Coming to The Musician in July 2018

Currently living in Zurich, Switzerland, Attila Vural never leaves home without his guitar:
Since his very first arrangements, dating back to the early nineties, a creative mixture of influences characterizes the music written by Attila Vural. His percussive mode of guitar playing is inspired by the German guitarist Claus Boesser-Ferrari. Other important inputs came from the experimental pieces by Andy Summers (Police).
Whether you join him live or on CD: A musical journey with Attila Vural will take you to places that you would not have thought possible on a guitar.

''A truly amazing live performer - He will knock your socks off and blow your mind ''

JONATHAN BYRD is “one of the top 50 songwriters of the last 50 years,” says Rich Warren of WFMT in the Chicago Tribune. Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe says, “This rootsy North Carolinian may be the most buzzed-about new songwriter in folkdom. He displays John Prine’s gift for stark little songs that tell big, complex stories, Guy Clark’s lean melodicism, Lyle Lovett’s wry mischief, and Bill Morrissey’s knack for the revealing image.” Byrd grew up singing in the Southern Baptist church, where his father preached and his mother played piano. After four years in the Navy, he returned to home to play in rock bands. It was at an old-time fiddle festival in the mountains of southwest Virginia where his writing began to change. Assimilating the sounds of southern traditional music, Byrd wrote new songs in an ancient style. After 10 years as a full-time touring songwriter and 7 acclaimed albums, it seems this native of Cackalacky is getting the attention he deserves. He has played the Shrewsbury Folk Festival on two occaisons to great acclaim and has frequently toured the UK and Europe.

After a brilliant gig last year am delighted to welcome back the wonderful Midnight Skyracer.

Midnight Skyracer is a new, all-female 5 piece bluegrass band playing hard driving traditional and modern classics, lesser known songs and a few originals. Featuring an all-star lineup of some of the UK’s top instrumentalists and singers, the band takes inspiration from the likes of other great female artists such as Rhonda Vincent and Alison Krauss. Formed in early 2017, the band managed to squeeze in a mini tour and several festivals over the summer, proving to be a big hit at each one, and in August recorded their debut album, Fire, which is set to be released on the 2nd February 2018.

Luke Tuchscherer is an acclaimed singer/songwriter from Bedford, now living in New York City. His introduction to the UK Americana scene came via the highly regarded alt.country band The Whybirds, with whom Luke sang and played drums.

The band released three studio albums (The Whybirds, 2008; Cold Blue Sky, 2010; A Little Blood, 2013), a live album and an EP. Their records attracted strong reviews from the British and international music press, including notices in Uncut (ALB - 7/10), Classic Rock (CBS 7/10), R2: Rock N Reel (ALB 4/5, LRv1 - 4/5, CBS 4/5), Maverick Country (CBS - 4/5), Daily Express (ALB - 4/5), Powerplay (ALB - 7/10) and Songwriting Magazine (ALB - 5/5).

Luke's debut solo album 'You Get So Alone At Times That It Just Makes Sense' garnered universal critical acclaim and was voted second best album of the year in Americana UK's reader's poll (while Luke was named second best male artist) and featured on multiple "Best of 2014" lists.

His second album, Always Be True, was released through Clubhouse Records in 2017. The album again received universal critical acclaim, and reached #15 in the UK's Official Country Chart and #25 in the Americana Chart.

The Zeppelins capture the sound, energy and look of Led Zeppelin at the height of their fame. We love Led Zeppelin’s music, it’s as simple as that. The Zeppelins are four musicians with decades of experience across tribute and original bands. We finally found the right combination to play Led Zeppelin’s music and play it right from the soaring high range of a young Robert Plant, those unmistakeable and timeless Page riffs, JPJ’s solid but creative basslines and of course, Bonzo’s thunderous beats.

Ritchie Blackmore is beyond doubt one of the all-time great guitar players. From his roots with The Outlaws and his many session recordings in the sixties, through defining hard rock with Deep Purple and Rainbow in the seventies and eighties and on to the renaissance rock of Blackmore s Night, Ritchie has proved that he is a master of the guitar across a multitude of styles.

Since the band’s first gig in January 2016, Blackmore’s Blood’s reputation has spread dramatically, with huge success to the point where it is now acknowledged that they represent an authentic tribute to the genius, flamboyance and flair of Ritchie from the rock years of Deep Purple and Rainbow, incorporating not only the true sound of the man himself but also the showmanship is recreated in true Ritchie style.

