2006 - Burnley Mechanics

Design by Graphics, Burnley Borough Council 2006[T] 01282 425011 [x]2653. jb_993.The EighteenthSponsored by3

Walter Trout4Ian Siegal

Friday 14th AprilMain StageThere’s no doubt about it, John Lee Hooker, BigMama Thornton and John Mayall knew a blues manwhen they saw one. When BBC radio listeners wereasked to rank their top 20 guitar greats, it was nosurprise that Walter Trout ranked 6th, just behindJimmy Hendrix and Jimmy Page.Walter Trout, undisputedly one of the greatestblues-rock guitarists on the planet, comes toBurnley to perform what promises to be the mostpowerful opening night the festival has ever seen.Trout’s hardcore blues and energetic performancestranscend time, constantly expanding the boundariesof one of music’s oldest forms.It has often been said that Ian Siegal’s only barrierto gaining the super stardom of Eric Clapton and VanMorrison is the fact that he was born of a differentgeneration. In Europe he is a star, playing manyof the major festivals including the North Sea JazzFestival, the world’s largest indoor music festival.Whether performing solo or fronting his band, IanSiegal is power and emotion personified. There isno doubt that he will capture the attention of theBurnley festival as he performs two sets, tonightwith his band and Saturday with Big Bill Morganfield.Prepare to be impressed.First on stage is the newly emerging talent of SeanWebster. Probably the surprise of the 2005 festival,Sean is proving to be one of the great new guitaristson the British blues scene. His voice is gritty yetsoulful, reminiscent of Johnny Lang. His guitarplaying is cool and calculated yet there is a bluesheart pumping at the core. Sean will launch thefestival in a way it has never been launched before.11pm Walter Trout9.15pm Ian Siegal7.45pm Sean WebsterTickets: £16Sean Webster5

Saturday 15th AprilMain Stage6Melvin taylorBruce KatzBig Bill MorganfieldThis year sees a change to our normal timescheduling as we start at 3pm and continue throughuntil midnight.Although totally different from our spectacularopening night, Saturday will be every bit as explosive.Florida’s finest the Charlie Morris Band, withtheir unique witty lyrics, exceptional musicianshipand diverse style guarantee the festival will bounceinto life from the very first note.Today also boasts the first ever appearance at a majorBritish festival for Melvin Taylor. One time memberof the legendary Blues Band featuring Pinetop Perkinsand a veteran of the Chicago club scene, Melvin’s jazzinfluenced scales and clean-cut look have securedhim a place among the most popular artists in Europe.Currently the biggest selling artist on Evidence Records,the New York Times described him as a “volcanicguitarist, the sort of virtuosity that drags an audienceinto a world of risks, chance and excitement.”As an acoustic interlude we have the exquisitetorchbearer of acoustic blues Doug MacLeodperforming a sharp and resonating set. An extremelygifted storyteller/songwriter, MacLeod is one of the lastremaining bluesmen who learned from the old masters,lives the music and carries forward that valuabletradition.Moving into the early evening, the powerful blendof guitar and Hammond B-3 takes to the stage in theform of the Bruce Katz Band. After a five-yearstint with Ronnie Earl, Bruce now occupies a uniquespace where blues, rock, boogie-woogie and soul allcollide into a style unique to him. “This is music ofthe highest order and for lovers of Hammond, pureheaven.” - Blues n Britain Magazine.As we head towards the night’s boiling point wewelcome back Saturday’s only British performer IanSiegal and his band to perform alongside Big BillMorganfield. Without doubt a headline artist in hisown right, Big Bill’s pedigree is unquestionable andhis charisma is overflowing. If you were one of thosefortunate people to have seen Bill’s staggering acousticperformance followed by his sensational band set in2004, we guarantee this evening’s combination will beeven better.

