Topic: Classic Rock - The New Blues Explosion
The new edition of Classic Rock Magazine (with Joe Perry on the cover), has a nice little article about ‘the new blues explosion’ with quotes from some leading figures in the scene. There is reference to Joe's incredible success over the last few years in the UK, and the rising interest in other modern blues artists.
There is some quotes by Paul Jones, Thomas Ruf, Oli Brown, Ian Siegal, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Stephen Dale Petit, Sue Williams at Premier (PR), Laurie Staff at Cadiz Distribution and Trevor White programme director at Planet Rock. Of most interest probably is the quotes from Aynsley Lister:
He refers to seeing Joe Bonamassa at the Royal Albert Hall and states ‘seeing that number of people at a bluesy, very guitar centred show made me realise what an audience there is for this stuff… So now I’m thinking my next album should be a little more rootsy. Four or five years ago that would have seemed like a backwards step”.
Aynsley also makes mention of John Mayer’s Trio albums. The article is very favourable and also makes mention of Danny Bryant, Jay Tamkin, Dani Wilde and Kyla Brox. Perhaps the only downside is the comment from the guy at Planet Rock who states “There are some fine blues players like Aynsley Lister and Danny Bryant but by focusing solely on the blues they limit their appeal”. Clearly he’s not that familar with Aynsley’s work!! However White’s closing statement is “it’s good to welcome Aynsley and Danny into the mix the same way as we champions Joe”. So maybe there is hope for Planet Rock!
The article finishes with nearly a page devoted to ‘the pick of the new guitar slingers’ and lists: Aynsley Lister - Equilibrium, Matt Schofield - Heads Tails & Aces, Joanne Shaw Taylor - White Sugar, Oli Brown - Open Road, Davy Knowles - Coming Up For Air and Philip Sayce - Peace Machine.
So a good bit of publicity for Aynsley and co, and a far cry from their article in 2007 when they only listed Aynsley in their list of top new blues artists! Lets hope Classic Rock take it to the next stage with some individual interviews with some of the artists mentioned!
PS Thanks to Brack for the heads up!
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk