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​THE BANDS 2015  (in no particular order)

Norfolk's finest and most popular Blues bands and entertainers plus a sprinkling of special guests from further afield came together this year to make 2015 one of the biggest and best blues festivals Dereham has ever seen! 

ROBIN BIBI WITH THE SHUNTERS BLUES BAND: Robin BiBi hosted the Norfolk Blues Society (NBS) Superjam last autumn and his vocal power and stunning guitar style bold  the packed Memorial Hall audience clean over. He is back as guest frontman with NBS house band The Shunters. This combination of one of the regions top rhythm sections plus a blues/rock guitarist at the top of UK blues scene is guaranteed to give you a blues experience to remember for a long time.The festival is honoured that he has returned to Dereham again having  paid his blues dues working with such names as Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Ben.E.King,  He favours Blues that is Funk, Rock, Reggae (Occasionally!) and Jazz/Fusion all rolled together. You will have to be ready for anything. Robin and the Shunters can guarantee you a  blues experience to remember. More information on Robin http://www.robinbibiband.co.uk/bio.htm. The Shunters can be seen in action  backing top Norfolk blues men and women in video clips http://www.norfolkbluessociety.org.uk/gallery.html

DUST BOWL: Dust Bowl are a blues/rock tribute style power trio, performing the music of Joe Bonamassa. Concentrating on replicating the style, sound and energy of a Bonamassa show, Dust Bowl ensure a high class, entertaining and memorable experience for the audience.Covering Bonamassa's versions of well-loved blues rock artists, such as Rory Gallagher, ZZ Top, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton as well as performing Bonamassa's own material, there really is something for everyone.
More info http://www.dustbowlbluesband.co.uk/

THE ROSES: The Roses’ brand of country blues is a delicate mix of original tunes, traditional blues and rearranged pop. Sally’s earthy vocals intone lyrics of sadness, break-up, suburban living, mourning and longing over the band’s guitar, upright bass, mandolin, fiddle and three-part harmony. Sometimes melancholic, sometimes cookin’, always vital and alive. Adam has been guest lead guitarist at a number of Norfolk Blues society jam sessions and always delivers quality musicianship.  

THE HARPOON BLUES BAND: The Harpoon Blues Band emerged from the swamps of Suffolk in May 2008. Over the intervening 7 years they have grown a long list of punchy, up-beat and dam right dirty blues tunes much to the delight of a discerning and growing group of blues aficionados. Neil Challis - Guitar/Vocals, Ian Pease - Drums, (the legendary) Paul Gillings - Harmonica/vocals and Phil Cook - Bass. 

More information https://www.facebook.com/theharpoonbluesband

JAMIE ROSE BAND: A modern blues four-piece from the heart of Norfolk who bring a modern swagger to the beloved genre. Using influences from all walks of music but in particular from the Blues greats such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer as well as a healthy dose of the local modern blues scene." Jamie has an amazing vocal timbre matched by stylish guitar playing. He is the youngest player ever to have been invited to guest host a Norfolk Blues Society jam session, and not just once. 

More information from http://www.jamieroeband.co.uk/
 

THE BARONESS AND THE BEAR FULL BAND: The Baroness and the Bear play eclectic blues and will be playing hosts to this year's Festival Bear Cave, an acoustic only venue. This delightfully charismatic duo can often be seen around Norfolk playing their unique style of the old traditional blues, taking inspiration from many of the old blues greats, mixed with a spicy plateful of the likes of Robert Plant and Buddy Miller. Atmospheric Blues with locomotive drive. This will be the full band.  https://www.facebook.com/TheBeautifulDaysBand

ROBERT HOKUM (Solo): Robert resides in Ealing West London and is a well-known ‘Face’ on the UK Blues Scene. His band Devil Drives recently completed 4 nights at the 2015 Swanage Blues Festival. They were applauded for being the funkiest, tightest band at the festival. Expect quality blues, presented with wit and repartee. When asked if he would come and play solo at the Dereham Blues Festival Bob replied:  'I would love too.. I have a nice Faith acoustic and a couple of very nice dobro’s which I like to take out once in a while!!!'