For people who want “dirty old blues” and nothingbut, the Chicago Blues Harmonica Projectfeaturing the Chicago Bluesmasters are rightup your street. If you’re a harmonica fan, this willbe worth the admission price alone. Flying inexclusively for the festival, the Chicago HarmonicaProject features seven of Chicago’s elite players.Twist Turner, Rick Kreher, E. G. McDanieland Max Brumbach, collectively known asthe Chicago Bluesmasters, join forces with threecontemporary blues harmonica players from theChicago club scene.Treading the path from the pioneering days of the 1950sto the modern day we have Little Arthur Duncan.A traveller through the whole sweep of Chicago blues,his harp playing is gritty, compelling, energetic, dynamicand infectious. When he plays he contorts his entirebody to draw out every note. He is an original. Alongsidehim comes Larry Cox, a stalwart of the sharp clubscene, hollering and wailing on the stage to rip everylast note out of the harmonica. Completing the trio isRuss Green, one of the so-called new generation ofChicago players. Russ marks the new dawn of the blues.A contemporary of Sugar Blue, he exudes energy, hasa great voice and brings his own style to the ChicagoBlues Harmonica Project.This is a unique show and could be the festival’s finest.Little Arthur Duncan10.30pm Chicago BluesHarmonica Project9pm Big Bill Morganfield& Ian Siegal7.30pm Doug MacLeod6pm Bruce Katz Band4.30pm Melvin Taylor3pm Charlie MorrisBandFull day tickets: £25Russ GreenLarry Cox7

Sunday 16th April– Main Stage8Paul Rishell & Annie RainesThe Cadillac KingsBig George JacksonSunday will prove to be a very special day as weopen with two of America’s most respected bluesperformers, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines.Having performed at all the great American bluesfestivals, this award-winning country blues duo makethe journey to Burnley to perform their enigmatic,note-perfect set. For acoustic fans you don’t get anybetter than this.Making their long awaited return to the festival areBig Joe Louis and the Blues Kings. Formedin 1986 the Blues Kings have performed their specialkind of real downhome and Chicago blues to packedhouses all over the globe. Expect nothing less thanblues guitar supreme, tasteful slide and harp andimpressive vocals from one of the most authenticblues bands this side of the Atlantic.Currently one of the most dynamic swing blues outfitsin the UK, the Cadillac Kings combine first classmusicianship with authentic, high energy, R&B. Inspiredby the sounds & styles of the ‘40s & ‘50s these guyssimply ooze showmanship. In the words of GrahamRhodes of ‘Blues In Britain’ “If there is a better band inthis country they would have to be pretty damn hot!!”Joining the Kings at Burnley will be guitarist BrightonSlim (aka Del Van Dee) who recently joined the Kingsafter a number of years playing with bands in LosAngeles. “Welcome to the party.”In keeping with the Burnley tradition of introducingthe finest musicians to the British audience, meetAxel Zwingenberger, recognised by manyas the finest boogie-woogie piano player alive. Hehas cultivated the revival of the hottest music everinvented for the piano across Europe and rejuvinatedboogie-woogie in the United States. Nothing shortof a sensation, his performance will be yet anothermusical gem that makes this festival special.10.45pm Larry Garner9pm Big George Jackson7.30pm Axel Zwingenberger6pm The Cadillac Kings4.30pm Big Joe Louis and the Blues Kings3pm Paul Rishell & Annie RainesFull day ticket: £25

Larry GarnerFrom the moment BigGeorge Jacksonwalks on the stage hiscommanding presence andinstant audience rapportcreates a spark. This sixfoot,six inch gentle giant,known as the “authenticbig man of the blues”, issuperbly assisted by twogreat guitarists in the formof Jeremy Johnson andPhil Schmid. Praised bycritics for his originalityand welcome sense ofhumour, Big GeorgeJackson’s combination oftimeless Southern bluesand inspired performancesare quickly developing areputation worthy of hisincredible talent.And so to the final artistof what will have been anincredible festival, LarryGarner. Larry returns tothe festival, which launchedhis British career in 1992, toperform his contemporaryblues of the highest order.This monster songsmithrarely plays other people’smusic. In tunes like VirusBlues or If She Tells YouNo, listeners can tell thatLarry pays close attentionto what’s happening aroundhim and transforming itinto songs. Larry drops inas part of his European tourto close the festival withquality and class.9

