisfy even the most demanding axe-head; but what lingers are the songs which get in your head and stubbornly refuse to leave, much like many an audience after a Parker gig.
A truly distinctive voice and an inspirational guitar technique in one performer is a rare combination, and together with a cracking band, and a brand new album, Ian Parker is all that is good about contemporary, guitar driven music. |
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Ian Siegal
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"There are good blues singers and then there is Ian Siegal, who’s in a class of his own." - Mike Mager, Blues in Britain. "Ian Siegal is without doubt the most talented musician/songwriter to emerge on the British blues scene in recent years. Ian doesn't just perform the blues, he is totally possessed by them!" - Ian Brown, Blues4ever. |
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Joanne Shaw Taylor
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Producer and Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart discovered Joanne Shaw Taylor when he saw her playing at an event hosted by UB40 and his reaction was as follows;- “I have played with all sorts of blues musicians all over the world, RL Burnside in Memphis, John Lee Hooker in New York but I have never heard a British white girl playing the blues guitar so deep and passionate it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end”. |
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Joe Bonamassa
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If you’re a music fan and don’t know the name Joe Bonamassa by now, you will soon. Although the term “prodigy” is often overused in the music business, that’s exactly what Joe Bonamassa is, now having developed his skills from that of a young guitar slinger into a more mature and much diversified musician. Consider that a young Bonamassa first touched a guitar at the early age of 4, was playing complete Stevie Ray Vaughan songs by the age of 8, and by 12, Bonamassa was opening for the legendary B.B. King. Having played with the likes of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Buddy Guy, it’s fair to say that Joe Bonamassa, now a mature 27, has always had the chops to impress some of the best in the business. With a guitar in hand, Joe Bonamassa can do it all. |
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John Otway
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John first achieved notoriety with his eye-watering performance on Old Grey Whistle Test and subsequent hit single 'Really Free' in 1977. A heady mix of blind ambition and rank incompetence was to keep this microstar shining for almost two decades despite Otway's ability to turn any situation to his own disadvantage. His autobiography 'Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure' out sold, by a factor of ten, all the records he had released since his hit, and now Otway is struggling to live up to this billing - selling out London Astoria for his 2000th gig in 1993, filling the Royal Albert Hall in 1998, and charting at number 9 with his 2002 single 'Bunsen Burner'. For John 'Two Hits' Otway, 'the future's bright; the future's Otway! |
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Kent Duchaine
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Charismatic star Kent DuChaine is an outstanding Delta and Urban Blues man. With his bottleneck slide and his National steel guitar, he has a powerful and charismatic stage presence with a show dedicated to the legendary blues men and women and their songs.
His music is cleverly crafted yet earthy and root-laden, all delivered with a style of playing that is aptly described as 'ferociously powerful'.
DuChaine's guitar playing is rooted in the styles of Robert Johnson, Lightning Hopkins, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Bukka White and Elmore James. He has a ferociously wild slide technique that exudes a frenzied power and he can switch gears in the wink of an eye to play some beautiful acoustic melodies. His live shows are exuberant displays of delta music history, interspersed with his own compositions that are remarkably good.
The music is mixed with anecdotes and stories of his own eventful life and is delivered with wit and charisma. |
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Michael Schenker
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Legendary German-born guitarist and founder member of the Scorpions who built his career on his temperamental relationship with the band UFO, which he left in 1979. He founded the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) later that year. Aside from a brief return to UFO, MSG survived in its various incarnations since, living past its 25th anniversary in 2005 to continue touring annually. |
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Neverland
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Created a huge "buzz" when they re-formed in 2004 and sold out 2 nights at The Flowerpot. This Derby based rock outfit are one of the best and their new 2006 album "Speak" proves it. Spearheaded by the songwriting talents of guitarist Adrian Dent and wizardry on the madolin/mandola by Mick Doyle, this band are still as exciting and relevant as they ever were!! |
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Nimmo Brothers
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Over the past decade The Nimmo Brothers have proven themselves as one of the most respected exponents of modern blues the UK has seen since the blues boom of the 1960s. Indeed, it is from this very period, that brothers Stevie and Alan Nimmo first drew on the influences, which make them the fine musicians they are today. Now in 2006, after a period where the brothers concentrated on various solo projects and the release of their first live album Live at Cottiers recorded in 2003 in their home town of Glasgow, Scotland, a whole new chapter begins. The Nimmo Brothers are back with a bombardment of new, killer songs, a new album in the pipeline scheduled for Autumn 2006 and live tours in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Their sound is stronger and more powerful than ever as they dust down the old Orange valve amps and haul out their treasured Les Pauls from retirement to once again become THE band to be reckoned with on the world blues scene. |
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Nine Below Zero
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With all the aggression and energy of the Britpop and Punk eras, but with their roots steeped in 50's Chicago blues, Nine Below Zero deliver a volatile cocktail of Rhythm & Blues. The result is something like the Jam playing Muddy Waters - fast, snappy and pugnacious. On the road they quickly become an unmissable live act, sweat spraying and the walls running! Their relentless commitment to their cause makes them the hardest working, most requested live blues band in the UK and Europe. Founder member Dennis Greaves is now widely acknowledged as the best blues guitarist that this country has seen in a long while, a frontman whose wit is as sharp as his suits. Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O'Neill, both formerly with the great blues legend Rory Gallagher, make up a powerhouse rhythm section to rival any and together with the upfront blues harmonica supplied courtesy of Mark Feltham with a reputation and a CV as long as your arm. There is the best of everything in this band and live, the combination is lethal. A band with their own genuine sound and deep understanding of their musical roots. NBZ have a tireless spirit - no regrets, no excuses, no crap. |