The band share an unequalled determination, commitment and passion to reproduce the look and sound of Deep Purple and Rainbow that fans of these two great bands want to see and hear. With support and acknowledgement from personnel who have worked closely with Ritchie spread over 40 years and more, it is clear why they say this band’s own Ritchie, really is the closest and the finest tribute to Ritchie Blackmore anyone has seen.

NASHVILLE, TN — Stacy Mitchhart’s Live My Life stakes out bold new territory for the veteran entertainer. The 12-song album mixes down-home blues with a splash of soul to serve as a springboard for his canny storytelling and meanly elegant guitar. Live My Life is a departure from his mostly soul-blues flavored catalog, reflecting Mitchhart’s deepening connection with the genre’s primal Mississippi roots.
Powered by strong, original songwriting and surprises like raw-boned cigar box guitar, Live My Life opens with the grinding blues howler “I Drink Whiskey,” showcasing his dirty licks ‘n’ tricks. The title track, which is also the album’s first video, shines a beacon on the rollicking artist’s newly stripped down approach. The song is among the three tracks that showcase Mitchhart’s cigar boxes, while another side of his playing fuels the instrumental “Soul Stoll,” which teams an elegant, funky soul-blues groove with flashes of jazz and a sinuous melody. The disc’s biggest surprise, besides its unfiltered hard-core blues sound, is Mitchhart’s interpretation of the Beatles’ “Come Together,” which he reinvents as a killer Delta blues.
Live My Life was co-producer by Mitchhart and Scott McEwen at Nashville’s all-analog Fry Pharmacy studio and features the touring band that accompanies Mitchhart for an impressive 275 shows a year including his famed ongoing residency at Nashville’s Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar.

“I’m more comfortable onstage entertaining than I am in my own living room,” Mitchhart says. “I've spent my whole life there. And I feel like the stripped down approach of this new album lets other people get inside my music almost as deep as I do every night when I’m performing.”

The Pat McManus Band are a powerful three piece blues/rock trio, headed up by the former Mama's Boys and Celtus guitarist/violinist virtuoso and true gent Pat McManus (AKA The Professor).

Pat is today considered to be one of the last remaining individual guitar heroes from a generation of Irish guitarists, after the sad and early loss of both Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore. He formed Mama's Boys with his brothers John and Tommy in the eighties. The band, although very young, soon proved to be a great success in the world of rock ’n’ roll and were one of the greatest rock bands to come out of Northern Ireland. They are perhaps best known for their hits 'Needle in the Groove' and their cover of Slade’s ‘Mama Weer all Crazy Now’.

What separates Amelia White from most other songwriters in the Americana genre is her details. Like a short story writer steeped in the gothic humidity of the backroads, White illuminates the ordinary: “dyed black hair and ear ring feathers/she’s gotta put three kids through school – she’s sipping on the sly to keep her cool” (Little Cloud Over Little Rock). “Boy sat on a bus in the only open seat, mittens in one hand and a backpack at his feet” (“Said It Like A King”). There’s a catchy melodic laziness to her rock and roll, an afternoon drive in the country, the top down, bare legs up on the dash, singing along to your favorite song: “When you feel like a sinking sun, you’re not the only one,” she sings, on “Sinking Sun” and you can almost taste the freedom of summer adolescence. The light threads through these songs. “Sunshine coming through my window/I found something that I wanted…you” she sings to a lover in “Super Nova,” and later the love turns dark in “Sugar Baby.” As the album winds to a close, White leaves us with the one-two political punch of “True or Not?” “There’s talk in the street that the deal is changing, everybody’s on edge, look around” and then gently releases us with the hopeful coda, “Let The Wind Blow,” written with UK darlings, The Worry Dolls. It’s a wistful dream: “Miles and miles I thought I’d found a place to call home and a hand to hold/I put good money on this one, I don’t like to be wrong, I don’t like to be wrong.”

Nominated for 2018 UK Blues Award, Glas are the hottest thing out of Wales since the Bad Boy Pot Noodle!
A young man in his early twenties, James Oliver is an exceptional guitar player and he is collecting high profile fans and admirers everywhere he plays including Albert Lee, Wilko Johnson and the late Deke Leonard (expect some MAN covers)
Fronted by Dai John on vocals and bass with Sam Andrews on drums, Glas play classic blues, classic R&B and classic rock & roll.
But there is a lot more to Glas than classic covers. Their new album Glas Blue features 11 brand new originals and has guest appearances by Bill Kirchen (guitar) and Jason Ricci (harmonica).The album is out NOW on Proper Records (Richard Thompson, Los Lobos, Jimmie Vaughan).


