AYNSLEY LISTER

Featured in Total Guitars 2024 ‘Greatest Blues Guitarists Of All Time’ readers poll, Lister is considered by many to be one of the most exciting contemporary blues guitarists around today. Known not only for his exceptional guitar playing, he is also a highly regarded songwriter whose passion for music crosses genres, effortlessly combining blues, soul, Americana, rock and sometimes even pop elements.

Expect an evening of fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue mixed with newer material from his most recent highly acclaimed albums. 

For fans of: Gary Clarke Jnr., Eric Clapton, The Black Keys, John Mayer, Tedeschi Trucks

“A supergroup for the 21st Century” Chris Welch, Melody Maker

“Superb” –The Times

“Masterful and measured songwriting” -R2 Magazine

“A quite marvellous guitarist of passion and strength, and with a fine distinctive voice” - Record Collector Magazine

“Aynsley really knows how to shape a solo, when to hold back and when to step on the gas... Fine songs, a top-notch band, powerful production and a mix of great tones this is British blues at its finest, but with a catchy rock edge.” - Guitar Techniques Magazine

Connolly Hayes

Having only debuted earlier this year, Connolly Hayes have already made giant strides within, and beyond, the blues/rock/soul community, largely on the reputations of the principal members. Jess Hayes emerged onto the South London scene as a teenager having been raised on classic rock and soul by her musician parents and quickly gained a reputation amongst the blues and soul cognesenti. She has also recently enjoyed a 4 chairs turn on ITV's 'the Voice', but more importantly, Jess is finding her own 'voice' with this new project, alongside her friend Frankie Connolly, who himself has gained a stellar reputation as both a great singer and astonishing guitar player. Connolly Hayes aren’t just a duo though, they are a fully fledged band with Richard Clarke, another noted vocalist/guitarist, alongside Joe Mac on keys, Beau Barnard on bass and Andy Wilder on drums. Their 2024 debut album 'Remember Me' release was an immediate IBBA (collaboration of 100 blues radio stations) 'Pick of the Month' and the band has already attracted an exceptionally high volume of Festival and touring offers, internationally. 

“Truly astonishing” – Classic Rock Magazine
“F***ing amazing!” – Jeff Beck
“A REALLY good player” – Gary Moore
“So amazing!” – Beth Hart
“Killer!” – Kenny Wayne Shepherd
“Unbelievable!” – Richie Kotzen
“Exudes class & prowess” – Guitar Techniques Magazine
“Ben Poole is the full package” – Maverick Magazine
“Definitely one to watch” – Guitarist Magazine
“A really fresh sound and style” – Paul Jones (BBC Radio 2)
“This is a young man to look out for as he is no doubt a rising talent” – Blues Matters Magazine
When you hear comments such as the above from some of the greatest guitar players of the last century, some of the most respected blues/rock/soul artists in the world today, and some of the leading magazines and radio presenters in Europe, you just know that they have heard something very special. Twenty-eight year old Ben Poole is currently being described as one the most exciting young Rock, Blues & Soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time!

Amba Tremain

Amba Tremain and her band bring you the sound of ‘Cinematic Rhythm & Blues’. A cross of genres that blend brand new music with old school influences, creating songs that have the power to transport you back in time. Whether she's out acoustically or with her full band, Amba delivers a huge, unadulterated show and packs a big punch with her vocals. Her songs are real stories about passion, love, heartbreak and honest feelings, some will even move you to tears. 

Nominated in 2024’s ‘Emerging Act of the Year’ by the U.K Blues Federation, The Amba Tremain Band are about burst onto the scene and have been quoted as ONE TO WATCH! 

A big sound with even bigger presence. Do not miss them live…

‘Excellent sets by one of the tightest live bands around, with one of the most talented singer/songwriters out front. They deserve much greater recognition’ - Richard Donnelly Coolham Live Music Club

‘Real Soul, festival bookers should snap this show up while they can afford to. Powerhouse doesn't describe the half of it' - Mark Ede BiGiAM Promotions

‘So much soul in her voice, so powerful, this song is a proper earworm and will totally stay in your head. This track really shows off her vocals and what a powerhouse voice she has' - Steph N @ BBC introducing

Over a decade ago Backbone Blues Band’s story began in a field. Two bandmates having a beer and talking music at the Blues on the Farm festival. ‘My sister’s been going to the King Biscuit Festival for years’ says one. ‘We should go!’

Later that year the fledgling band made its first trip to the Mississippi Delta, cementing a love for the music and firing a desire to make Backbone a band that plays the blues in its own style - faithful to the genre but distinctive and entertaining in its delivery. More than ten years on, and with as many trips to the Biscuit in that time, the band has earned friends and plaudits both sides of the Atlantic.

Their fourth album, ‘old new borrowed blues’, enjoyed extensive radio coverage on blues shows and was extremely well received. Something of a watershed recording, it represents an homage to much missed lead singer Duncan Highet, whose passing left the band mourning the loss of a great friend. It also signposted the band’s way forward, with guitarist Tony Seaman stepping in to the lead vocal role, and new members Luke (Duncan’s son) on bass, and guitarist Martin Spellman bringing their own talents to the Backbone sound. Steve Pearce on keys and Martin Jezzard on drums complete the band personnel.

This year’s trip to the Delta sees the band making their second main stage appearance at the Biscuit - we believe the only non-US band to have played the festival more than once - and includes a return to Morgan Freeman’s iconic Ground Zero blues club in Clarksdale, where the band’s performances have enjoyed an enthusiastic following.

In the U.K. the band have built a reputation for delivering their blues in an entertaining and engaging style, with performances at a number of festivals and blues clubs, including the award-winning Tuesday Blues at the 100 Club. They’re already booked for the Looe festival on their return from the States, and for Blackpool’s inaugural blues festival in early ‘24. Catch them if you can, live or on record - you’ll like what you hear!

Bison Hip were formed by long - time friends during a lockdown Zoom call in 2020. "I don't know who suggested it first" explains vocalist Paul, "but right away it seemed like a great idea. Maybe it was the mid-life crisis at play!" The band are all over 50, with the exception of keyboard player and spring chicken, Stephen, clocking in at a youthful 41. By the time they finally got together in early 2021, the blueprint was clear. "We wanted to take our love of blues and rock, then mix it up with our experiences in life" adds Paul. "Between us, we've been through so many things in life, big ups and huge downs, some successes and a whole load of failures, we wanted all of that in the music. Lastly, we needed to wrap it all up in the DNA of our hometown, Glasgow, and hopefully that's what we've achieved". With 2 EP's already released, the ethos is clear: real musicians, real instruments, no click tracks, culminating in a unique blues rock sound that tells real life stories. With a debut album on the way in April 2023, Bison Hip have hit the ground running. "We've arrived at the party fashionably late, so we're making up for it now!"