Country Blues Guitarand HarmonicaWorkshopsSaturday 15th April 1pmVenue Mid Pennine Gallery (next to the MechanicsTheatre)Paul Rishell – Country Blues GuitarA rare and wonderful opportunity to meet and learnfrom one of the leading country blues musicians. PaulRishell will be conducting a 90-minute workshop to asmall and select group in the wonderful surroundingsof Mid Pennine Gallery.Content of Workshop: Right and left hand techniquesof the four major blues guitar styles: Piedmont,Delta, Texas and Chicago. Also slide guitar, opentunings, and signature pieces by artists such as BlindBlake, Lemon Jefferson, Scrapper Blackwell, RobertJohnson, Tommy Johnson, Charlie Patton, SonHouse, Skip James, Blind Boy Fuller, Tampa Red,Robert Lockwood, Elmore James Fred McDowelland othersTickets: £10Paul RishellSaturday 15th April – 3pmVenue Mid Pennine GalleryRuss Green – HarmonicaBorn in Chicago in 1967, Russ (of the Chicago BluesHarmonica Project) is one of the so-called newgeneration of the blues. A great singer and powerfulharp player his first ambition was to play guitar likeJimi Hendrix; unable to afford this he picked up theharmonica. The sounds he heard in his head came tolife when he first heard harp player Sugar Blue. Afterseeking out his inspiration they became firm friendsand Russ began to learn the technique of SugarBlue’s style. Russ took this education and createdhis individual style.Tickets: £10To reserve your place on these workshops contactthe Burnley Mechanics box office on (01282) 664400.Book early as places are strictly limited to12 people.Russ Green11

The Thwaites’ Blues HouseOLIVER’S BARBurnley MechanicsThwaites Brewery has now established itself as amajor part of the festival, sponsoring the FestivalStage.Oliver’s Bar has opened the doorway for manyartists who wish to make that all-important transitionto the main stage. As the “gateway” to the festival,first impressions are of the utmost importance. Onlythe cream of British road bands prevail.Experience the hottest bands in the country, stormingtheir way through blistering blues sets, quality alesand great food from 8pm Friday through to closingtime Monday.Lynden AndersonFriday 14th April8pm Dr Blue10pm TantrumSaturday 15th April2pm No Money Down4pm Lyndon Anderson Band6pm Blues Positive8pm Dave Thomas Blues Band10pm The Blue FlamesRoy MetteSunday 16th April2pm The Stevie RayVaughan Experience4pm Sam Payne6pm Storm Warning8pm Roy Mette Band10pm The Groove CatsMonday 17th April3pm Swampstompers5pm Sgt Wilko7pm Road Crew Blues Band9pm The Juniperhill Blues Band12Sam Payne

