Long Whatton and Diseworth
BLUES CLUB. Internationallyknown Blues artists have been booked to appear at Diseworth Blues’ Club over the next few months as the club begins to thrive again after being closed during lockdown.
Club organiser Martin Berridge says he has arranged “a very exciting” programme of artists to appear at the club over the forthcoming months.
On Saturday this weekend, February 5, the John Verity Band is the featured act. Martin said: “John is an internationally-renowned Blues rock guitarist, a veteran performer at the top of his game.” He has opened for Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Canned Heat. In the 1970s John fronted Argent and has collaborated with Motorhead, Ringo Starr and Bow Wow Wow. Martin commented: “I can’t think of anyone better to open up 2022 than John Verity.”
The act booked to appear on Saturday, March 5 is Jo Carley And The Old Dry Skulls. Martin has described the band as “the rising stars of the Blues circuit. They are, quite simply, unique. Jo is the undisputed voodoo queen of the UK. Visually stunning and musically brilliant Jo and her band combine Voodoo Vaudeville Blues with Old Timey Death Skittle Cabaret.”
On Friday, April 22, the Andy Taylor Group will be performing at the club. According to Martin “the group are a young and electrifying powerhouse trio from the Orkney Isles. Their music is infused with elements of Hendrix, Rory and SRV and come to Diseworth on the back of their critically acclaim debut album, Drifting Days.”
The group booked to appear on Saturday, May 7 2022 are The Cadillac Kings. They have been described as “one of the best live Blues, R&B, Rock n Roll and Swing dance rands in the UK.”
Martin said: ”One only has to watch their Betty Lou video, which has over 3 million hits on YouTube, to understand why. These guys will definitely put a smile on your face leave you crying out for more.”
Next month, on March 25 the featured band will be Kara Grainger and her band. Kara began her musical career in Australia before moving to Nashville, Tennessee and is crossing the pond to play Diseworth as part of her UK tour. Martin said: “Influenced by the Stax recordings coming out of Memphis, Kara’s tasteful Blues and slide guitar, soulful vocals and heartfelt approach to songwriting is just wonderful. I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see an artist of Kara’s calibre in the small intimate venue that is the village hall.”
On Friday, September 2 Jenny Wren & Her Borrowed Wings will be performing in the village. The band has been called “a quality act fronted by the phenomenal vocalist and double bassist Jenny Trilsbach. This band serves up a mesmerising combination of acoustic R n B, Americana and Roots.”
Friday, October 14 sees The Achievers performing at Diseworth. Martin said: “If you missed them at the village hall last October be sure to catch them this time around.”
In November, on Friday 11, The Liam Ward Band is the headline act. Martin said: “The Liam Ward Band are the smartest dressed band on the circuit. Liam is an awardwinning Blues harmonica player whose band is guaranteed to get your Mojo working with the epic harp-driven sounds of, west coast swing and funky, soulful roots music.”
Martin described the whole ethos of Diseworth Blues as “to provide top quality acts, primarily blues, at a reasonable ticket price, in a cosy and intimate setting.”
He added: “Some people have a preconception of what constitutes Blues and may be surprised that it is a massive genre spanning a wide range of styles ranging from traditional acoustic blues at one end and Blues rock at the other.”