To an artst without the crea1ve energy and laser-focused determinaton of Elles Bailey, it could all have been very different. But when you're the hardest-working woman in blues, rock and roots music, not even the tumultuous world events of the past two years were going to stop you from writng several new chapters in a remarkable story.

The Bristol-based singer, songwriter and bandleader, who has powered her way to the forefront of the British blues and roots scene in recent years, is excited to unveil her eagerly-awaited third album Shining in the Half Light. Crammed with vibrant originals brought to life with her A-list band, it's yet another significant step forward in a career already feted with awards and acclaim generated by her two previous studio sets, 2017's Wildfire and 2019's Road I Call Home.

Shining in the Half Light arrives on the heels of Bailey's typically extensive autumn tour of the UK and such preview tracks as 'Cheats and Liars' and 'Sunshine City.' For anyone who loves their combina1on of thought-provoking bluesiness and sassy rock, there is so much more where they come from. These are ten new tracks by an ar1st who, as she sings in 'The Game,' always dances to the beat of her own blues. She co-wrote the en1re album with a variety of collaborators and recorded it in Devon, with her band and producer Dan Weller. Tracking was completed just weeks before Elles gave birth to her first child and she sat in the hospital waitng room listening to mixes on the big day!

The height of the pandemic also gave rise to her series of cover version livestreams, Ain't Nothing But. The ensuing record was nominated as Blues Album of the Year at the UKBlues Awards 2021, where Elles was named UK Blues Artist of the Year for the 2nd year running. Let's also remember that Road I Call Home, recorded in Nashville, had been crowned Album of the Year at those awards, and its song 'Li[le Piece of Heaven' (writen with American greats Bobby Wood and Dan Auerbach) was UK Song of the Year at the UK Americana Awards 2020.

How can an act from Copenhagen with an almost unpronounceable name play more than 100 gigs a year in 20 countries, and release 10 CDs in 10 years, with great reviews from important music media in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Benelux, Scandinavia? 

They've performed in most European countries and also Canada and in India, at Mahindra Blues in Mumbai, Asia's biggest blues festival headlined by Buddy Guy. After the signing with Ruf Records  in 2014 things have moved even faster for them, and their success story is almost as amazing as their music!

More than 90 % of their repertoire is composed by Thorbjørn himself, and even though they usually get categorized as a blues band, their style also incorporates elements from rock, soul, funk, singer-songwriter, New Orleans etc.

The band was formed in 2003, and 5 of the original members are still in the band. It’s a band that sticks together through thick and thin, and the intense touring has just made them even tighter, musically and otherwise.

Finalist 2020 UK Blues Challenge. UK Blues awards nomination best blues band for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Cinelli Brothers have a passion for the music of the 1960’s, an amalgam of blues, rock and soul, and add a twist of contemporary style, making them a rising force on the music scene. Their appeal crosses all manner of boundaries, attracting a significantly younger crowd to their shows as well as pleasing the ears of older fans. Brothers Marco (guitar, keys, vocals) and Alessandro (drums, B/V’s) are joined by Tom Julian-Jones (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and Stephen Giry (bass, guitar, B/V’s). The band has released three albums to date: Babe Please Set Your Alarm (2018) Villa Juke Joint (2021) No Country For Bluesmen (2022), featuring guests on every track, including Dana Gillespie, Ian Siegal, Big Joe Louis and many up and coming stars of the British blues scene.

The Cinelli Brothers tour widely in the UK and across Europe, playing clubs and festivals, delivering live shows of predominantly original material with high energy, great musicianship and showmanship. They have been nominated for UK Blues Awards and are establishing themselves as one of the leading lights of the UK blues scene. Definitely a band not to be missed!

Brave Rival are the South East’s brand-new rip-roaring rock and blues Machine. Hailing from Portsmouth, the UK Blues Award Nominated band features the powerful and beautiful twin vocals of Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick. On lead guitar, providing dramatic guitar solos and crunching rock riffs is Ed “The Shred” Clarke. And holding it all together is the rhythmic backbone, the self-proclaimed engine room of Billy Dedman (bass) and Donna Peters (drums).

Drawing influence from the likes of John Mayer, Aretha Franklin, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and Tedeschi Trucks, Brave Rival offer a style and sound that you’ve always known, and yet never heard before.

Since their inception in the summer of 2019, Brave Rival have gone from strength to strength, featuring in Raw Ramp Magazine as one of the 'Top 20 Bands To Watch In 2020' and nominated for 'Breakthrough Act 2019' by Get Ready To Rock Radio.