Dr Blue: Renowned for superb musicianship dispensed with a healthy dose of humour.Tantrum: The band everyone is talking about in the North West. They deliver a raftof guitar greats synonymous with the Texas sound. These guys are young, immenselytalented and going places.No Money Down: Fronted by Ged “Bedrock” Wilson, this powerful, no nonsense,blues-rock outfit deliver energy packed, authentic raw edged R&B.Lynden Anderson Band: Considered to be one of the most exciting and original harpplayers on the scene today. “A tougher version of Rod Piazza” - Blues In Britain.Blues Positive: Their name speaks volumes. Expect nothing less than up-beat, uptempo,deeply infectious electric blues. No rocking chair on the veranda for these guys.Dave Thomas Band: Whether it’s Chicago blues, Texas swing or soul, Dave Thomasis a blast. Currently dominating the southern venues with his inverted guitar style.The Blue Flames: A unique blend of roots blues with covers of Dr Ross, John LeeHooker and Muddy Waters featuring heavily in their set, along with raw rockabilly from thelikes of Jackie Lee Cochran & Joe Poovey.The Stevie Ray Vaughan Experience: Neatly combining the music of SRV andJimi Hendrix with passion and authenticity.Sam Payne: Our very own blues star and still only 23, when will her big break come?She has the talent to surpass almost every female performer in the charts today with herself-penned blues sealed material.Storm Warning: “Son Maxwell has a brilliant blues voice…really an excellent CD. Damnfine band that have a distinct individuality. Very much recommended.” – Blues Matters.Roy Mette Band: Roy’s second appearance over the weekend, but this time thegloves are off. Expect some Rory Gallagher, expect some Hendrix, but most of all expectexcellence.The Groove Cats: Closing Sunday evening are the Groove Cats who combine thespirit of classic Chicago blues, with some 1940s/1950s big band rhythm & blues, and Westcoast swing.Swampstompers: This four-piece band from St Helens, combine gritty, hard drivingblues, R&B and rock with powerful vocals, bluesy harmonica, a mean slide guitar and arock solid rhythm section.Sqt Wilko: Loud, proud and stomping electric blues from one of last year’s favouritebands, performing classic Brit blues and US favourites.Road Crew Blues Band: Accomplished - raw vocals, blazing harmonica, intuitive,bass and drums, outstanding guitar and keyboard. It all gives this band a breadth andvariety denied to most.Juniper Hill Band: Closing the festival for another year. Their wide repertoire spanningblues, soul, R&B, and rock and roll guarantee a packed dance floor.Sponsored by13

FESTIVAL INFORMATIONTicket Office Opening Hours: Burnley Mechanics - Monday –Friday 12 Noon – 5.45pm. Saturday – 10am – 12.45pm – Sundays Closed. Orbook online at www.burnleymechanics.co.uk. Telephone 01282 664400.Festival Weekend Opening Times: Friday – Sunday 12 noon – 10pm.How to Book: By Access, MasterCard, Switch, or Visa in person or overthe telephone; by cheque/PO made payable to Burnley Borough Council.If you require your tickets to be posted to you please add £2.50 to your total asall tickets are sent recorded delivery. Tickets lost or stolen cannot be replaced.(There is a handling charge of 50p per ticket for all telephone card bookings)Festival Food Food, Tea and Coffee will be available from Friday to Monday in theMechanics Foyer.Merchandise: Festival merchandise will be available from the Festival InformationDesk located in the Mechanics foyer.Toilets Toilets are located on both floors. A radar key operates the theatre level disabledtoilet. If you do not have a radar key please ask a festival steward for assistance.Festival Fringe Brochure: Festival Fringe brochures incorporating acomprehensive guide to whose on and where, will be available from all Fringe Venuesand The Burnley Mechanics one week before the festival.Blues Festival Accommodation 2005: Log onto www.burnleytourism.co.uk for a complete guide to hotels, B&B’s and Self Catering accommodation.Or contactthe Burnley Mechanics Ticket Office 01282 664400Festival Questionnaire: We value your opinion; questionnaires will be availablearound the building or on request for any comments you have about your time at thefestival.Burnley Mechanics: Manchester Road – Burnley – BB11 1JA is owned andoperated by Burnley Borough Council.Principal photography by: Brian Smith and Andy Ford.Sparrow HawkBurnley Borough Council would like to thank oursponsors: Thwaites, Sparrowhawk Hotel, Mid PennineArts, Stocks Massey Bequest FundHotel14

New for2006 -BluesBadge!Show your support for the Burnley National BluesFestival by wearing a pledge badge:Souvenir enamel lapel pledge badges will be available throughoutthe festival to buy priced £2 from all information points within theMechanics and official fringe venues.Manchester Road, Burnley BB11 1JAwww.burnleymechanics.co.uk | www.bluesinburnley.co.ukTicket Office: (01282) 664400For more information on car parking please log onto www.burnleymechanics.co.uk orwww.burnley.gov.uk - if you do not have web access please call the ticket office for assistance.If you would like this information translated please contact the Translation Servicesat the Town Hall, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JA Tel. No. 01282 832656.Also available in large print