More information: http://roberthokum.co.uk/ 

PERCY PARADISE: Known as The king of the Wensum Delta Blues’ Percy is a fan of traditional English, Rural American and African music Percy plays an acoustic amalgam influenced by the masters of early Jazz, Bluegrass, Ragtime, Manouche, Cajun, Blues, and British Country Dance & Music Hall.He can often be seen playing in Norfolk’s finer establishments playing Solo & with 'The Solidairs' & 'The Doohickies'. At Dereham Blues Festival he will be found in Bear Cave. One of life’s loveable characters and an excellent musician to. 

More information: https://www.facebook.com/percy.paradise

DANI DORCHIN: A musician and songwriter, performing in the one man band tradition, combining electric guitar, harmonica, foot drums and vocals for a powerful effect of energetic, groovy garage blues. From a kibbutz on the outskirts of Nazareth, Israel, Dani is a self taught musician who learned his craft the old way, by studying the classic blues records and by years of traveling, working odd jobs and meeting musicians all over the world. "Dani Dorchin does it right. I wish my thumb could do what his did. Go see this man plunk and stomp!" (Bob Log III)   "…probably the best one man band I've heard in years" (Richard Johnston) 
More information:  http://www.danidorchinmusic.com/

THE BRIAN RAWSON BAND: Glasgow-based, contemporary blues band who, to date, have played with artists such as; Jo Harman, Coco Montoya, Simon McBride, Ryan McGarvey, Virgil & The Accelerators, Stevie Nimmo, Buck & Evans, Pat McManus and Wishbone Ash. Last year, they gigged throughout Scotland and played the "HRH Blues" festival in Wales, the "City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival" in Northern Ireland, the "Almost Blue" festival in Dundee, the "Maryport Blues Festival", the "Smokey Blues Festival" and  "Bell Rock" blues festivals in Arbroath and the "South Beach Sessions" in Troon. Their  EP, "Bad for me", was released at the end of last year for more info http://www.brianrawsonband.com/

MALAYA BLUE (Unplugged): The stunning Malaya Blue is performing unplugged. She burst onto the UK blues scene with the release of her debut album Bourbon Street. Which quickly reached No1 in the Independent Broadcasters charts. Paul Jones is a confirmed fan of her sultry vocal delivery and unforgettable songs. She is currently on tour with top musicians around the UK and DBF is very proud to have her on board. More information http://malayablue.com/

PETE HARRIS TRIO: Pete is up from the South Coast Blues scene where he's been a stalwart for the last 30 years . He's gigged all over the UK and Europe and is accustomed to TV and radio performances . His trio includes 'Blues Mumma' Hume on vocals and washboard, Jon Vaughan on harmonica and Pete on acoustic guitar and slide and vocals - get some if you can - here's a sample

PAUL TINKLER'S PART TIME BLUES BAND: Consummate blues man with rich vocals oozing with character and guitar skills to match. Paul's professionalism and expertise are revered by top Norfolk blues artists. Paul will also be supporting the Mud Morganfield concert as the guest front man of the Shunters Blues Band.

To see Paul in action visit: http://youtu.be/w5fi7z1IWRs  or for dates to see him live visit http://www.tinksblues.co.uk/ptbb.htm

THE DOVE AND BOWEEVIL BAND: The Dove and Boweevil Band are fast becoming a hot act to watch on the UK Blues scene. Scorching vocals (Lauren Dove) and heart rending guitar playing (Mark Howes) set this band apart. The honesty and camaraderie in their performance is infectious, steeped with a raw and refreshing sense of style. Their debut album ‘Getting Somewhere’ has been played right across the world and the pair have trodden a far reaching blues journey across the UK, Europe and the US. Seeping with the swampy blues, expect an exciting rootsy blend of original blues, soul and gospel in the distinctive style. 
More info http://www.doveandboweevil.co.uk/#/home/4549917269

THE DAVE THOMAS BAND: The Dave Thomas Band delivers Chicago style Blues with energy and style. The band is made up of four core members: Dave Thomas on vocals, guitar and harmonica ; Hugh Gregory on guitar and vocals ; Joe Bernard on bass and vocals and Rusty Floyd on drums and vocals. Together these boys blow up a storm! In 2014 they opened up the Dereham Blues Festival in the Memorial Hall with special guest Paul Jones (The Blues Band/ Manfred Mann/ BBC Radio 2). This year the band will be back for their third consecutive year at the Dereham Blues Festival 2015 having played in January at the Great British Rock & Blues Festival and headlined at the Fat Skeleton Blues & Bikers festival in April. Watch Dave Thomas in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOMfiDPj8WI

STONE PONY: Stone Pony, primarily play regular blues, with a sprinkling of  the rocky, and a smidgeon of soul mixed in. To see a sample visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSKK0_qpFjc. 

