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STAN WEBBS CHICKEN SHACK:

In 1968 Chicken Shack were a major signing to MIKE VERNON'S now legendary BLUE HORIZON label. Led by the mercurial Stan Webb on guitar and vocals, Chicken Shack were a band brimming full of talent, far outweighing the bands, groups and solo performers purveying the BLUES - a musical tradition in many forms, taken from the 'Folk Roots Of Black America'. Probably the bands most well known member was CHRISTINE PERFECT (later McVie) who went on at a later date to even greater fame and fortune with FLEETWOOD MAC. 

The late sixties were a prolific time for Chicken Shack with their first two albums "40 Blue Fingers Freshly Packed And Ready To Go" and "O.K. Ken" storming into the U.K. top twenty, whilst the singles "When The Train Comes Back" and "Tears In The Wind" also scored heavily in the charts. 

Stan's blistering guitar style matched with a huge stage presence have made Chicken Shack a firm favourite of rock and blues fans everywhere.

Since those heady days of the late sixties a further fifteen albums have been released together with numerous compilations proving that Stan, really is "The Man". 

Throughout a distinguished career Stan Webb has played and recorded with the very best, including, STEVIE WONDER, HOWLING WOLF, TAJ MAHAL, PETER GREEN and CANNED HEAT, whom he joined on guitar for a U.K. tour following the departure of the bands guitarist. 

As the '60's have given way to the '70's; '80's and '90's, Stan Webb and Chicken Shack show no sign of slowing down, continually touring the U.K. and Europe to packed houses and rave reviews. In 1997 Stan received the BLUE HEART AWARD for services to Blues in Germany, the previous recipient had been BB KING, a glowing testament to Stan Webb and his ongoing love of playing the blues. 

Since that time Stan Webb has continued to release quality CD’s (“Webb” and “Still Live after All These Years” to name but two) and a great DVD recorded livein the UK. His back catalogue continues to pop up in the record store racks as interest in Stan Webb and hi product show no sign of abating. 

Two thirty date tours of the UK took place in 2004 and 2006 with John Mayall, playing to sold out houses everywhere as people flocked to see two giants of the blues scene ply their immense craft on the same stage.  


 

Though often named a modern blues band, The Brew have evolved far beyond the restrictions of blues to become one of Europe's most prominent rock bands. Hailing from Grimsby (UK) the band draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, from the experimental psychedelic tunes of the '60s, to more contemporary artists on the rock scene.

The band's extensive European tours have resulted in a massive underground following, which is just beginning to break into the mainstream as their fan-base rapidly increases. Appearances across national television and radio stations in Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands have confirmed the band as one of Britain’s better known musical exports.

http://www.the-brew.net/


 

Rainbreakers are a four piece rock outfit that create a raw and hard-hitting sound. Influences can be heard from a range of different styles that echo back to the stylings of the late 60’s and 70’s, layering a combination of rock, pop, blues and soul.

Holding on to tradition, but by no means purists, Rainbreakers indicate a fascination with older artists such as Free and Hendrix, yet the band draws significant influence from the contemporary sounds of The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr and Monophonics. Since their formation in 2012, Rainbreakers have played countless amounts of shows at club venues and festival stages, resulting in the development of their own sound that truly represents themselves as well as the experiences they share. The band’s impassioned and fervent live performance has given leverage to acquire a strong and honest following in their hometown and across the country.

Alongside the release of their latest EP ‘Blood Not Brass’, Rainbreakers are already set to perform with Chantel McGregor and Laurence Jones on their 2015 UK Tours as well festival bookings including Stourbridge Blues Festival, Farmer Phils and many more.

http://www.therainbreakers.com/


REBECCA DOWNES  

Rebecca Downes is fast establishing herself as one of the star attractions amongst the new vanguard of blues performers in the UK, with her unique and powerful voice, drawing influences ranging from Blues and Soul to Jazz and Rock.

Rebecca’s voice and performances have been, quite rightly, likened to such legendary artists as the full on Tina Turner, the bluesy feel of Etta James, and the raw power of Janis Joplin.

Her passion for music comes from a deep belief in the power and authenticity of live music and a love for what she does.

http://www.rebeccadownes.com/


The five guys of Southbound finally came together as band over a period of 2012/2013 after occasionally meeting up just a few times a month for jamming sessions along with at the time, various current and past members. Initially just playing together for fun and enjoyment, then in its current form, gelling as firm friends and realising a common bond and the love of the Blues and Southern Rock, which was influenced by the likes of Clapton, Hendrix, Peter Green, Allman Brothers, Muddy Waters and alike.

2014 was a great first year for the band, keeping busy with regular gigging in local pubs and clubs In and around the Hertfordshire area, playing an interesting set of covers by the afore mentioned artists, thankfully these gigs turned into repeat gigs in many of the venues played,  and they are receiving some great feedback from owners, clients and musicians alike who were not expecting the mature choice of material from such young guys. A sound which seemed to appeal to the more mature listener and a good healthy following started.

On the back of those gigs a couple of hugely enjoyable local festivals came along and they gained confidence to slowly introduce some of their own material into their sets, indeed their first festival slot at the Rock at the Priory in the summer of 2014 comprised purely of their own songs.

2014 finished on an exciting high with a visit to Catman Boogie Studio record demo recordings of two of their songs, Lover Boy Blues and Tell Me What a Man’s Gotta do, both of which excitedly have recently received FM airplay and internet station plays that have been played in the UK Europe the USA and further afield.

2015 has started on an even more high far more in excess than the guys could of hoped for, with gigs and festivals already booked into the new year and summer, some support openings for Larry Miller at Hertford Corn Exchange and The Skammers at the Fiddlers Elbow,  some fantastic London visits to some truly iconic venues, The Troubadour in Earls Court, The Spice of Life In Soho, The Fiddlers Elbow, The Garage, The George Tavern E1 and the famous 100 club later this year.

Excitingly, they have been already invited back to Headline gigs at the Troubadour and Spice of Life  this year and hope that this feedback continues from venues, and that they continue to entertain and grow the Southbound name- they also continue to add strong enjoyable solid songs to their repertoire.


Mick Simpson is the unsung hero of UK Blues. Initially coming to public notice when playing with Elkie Brooks in the 1980s. His playing became highly recognised and he was in demand, writing music with John Parr (St.Elmo's Fire), which was featured in several Hollywood movies.

In 2005 Mick guested at BB King's 80th Birthday held at BB's New York Blues Bar. He has also played alongside Gary Moore and Snowy White.

2010 saw the release of Mick's debut solo album 'Hard Road', with one of the tracks ' Sometimes I Feel So Lonely' nominated for best original song at The British Blues Awards 2011.

2014 saw the release of 'Unfinished Business' 14 tracks of soaring blues guitar, driving rock anthems and melodic country blues. Mick has recently spent time writing new material for an album scheduled for release in late 2016, and will be gigging throughout 2016.

Solid Entertainments Presents... DONCASTER Blues Festival