The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming! - By Blues Boss

It seems that almost on a generational basis, music from British Blues Artists “rolls back across the pond” (that being the Atlantic Ocean) to remind us how influential the American genre of blues is to the U.K. music scene. And this time many of them are barely out of diapers (figuratively speaking of course). From what I am hearing (and the fans are awarding British Blues Awards to) the cream of the crop features some just in their twenties, another bunch just past thirty, with my favorite just having reached the 40 plateau.

My exposure to this new wave of British Blues started in ’06 with the amazing Ian Siegal (in the PNW for 6 gigs in 6 days, including the 2006 Waterfront Festival). The multi-talented Siegal (singer/songwriter/guitarist) and his band garnered a much deserved (in my opinion) “Best Band” British Blues Award. Ian is up for multiple award in 2011. Ian is the “elderly statesman” of this group at 40. Ian has a new CD out called “The Skinny” that is in collaboration with several U.S. artists (including Cody Dickinson, Garry Burnside, Robert Kimbraugh and Rodd Bland)

My meeting Siegal lead to the discovery of Matt Schofield (Ian’s Nugene Records stable mate). Generally recognized as the best guitarist in the U.K.(if not all of Europe), Schofield garnered a couple British Blues Awards in 2010 (Best Guitars and Best Album “Head, Tails & Aces”). Matt is also up for multiple awards for 2011.
This guitar wizard/singer/songwriter/record producer is barely 34. Matt has a new CD out called “Anything But Time”.

British Blues Award winner Joanne Shaw Taylor (Best Female Vocalist) is probably the best known (in the U.S.) of this bunch, having been featured at several festivals here over the past couple of years. Blessed with great stage presence, guitar skills, and good looks, this singer/guitarist/songwriter is quickly on the rise on the world blues scene. And, she’s a just 23. Catch her new CD “A Diamond in the Dirt”.

All Photographs © Blues Boss (Dennis Dudley)

Oli Brown is the youngster of this bunch of “Brits” bringing us blues. At 21, Oli has already signed a record contract, won two British Blues Awards in 2010 (Best Male Vocalist and Best Young Artist) and garnered five more nominations for 2011 (Best Guitarist, Best Male Singer, Best Band, Best Album, and Best Young Artist). Oli Brown’s latest CD is “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose”.

To say that British Blues (or the blues in general for that matter) are in good hands is an understatement. And, keep a lookout for one of my favorites from the U.K. – Hokie Joint.

Blues Boss (Dennis Dudley)