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Stan Webb
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Stan Webb's dynamic guitar style and huge stage presence have made Chicken Shack a firm favourite with rock and blues fans everywhere. Their first two albums "40 Blue Fingers Freshly Packed And Ready To Go" and "O.K. Ken" stormed into the top twenty in the late sixties, whilst the singles "When The Train Comes Back" and "Tears In The Wind” spent a combined 19 weeks in the top thirty. Throughout an acclaimed career Stan Webb has played and recorded with the very best, including, STEVIE WONDER, HOWLING WOLF, TAJ MAHAL, CANNED HEAT and PETER GREEN. Stan Webb and Chicken Shack show no sign of slowing down, continually touring the U.K. and Europe to packed houses and rave reviews. |
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The Brew
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The Brew is a three piece Rock band from Grimsby, with members Jason Barwick, Kurtis Smith, and Tim Smith. They play the music of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and their own material which they themselves describe as Blues/Rock in the same vain as their peers and which can be heard on their debut CD "The Brew" |
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Walter Trout
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Walter Trout, from New Jersey, has played with some of the greatest names in blues, including John Lee Hooker, John Mayall and Canned Heat, and, in a BBC radio poll was ranked in the all-time top 6 guitarists. From soft reflection to driving rock, his song-writing and performances extend the limits of the blues as a living tradition.
‘He is a torrential, gladiatorial guitar player – the kind the term guitar hero was coined to describe.’
LA Times |
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Wilko Johnson Band
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Original Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko, with Norman Watt-Roy and Monti, both from Ian Dury's Blockheads, adds up to one of the most exciting rhythm and blues bands in the world today. |
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Woolley & Archer
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Alan Woolley and Leavon Archer have been performing as a duo for over 10 years now after an impromptu "jam" at a beer festival in Derby. Both are involved with solo and band projects but it is the Woolley & Archer gigs that have consistently entertained audiences over the years. The set comprises of blues and rock classics belted out with passion and raw energy alongside a selection of their own compositions. Humour plays a big part of the show with banter between them all through the show. Joining them on percussion sometimes is Giles "The Duke" Henshaw or Andy McAllister. Both are highly skilled percussionists. Every show is different with twists and turns all the way. One thing that never changes though is the superb musicianship and top class entertainment! |
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Off the Tracks
| Great eclectic festivals based at Park farm Hotel, Castle Donnington, Derbyshire. The spring festival is more acoustic based while the September festival is a full on celebration of all forms of wonderful music. Great camp-site with lots of beer to choose from as well. |
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Rock & Blues
| A massive rock and blues custom show now in it's 24th year taking place at the picturesque Coney Grey Showground, Chesterfield Road, Pentrich, Ripley, Derbyshire. It has grown into one of the biggest of it's kind in the UK, located at the foothills of the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District. Three days, 20 bands, two stages, Europe's No.1 Custom show, Stunt Shows, Wild West Shows, Fairground, Late Bar, 24hr Food, Custom Bike Builders, 100's of TradeStalls and more! |
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Derby Evening Telegraph
| The local paper giving all the info, news etc in the Derby and surrounding areas. |
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Gig Guide Ltd
| Excellent search engine giving lots of gig info including The Flowerpot |
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Gigantic
| Great new ticket sellers who sell amongst others all the gigs at the Flowerpot. Great site - check it out. |
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Skiddle
| Great search engine giving a comprehensive guide to gigs taking place up and down the uk. Includes (of course) all the forthcoming gigs being promoted by RAWPROMO. |
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Derby County FC
| The best football club in the Midlands (and probably the world!!) Congatulations to all at DCFC on winning promotion to the Premiership. Billy's boys ruled at Wembley and will rule the Premiership next season!! Come on you RAMS!!!!! |
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Derbyshire Cricket Club
| The best cricket club in the Midlands! |
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Derby Camra
| Our very own local beer specialists who organise not one but two of the UK's best beer festivals. Happy Days! |
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Foulds
| Top Derby music shop selling everything a muso would ever want or need. |
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Mick Moonshine
| Derby based classic rock DJ, publisher, agent and all round top bloke |
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Paul Jones BBC Radio 2 Blues Show
| Great show keeping you up to date with all that's happening in the world of blues music. |
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Peter Woolley - Watercolour Artist
| Excellent artist with regular local exhibitions. A great range of books and videos/dvds on offer as well. Does a great course for those of you who want to learn the skills. |
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Smithfield
| A great real ale pub you must visit when in Derby. Famed for the "Blues, Booze and BBQs" season in the summer. Also a popular choice as a pre-match pint on the way to Pride Park. |
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Solo Music Superstore
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Based in Stapleford, close to Junction 25 on the M1 we sell a wide range of musical instruments including Guitars, Basses, Amps & Effects, Stage Lighting & Effects, Karaoke & DJ Disks and equipment, PA Equipment Visit them for great prices and service. |