At the turn of the decade, hot off the heels from supporting blues rock giants such as Stevie Nimmo and The Billy Walton Band, Brave Rival captured their raw energy live by recording their headline set to a gracious sold-out audience at Hook’s famous Echo Hotel Music Club. This fabulous set of early material was quickly released to critical acclaim as their first Live Album ‘Brave Rival Live at the Echo Hotel Music Club’. Keeping the momentum going, a Kickstarter was launched for their first studio album with the target easily reached by their loyal fanbase with time to spare. It was then time to repay that loyalty with a studio album. Little did they know however, that the world was about to change forever.

With the pandemic putting the brakes on recording plans, Brave Rival spent much of the UK Lockdowns writing new material via the power of Zoom calls and Google drive. The abundance of material produced served them well for the eventual recording of their debut album in the summer of 2021. Recorded at The Mayfair Studio in the picturesque Surrey countryside with producer/seducer Tarrant Shepherd at their side, Brave Rival’s highly anticipated debut album “Life’s Machine” arrived on May 6th 2022 to critical acclaim. Emerging Rocks Bands Magazine said it best when they described the album as “Boss blues energy from start to finish”. Similarly, Powerplay Magazine finished their ten out of ten review by saying that “Brave Rival have unleashed one lean, mean and well oiled machine!”

Tipped as one of Joe Bonamassa’s “favourite discoveries this year” the future is looking incredibly bright for this young up and coming band. A successful set on the introducing stage at the 2022 Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Skegness saw them win the competition, securing a deserved place on the main stage in 2023. The relentless gigging and hard work in 2021 has also paid off for the band with a UK Blues Award Nomination for Best Emerging Blues Band.

Brave Rival are a band on a meteoric rise, firing on all cylinders and are about to take the world by storm. Their unique combination of beautifully harmonic, soulful vocals, epic guitar solos, pounding drums and powerful bass serves up an infectious sound that is not to be missed.

True Strays are lifelong friends, songwriters and country boys – Joseph James and James Cameron – from Bristol, England who are fast carving out a niche of their own in the UK Americana scene. Their music is a cathartic celebration of alternative roots americana and blues rock.

Their songs focus on the dirt that life throws at you and how struggle can be transformed into something better. The prolific songwriting duo draw influences from classic sounds such as Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Fleetwood Mac and modern retro inspired acts like Alabama Shakes, Gary Clark Jr and the Black Keys.

From the rock and roll circumstances of their first meeting, in a sand pit in playgroup 30 odd years ago, they have completed countless UK tours, supported bands as diverse as My Baby and Elles Bailey, been jump started by Keith Allen, played by BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 4, played their first European dates, survived 70+ festival shows at prestigious festivals like Green Man, Boom Town, Larmer Tree and Shambala and have been featured on the Spotify’s Nu-Blue and Modern Blues Rock playlists.

2021 sees a year’s hard work behind the scenes coming to fruition. A recent invite to showcase at the prestigious UK AmericanaFest, a debut album and a performance at Black Deer Festival all on the horizon. With or without live shows, True Strays are not giving up on their musical calling.

Birmingham-based Rebecca and her band are a ‘must see’ live act that often leaves new listeners blown away by the power of the performance. With her co-writer Steve Birkett alongside her, a very tight band behind, and Rebecca’s powerful voice to the fore, the 5-piece outfit performs original rock/blues tracks mainly from her superb second album Believe and the stunning new album More Sinner Than Saint, punctuated by one or two classic covers. Rebecca was voted Female Vocalist and Emerging Artist of the Year at the British Blues Awards 2016 and Female Blues Vocalist of the Year in the FORM UK Blues Awards 2018.

Rebecca was born and grew up in Wolverhampton. She started performing live music when aged 13 and as a teenager wrote and performed her own material. The current music began when she linked up with co-songwriter Steve Birkett to write blues-infused material – a partnership that ‘clicked’ right away to deliver their excellent first album, Back To The Start.

May 2019 saw the release of their latest studio album containing exciting new material honed with advice from producer Chris Kimsey, famous for working with the Rolling Stones and Peter Frampton, and with tracks mixed by California-based producer Bill Drescher and Thunder’s bassist Chris Childs. The album has received considerable critical acclaim and the second single – Hurts – was playlisted by Planet Rock Radio.