More information visit the Stone Pony website: http://www.stoneponymusic.co.uk/index.shtml

AGAINST THE GRAIN: Against the Grain is a Rock Blues band comprised of three highly experienced musicians and one long-suffering sound man. Playing Hendrix, Peter Green, Rory Gallagher and more the band have been together for over 15 years, ATG’s performances are inventive energetic and some say eccentric with no song being played the same way twice! For lots more information and sample playing visit  http://www.atg-norfolk-blues-band.co.uk/

COLD SWEAT: Led by Andy Clouting on lead guitar vocals, the four piece band play classic electric blues and boogie from a wide variety of influences sprinkled with a few numbers of their very own and deliver blues with attitude, emotion, and feeling not to mention great musical skill. The line up includes Dennis Robbins ( Hammond/piano/vocals) Trevor Andrews(bass/vocals) and Stanley Clouting (Drums) who are all seasoned musicians who have played for years on the local live circuit of clubs pubs and beer festivals 
More information: http://www.coldsweatbluesband.uk/

SHORTSTUFF: Shortstuff is a Blues duo with a real history. Shortstuff are Dave Thomas and Hugh Gregory who toured the folk clubs of the UK for four years in the mid to late seventies. They appeared at the Cambridge Folk Festival on several occasions. The dynamic duo also held down a long-term residency at the legendary Half Moon in Putney. They relaunched as Shortstuff in January 2015 and released a track from their album “Blue Eyed Blues” on the second KrossBorder Rekords Kompilation CD which was officially launched in February 2015. Beat magazine dubbed Shortstuff’s track Honeybabe ‘the jewel in the crown’ in its recent review of KrossBorder Komp’2. Dave and Hugh, together once more as Shortstuff, deliver a tight, almost seamless set of Blues and Americana showcasing their well - honed guitar and vocal skills. True Blues brothers!
More information: http://finecityblues.uk/main-stage/

AFTER HOURS BLUES BAND: This popular King's Lynn based, blues band are regulars on the Norfolk gig circuit. Playing a variety of blues classics from Muddy Waters to Jimi Hendrix. The four members of the group led by Dave Crane (Guitar, lead vocal) deliver foot stomping rhythms that'll be hard to beat. At past festivals have played alongside Dr Feelgood, Jon Amor Blues Group, Danny Bryant, The Commitments, Suzy Quatro, Just Blues and Toyah Wilcox to name but a few. The band was expressly asked to play with Art Wood (brother of Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones) and an All Star line-up in summer 2005. Dave Crane – Guitar and Vocals,  Tim Nesbitt – Bass, Nobby Sparrow – Drums, Steve Tansley - Guitar. 

More information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/177029189037323/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/177029189037323/

THE MOJO PREACHERS: The Mojo Preachers are a five-piece band cooking up a wholemeal blues cake with a little-by-little dash of funky soul-spice. 

They  have been described as having "A solid, laid-back yet driving sound" P. Floyd.

For more information and sample playing visit http://www.mojopreachers.com/#    

OUTTATHABLUES: OutathaBlues are not your everyday Blues Band.  If you want a musical journey through the Blues genre, from it’s roots, through street corners and barrel houses, along the paths of hokum, venturing  into rock (not to mention roll!) right up to ‘when I woke up this morning!’, then join Outathablues while they turn up some familiar - and many less well known - blues songs for a memorable musical journey.

More information http://www.outathablues.co.uk/

CRUISER BLUES BAND: The Cruiser Blues Band deliver blues standards with a crossover into early rock & roll sprinkled with some strong original work. The Band is led by Simon Whitney who is playing guitar, harmonica, and slide with a unique intense and gravelly vocal style.  Your feet won't stop tapping and you might just find you have to hang onto your seat too.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/CruiserBluesBand

SPACE EAGLE: Space Eagle is a Norwich-based one-man-band playing the hill country blues - a sparse, impro-heavy, rhythmic juke joint music from the northern part of Mississippi bordering Tennessee, above the Delta. During the day, Space Eagle can usually be found playing on the streets of Norwich and elsewhere. At night, you'll more likely find him at some celebrated venue or other  
and between the two - that's when the Eagle does his hunting. Just stunning stuff - if you don't believe us listen to his tracks.... !  More information: http://space-eagle.com/