Opening the show will be Leicester based Welshman Dawson Smith with his roots rockin’ roadhouse blues band The Dissenters.

A world-class musician, Simon ‘Honeyboy’ Hickling is a blues harmonica ace with a hard earned and well-deserved international reputation.

His subtle and fabulously expressive playing is grounded firmly in the ‘50s and ‘60s heyday of the Chicago and Gulf Coast styles of playing.


With a tremendously experienced band backing him, Simon never fails to deliver anything less than a first-rate evenings entertainment and never lets good taste and soulfulness stifle a rockin’ night out.

A chance to catch two of Leicester's top bands together playing a compilation of rock covers through the decades.

THE REBELS: a classic 4 piece party animal guitar band performing hits by T.Rex, Queen,Led Zep, The Who, Billy Idol, and lots more.

XL: An excellent 5 piece twin lead guitar playing hits by an eclectic mix of artistes ACDC to ZZ Top

Real Cider Fest & Real Ales

Sally Barker, Anna Ryder & Marion Fleetwood perform as IOTA

The 'Voice 2014' finalist Sally Barker brings her new trio, IOTA, to Leicester's Musician venue.

The quirky IOTA merge the solo talents of Tom Jones-mentored Sally Barker with multi-instrumentalists Anna Ryder and Marion Fleetwood.

All three play guitars, sing and write the songs as well as performing a smattering of well chosen cover tunes. Midlands musicians Anna and Marion also play cello, French horn, keyboards, fiddle, accordion and banjo.

Individually they are highly skilled performers, admired by many fellow musicians, together their mix of sublime harmonies, humour, poignant songs and whacky sense humour bring us a fabulous new band !!

Sally Barker (vocal, guitar & percussion) sang to millions as Tom Jones' finalist on The Voice UK but the singer-songwriter has entertained for years as a member of revered fem-folk group The Poozies, of the re-formed Fotheringay and as a solo artist supporting Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Richard Thompson. Sally Barker brings any song gloriously to life.

Anna Ryder (vocal, keys, accordion, guitar, dumbek, banjo & french horn) is a musical dynamo; an original and inventive singer-songwriter with a musical style that, although based in folk, spans an array of genres. Amongst others Anna has worked with Fairport Convention, Eddi Reader, Julianne Regan (All About Eve).

With a voice which has been described as 'mesmerising' and 'siren-esque', the blazingly dynamic Marion Fleetwood (vocal, fiddle, cello, guitar & percussion) is a highly respected multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. Best known as a member of TRADarrr and as a former member of ColvinQuarmby and The Jigantics.

All three write, sing and sway in perfect harmony and each is a seasoned performer of the UK Folk/Rock scene.

IOTA evoke the spirit and musical energy of the Roches whilst channelling the Supremes, Destiny's Child and Charlie's Angels!!

“I’m so excited that three of my favourite singer/songwriters and performers have formed this great new trio. They are fab!! And I love all of em”
Dave Pegg of Fairport Convention

facebook.com/iotaband
Instagram I O T A Band
twitter @I_O_T_A_band

The UK's premier tribute to Seattle's finest, PEARL JAM.

Pearl Jamm were formed in London, England by 5 dedicated, hardworking and professional musicians, who were brought together with a love and passion for Pearl Jam.
 
The band puts on an exciting stage show that authentically recreates the sound, look and feel of the Seattle giants. They put their love for Pearl Jam at the heart of their performance and are guaranteed to please any fan of Pearl Jam.

Following a sell out gig in May, we have managed to secure a follow up date for 2023! Bon Jovi, the greatest stadium rock band of all time is now re-created by the sensational Bon Jovi Experience.

Lead singer Tony Pearce takes on the noteworthy task of emulating the legendary namesake of the band Jon Bon Jovi and he does so with ease and panache. The only tribute band in the world to have shared the stage with the real McCoy.

This show includes all the hits: Livin’ On A Prayer, You Give Love A Bad Name, Keep The Faith, Bed Of Roses, Always, Bad Medicine, It’s My Life and many, many more.

"The best tribute I have ever seen" - Jon Bon Jovi

”…Burch nails the thrills, anxieties, and heartbreaks that come with being in your twenties.” – Noisey

Detroit-based artist Anna Burch, the most recent signing to indie label Heavenly Recordings, has just released her debut record 'Quit The Curse'. Recently going solo, bringing her band with this time, after years of fronting Frontier Ruckus, more recently co-fronting Failed Flowers.

