Otis Grand (pictured) performs with his Big Blues Band
Want to banish the new year blues? Some of the world’s finest musicians gather for a blues music festival in January at the home of the Blues – Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium.
Staged at Under The Bridge – the gig venue beneath the east stand at the stadium in Fulham Road – the January Blues Festival features guitarist Otis Grand, performing just days before his 70th birthday.
Otis Grand, an American now based in south east London who was voted best blues guitarist in the UK seven years in a row, performs with his Big Blues Band on Friday (17 January). The backing act is Ramon Goose, best known for his work with NuBlues.
On Wednesday (22 January), Jo Harman and Mike Farris headline, with special guest Dom Martin. Jo has been called ‘the finest female soul blues vocalist in the UK’, and is a past nominee of four British blues awards. Mike is a Grammy award-winner with, says Rolling Stone magazine, a ‘super-sized voice’.
Bernie Marsden, a blues-rock guitarist who played with David Coverdale in Whitesnake, will be playing tracks from his new album, Shine, on Friday (24 January). The support act is Deborah Bonham, sister of Led Zeppelin drummer John, a blues singer whose latest album is Spirit.
The January Blues Festival concludes on the final day of January, when funk drummer Stanton Moore headlines, alongside the blues guitarist Oli Brown.
Alan Tenenbaum, manager of Under the Bridge, said: “We’re really excited to be hosting the January Blues Festival for the second time.
“The month of January tends to be a quiet time in the city, so we’re looking forward to welcoming four great blues artists, and celebrate the music together.”
Doors open for each evening concert at 7pm. See details of all the Under The Bridge gigs and tickets.
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