A13 ALLSTARS: Take six seasoned singers and musicians – three girls, three blokes – who just love playing together in the pubs and clubs of Norfolk. Add a touch of rhythm and blues, Wilson Pickett will do or maybe some Taj Mahal, and a little Levon Helm (with or without the Band) for a little funky country seasoning. Spice it up with some familiar Rolling Stones or even Bob Dylan then allow to simmer. Stir it up, then add a few pints and some good friends. Bring to the boil - a recipe not to be missed! 'We are delighted to be back at the Dereham Blues Festival this year , and what a privilege it is to again be in the company of so many talented musicians. The A13 Allstars look forward to playing a small part in this year’s festival with their heady mix of blues, country and truckers’ favourites. More Information: http://a13allstars.com/

NEIL DANIELS AND DAVE MORRISON: All performed very much in a Neil Daniels and Dave Morrison style, the duo cover numbers by some all time favourite blues artists such as Ray Charles, J. J. Cale, Tom Waits, Nina Simone, Jimmy Reed, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Taj Mahal, Fats Waller, Harry ''the Hipster'' Gibson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Leon Redbone, Jesse Fuller and others. Seasoned musicians who play a mix of Blues, Country Blues, & a little jazz on baritone guitar, vocals, harmonica and soprano sax.  More information: http://www.neildanielsanddavemorrison.com/

BLUES SITUATION: With the engine room purring, Blues Situation are regarded as Suffolk's premier blues band. They lay down wicked Chicago style blues rhythms to which vocalist Luke Arnold adds some virtuoso blues harp playing. Gutsy, spine chilling, ever entertaining slow heart rending bent tones start driving straight down the line until it sounds like the train is coming right on through. Luke is one of handful of top Norfolk blues men who have been invited to host Norfolk Blues Society's celebrated open blues jam sessions.
More information: www.bluessituation.co.uk

ASTROJETS: Astrojets are a London-based, four piece blues band that play vocal-lead blues and soul, predominately from the 50s and 60s, including songs made famous by artists such as Bobby "Blue" Bland, OV Wright, Lazy Lester and Johnny Guitar Watson."  Band member Frank is an ex Dereham boy returning home especially to play at the festival.
More information: http://jpfamps.com/astrojetswp/

ADEN LAND: A very experienced Blues/rock band, playing your favourite classic tracks + original numbers from Adenland's first album 'Getaway Driver'. Fronted by 13 year old master musician 'Aden Gerrens' already one of the best guitar players you are likely to see, professional backline power by 'Dan Coyle' on drums and Barry Gerrens on bass. Don't miss them, this band has a BIG future. Mentored by top Norfolk musicians this young band play Hendrix, ZZ top, Free, Bad co, Dr Feelgood, Lizzy, Deep Purple, plus much more! A young top quality and professional show. 
More information:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/321704897920101/ 

D.C WILSON BAND: A six piece blues influenced outfit fronted by the very enigmatic and dapper Mr Dominic "hats and spats" Coleman , with a line up of Paul Borley(drums), Peter Thompson(bass) John Setchell (organ) Nick Stevenson (percussion) and Max Wayne-Ayre (guitaraand vocals)
Playing a mixture of Blues ,soul and funk with a latin twist - they are a must see band.

DON'T LOOSE HEART: 'Don't Lose Heart' is Louisa Sadler and Dickie Hartt's acoustic-ish duo. Lou sings and plays guitar whilst Dickie adds sympathetic lead guitar and syncopated rhythms. They play Lou's heartfelt original songs - Lou is a prolific song writer - and covers from the roots and shoots of Americana, Blues and Country music. You'll find them regularly at Open Mics, jams and gigs in and around Norwich and Norfolk.

SLOW GIN (TBC): Slow Gin is a good time 5 piece blues band driven by boogie woogie piano harmonica and guitar. With roots in early blues they also take in more contemporary blues and put the Slow Gin spin on it, from slow melodic to train fast boogie this is one band not to be missed. For more information visit http://www.slowgin.co.uk or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slow-Gin

BLUE CREW (TBC): Led by John Watcham, one of the coolest blues men on the local scene. Consummate harp player and vocalist backed by some of Norfolk's finest blues men. John has been a guest host for NBS jams sessions to see him in action go to http://youtu.be/cf5oihgrqNc