Comparisons to Courtney Barnett, Waxahatchee, and Eleanor Friedberger lie within her tight songwriting and infectious lyrics, and in the album's first single, which is as soaked in sun as the titular letter is in tea, Burch combines upbeat guitars with her woozy vocals in a way that is feisty and compelling.

The Wilbur Project and Brilleaux (NZ) “A night of 100mph British R&B made in Rutland AND New Zealand”. Brilleaux are a British style Rhythm & Blues band from New Zealand, playing mostly original hard, driving, fast and tough R&B with a few Classics for good measure. No slow renditions of old blues classics either - just energetic, sweaty rock n roll with screaming harmonica.

UK REVIEWS: Brilleaux exceeded my expectations. They are not a tribute band but an original interpretation British RnB of the period using the style to shape their own music. Great act.

An excellent show, energy, quality playing, humour, showmanship - what more could anyone ask for.
Brilleaux should have been the headlining act to finish off the festival with a bang.

TWP Head out of the deepest depths of Rutland armed with a set full of original material. This stripped down 4 piece hard rockin' Rhythm and Blues band will also mix in a few not so obvious covers. TWP have supported in the past, Dr FEELGOOD 3 times, Steve Hooker, The BRONSONS and Robert J Hunter to name a few. They also appeared at this years' Rock and Blues festival at Butlins, Skegness. Make no mistake they will be looking to grab your attention from the start and administer a much needed shot of Rutland Rhythm and Blues.....

Zoe started her foot- stomping, swampy slide guitar based blues band back in 2014. Their unique and creative take on unusual covers such as ‘Superstition’ and ‘Under Cover Agent’ got a big reaction and the band immediately developed a rapid following. The band sold out quickly of their first covers album ‘Filthy Sessions’ but made the decision not to re- press more, as Zoe soon wanted to find her own sound and direction. A band reshuffle and some song writing later, saw Zoe storming The Introducing Stage at The Great British Rock and Blues Festival in 2017 with a complete new set of originals and a line-up of professional, established players.
The band now boasts the much-acclaimed blues prodigy Ali Clinton on guitar, legendary bassist Dave Clarke (Alvin Stardust) and drummer Toby Wilson (Laurence Jones, Joanne Shaw Taylor and son of Steve Gibbons band guitarist Bob Wilson).
The band have been growing in reputation and strength during 2017, storming their set to a packed audience at Upton Blues Festival and hitting The 100 Club alongside Lisa Mills and Debbie Bond to great acclaim.
ZGB have now become a band to be reckoned with, taking their audience by the balls and putting on a show which leaves them wanting more every time. Zoes’ Gritty powerhouse vocals and massive stage presence compliments Alis’ insane guitar skills, backed by solid drums and incredible funk bass.


Support tours have included Kaz Hawkins, Devon Allman, Red Butler, Wille and the Bandits & Chantelle McGregor. Recent song writing collaborations include Big Wolf and Sam Sugarman Lay.

"The Second Sons are the best thing to happen to rock n roll since Booker T fell in with the MG’s. I absolutely love their new songs. While being just about as old as Elvis, it's also entirely and excitingly brand new. It drives like a freight train and punches like a very young Mike Tyson. In a bleak and strange time -- I write from the middle of America -- this band gives me hope for the republic of rock n roll." - Rich Cohen, contributing editor, Rolling Stone

Nominated “Best Rock Band 2018” by the Unsigned Music Awards

Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=84&v=phugWl-vPyE
https://www.facebook.com/secondsonsofficial/
http://thesecondsons.com

Main Support TBA

OPENING:
CHAMBERS
Young Leicester 3 piece blues/rock combo
https://www.facebook.com/Chambers.mus.midlands/
https://chambers3.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXcdbfaXDui8xkD93PkWJg

ROCK BOTTOM (UK) was formed in 2012 by a group of experienced musicians united by a common love of classic UFO / Michael Schenker Group. Bringing together timeless hard rock anthems from the "Strangers In The Night" and "One Night In Budokan" live albums, Rock Bottom blend quality musicianship, driving on-stage energy and authentic tones from that magical 70's and early 80's era.

OZZY - DIARY OF A MADMAN
Need we really say more? Rock n Roll bad boy, in real 3D at a venue near you. Hear the classics, Crazy Train, No More Tears, Mr Crowley, Bark at the Moon, Paranoid, War Pigs, Shot in the Dark, Perry Mason etc. See the antics, experience the craziness and leave deaf, exhausted and exhilarated by the barnstorming band of incredible musicians backing the craziest front-man in tribute land.

Are you ready to go craaaaaaazy???

Double header with Finches of Attica and Day of the Moon performing - this promises to be a great night of new music.

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