Rebecca will be gigging throughout 2020, undertaking headline shows, festival and support slots, taking the music from More Sinner Than Saint to a wider audience. And she and Steve will be releasing new tracks throughout the year prior to a new album in 2021. Whether you are a sinner or a saint, buy an album, stream online or join us at a gig for stunning, original blues-rock delivered with power and passion.

Connor Selby

Connor is one of the brightest talents on the UK blues scene. He has been voted "Young Artist of the Year" at the UK Blues Awards for the last three consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022). He has an impressive venue checklist, including Wembley Stadium, where he opened for The Who in July 2019 and has since gone on to play Hyde Park, London, on a bill with Pearl Jam, Stereophonics and Johnny Marr in the summer of 2022.

Raised in an Essex village, he has trodden a path less travelled. From early years in Connecticut, USA, as a young child to Dubai, UAE, aged ten to fourteen, and Essex either side, with those young eyes soaked up the travels and the changes passing him by.

One thing that kept with him was his burgeoning love of American roots music. "I got interested in not just the music itself but the history and everything around it," he says. "I love the directness, the simplicity and earthiness of it," he adds. "I love really how down-to-earth; it is both lyrically and musically. I think with the blues, it's fundamentally about very basic human emotions. Things like sorrow and pride and exploring the way we deal with everyday situations and problems."

As a teenager, he devoured the music of Eric Clapton and Ray Charles - "Ray completely reshaped me as a person and the way I thought about music." But he also draws influence from old Delta records to soul artists like Sam Cooke, Bill Withers and the Stax sound to Jazz singers such as Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra as well as singer-songwriters; Van Morrison, Townes van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake and contemporary artists like Ray LaMontagne, Norah Jones and Foy Vance.

Blue Nation

A 3-piece band from Birmingham, use Riff based Melodic Blues Rock from a reservoir of influences, including Beatles, Cream, Zeppelin, Brit Pop 90’s, more recently Rival Sons and Vintage Trouble, to create their memorable sound. Their songs are delivered by three accomplished musicians, fronted with stunning vocals. All backed up with impressive gig experience, stage presence and great songs. They play top venues and festivals in the major cities of the UK and further afield including two tours of NYC’s Greenwich Village and Manhattan. They are equally happy doing stripped down acoustic or fullblown electric gigs Their most prestigious performances have been on the Main Music Stage @ F1 British Grand Prix Silverstone, twice, and tours / gigs with Dirty Thrills, Steve Conte (NY Dolls), Skid Row, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy), Von Hertzen Brothers, Virginmarys, Cats in Space, King King, Daxx & Roxane, Kris Barras, The Record Company, Sari Schorr and Chantel McGregor. Main support to Toploader @ Rhuddfest and main stage slot @ Evoke Festival Brentwood. The quirkiest was The Tramlines Festival Sheffield, acoustic on a moving Tram.

Half Moon Panic are a Kent based band formed in 2019. The three piece have achieved great results since the release of their debut album “Welcome To The Small Time” in mid ‘21. Press and radio coverage for the debut album was fantastic on a global scale, helping establish the band as one of the best newcomers to the blues rock scene. Already a firm favourite on the Kent live scene the band have been lucky enough to support some amazing talent including the legendary Wendy James (Transvision Vamp) and upcoming gigs with the best in British Blues Talent supporting Laurence Jones at the world renowned Tunbridge Wells venue The Forum and in London supporting the biggest name in British Blues Rock Ben Poole this May.

A great passion for the music led Susan Santos to learn, in a self- taught way, how to play guitar and sing. Step by step the lefty guitarist and singer was creating her own songs and her particular style of understanding the music.

After several bands, she moved to Madrid in 2009 and formed a band with her own name, This is her more powerful project, a power trio that mixes blues and rock & american roots music.

She has had intense years of performing in famous clubs and at numerous festivals around Europe, USA & Mexico.

“NO U TURN " is her fifth album and was mixed in Los Angeles, California and mastered in Aftermaster Studios (Los Angeles) by Peter Doell (worked for Glenn Frey, Steve Miller, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty…).This album Will was released 11th January 2019.

Susan’s outstanding voice and appealing guitar style, along with her strong stage presence is very refreshing in the contemporary blues scene. Blues-rock of XXI Century.

Susan won The Best Musician Performance 2018 in the European Blues Awards. In 2019 she has been nominated for Texas Sounds Music Awards.

An International touring band with a 10 year portfolio of festival, theatre and club gigs throughout Europe, Scandinavia and the UK.

Gerry Jablonski & the Electric Band are a standout act with an energetic, no-holds-barred stageshow. They have a unique, trademark Heavy Blues Rock sound and style producing gutsy music with hooks, melodies and an intense presence that wins over any audience, anywhere, anytime. Guaranteed.

Alice Armstrong is a multi-award nominated singer-songwriter and entertainer from Surrey, UK, known for her impressive vocal range, dynamic songwriting and unmatched stage presence. Her voice and songs vary widely in emotional tone and are a common addition to Joe Bonamassa’s personal Spotify playlists.

An Alice Armstrong show promises a soulful, genre-busting performance packed with world class musicianship and wry British repartee. Her personal and provocative content is heavily infused with soul, blues, funk, rock and jazz, and is served with an enigmatic performance reminiscent of the likes of B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Janis Joplin and Tina Turner (with a touch of Maria Callas), leaving the awed audience laughing, crying and tapping their feet in equal measure. 

Bedford-based Albany Down are a contemporary rock band with influences ranging from classic acts like Hendrix and Led Zeppelin to more modern bands such as Thunder. They combine a diapason of original songs with contemporary high energy rock.

Albany Down comprises founder member Paul Turley on lead vocals and guitars, Ben Atkins on bass and backing vocals and Pete Hancock on drums and backing vocals. Albany Down have recorded 4 studio albums with multi award-winning producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, INME, Super Furry Animals)

Blues Rock Review offered a fair assessment of their 2011 debut album: “South of the City” is a solid debut album from Albany Down and they will be an interesting band to watch develop in the coming years”. The album clearly showcased what the band are capable of – ranging from the superbly arranged “Mercy” to the low-down dirty, slide-led blues rock epic of the title track. South of the City was also recently awarded “Song of the Decade” by Severn FM at the 2022 Cambridge Rock Festival.

Their formidable second album, “Not Over Yet” released in 2013, is full of strong songs, lingering melodies and great musicianship. It was voted “album of the month” by the independent Broadcasters Association and reached No 2 position in the Radio Caroline top 40 Albums. Traditionally a band’s second album is regarded as being problematical but Albany Down turned that notion on its head.

With the release of their third album “The Outer Reach” in 2016, Albany Down won many new fans touring in the UK and The Netherlands. They were voted winners of the 2016 UK Song Writing Competition for best Rock song (Feeding the Flame) and best Music video and voted No 5 Best Album of 2016 by Blues Rock Review.

Following changes in band member circumstances and the onset of 2 years of Covid/Lockdown, Albany Down have emerged as a stronger, leaner, more efficient Band. Their new 4th Album was recorded at “ROCKFIELD STUDIOS” during 2020/2022. The album will be released in Q2 2023 and will be supported by a full UK Tour. Like previous albums, the new opus builds on the concept of songs having a “trying and failing theme and overcoming adversity” reflecting the times we live in.

With over 12,000 fans on Facebook, fans of Albany Down agree that their live show never disappoints. The band run on pure adrenalin, unrelenting energy and raw emotion and soon have any audience entranced. The music is based on Paul’s unique sound of thunderous - infectious guitar riffs, Ben and Pete’s pounding bass and drums juxtaposed with soulful, soaring, emotionally-charged ballads.

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!"

Frequently heard on BBC Radio 2, including its Pick of the Week show, and described by countless audience members and reviewers as ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’,Mark Harrison is a totally original songwriter, a stunning guitarist, and a master storyteller.His highly individual musictakes him to some of the top venues and festivals in the UK, attracting acclaim wherever he goes.

Mark’s live shows are well-known not only for the memorable melodic songs but also for his introductions to them, often described as ‘wry’ and ‘dry’. With a very distinctive guitar style, he takes elements of folk and blues to create something new that is very much his own genre. Constantly touring and multi-awards-nominated, he is widely considered one of the top artists in UK roots music.

Mark’s songs are about all manner of non-standard subjects. With catchy tunes, lyrics than intrigue and engage, and striking rhythms, they make you smile, think and move.

Mark has released seven albums which have been unanimously acclaimed across a wide range of areas of the music world, receiving a very great deal of airplay and highly enthusiastic reviews in the UK, Europe and the US.

The Too Bad Jims are named after the seminal RL Burnside album and formed in January 2023 as a collaboration between two veteran and multiple award-winning musicians Little Victor and Son Jack Jr. They play a gritty high-octane mix of North Mississippi Hill Country blues and boogie.

Their unique and unusual combination of dual vocals, dual guitars and rock-solid driving rhythm section delivers the kind of raw, hypnotic and gritty sound you’d expect to only hear in a North Mississippi juke joint.