Linton Festival

Eric Bell is best known as a founder member and the original guitarist of the rock group Thin Lizzy.

As lead guitarist, Bell played on Thin Lizzy's first three albums including their hit single "Whiskey in the Jar" and the current still popular concert favourite "The Rocker". After leaving the band in 1973, he joined the new outfit put together by Noel Redding (formerly of the Jimi Hendrix Experience).

Throughout the '80's, '90's and 2000's he's recorded and performed live with his own band, supporting Rory Gallagher and appearing on the 2005 DVD 'One Night In Dublin' tribute to Phil Lynott playing 'Whiskey...' with the late Gary Moore.

We welcome Eric to the Linton stage with his powerful Irish flavoured blues and you can guarantee some old Lizzy favourites will be thrown in....

www.eric-bell.com

Vintage Trouble, based in Los Angeles, is the brainchild of Ty Taylor (vocal) and Nalle Colt (guitar). Combining their love for original soul and rhythm & blues, the two set up a basic home studio in Venice Beach in 2009 and started crafting the beginnings of Vintage Trouble. Already a friend of both, Rick Barrio Dill (bass) came along and added his shared bass influences and energy into the newly formed project. To make the band complete, Richard Danielson (drums) was recruited not long after to add the authentic and edgy take that was needed on the drums. With these collective energies and inputs in place, a new kind of soul band had been born with unlimited creativity and force.

Led by timeless vocal tone and presence, small tweed amps, and a mission to move as many people as possible, the band quickly gained a reputation as a high energy and truly mesmerizing live act. Sticking to their roots of mid-century original soul music and recording techniques, the resulting sound brings you back to the days of vinyl records, sweaty juke joints, and the feel and essence of the original soul movement.

It all kicked off for VT in Europe after their show-stealing performance on Later.... with Jools in 2011. If you haven't witnessed 'Blues Hand Me Down' from that session then get on 'youtube' now. Suffice to say that when we witnessed their live show last year there was simply no question in our minds; we had to get them.

Jaw-dropping doesn't cover it.

Live review, Gateshead The Sage, December 13 2011 by RushonRock.com:

"It's difficult to encapsulate the explosion of joyous energy that underpins a Vintage Trouble gig, save to say that by the second number, a storming version of Blues Hand Me Down, the audience was abuzz, enthralled and invigorated by the music and performance that was unfolding before their eyes and ears." 

www.vintagetrouble.com

A mixture of ripping sax and harp complemented by soaring lead guitar and ‘blues box’ (a four string slide guitar built by Clyde) backed by the solid bass and drum rhythm section this band will pull you in to experience their own songs mixed with new arrangements of classic numbers. Blues based, these guys need to make no apologies for mixing in elements of rock, jazz, country and even a little folk all surrounded in pure vibrant energy that’s making them one of the hottest bands in this area.

A great reason to get out of bed on Saturday morning.

www.redriverblues.com

“This outfit has the potential to change how British blues is perceived and received” Blues Matters Magazine

“Truly storming, ferocious…the very definition of blues rock” Rock’n’Reel mag

THE MUSTANGS are one of the most established and well known blues rock bands in the UK, with a reputation for blistering live shows and ground-breaking original blues albums. In 2009 the band was nominated for three British Blues Awards.

Regarded as a breath of fresh air on the UK blues scene, the London-based four piece combines the power and punch of traditional R’n’B with great original songs and a show-stopping stage set.

The Mustangs are led by the stunning voice and slashing guitar of livewire frontman Adam Norsworthy. The razor-sharp rhythm section of Jon Bartley (drums) and Ben McKeown (bass) is the tightest on the circuit. The line-up is completed by R’n’B veteran Derek Kingaby on vintage blues harp.

Having been on the Blues Matters label for five years, in 2011 they signed a worldwide record deal with Trapeze Music and released their sixth album, Shaman & the Monkey, to great critical acclaim.

"Blistering musicianship" Music Eye magazine

www.themustangs.co.uk

Imagine the tone of Robin Trower, the inspiration of Hendrix, the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the energy of Bonamassa, the intensity of Walter Trout and the haunting vocal of Stevie Nicks all rolled into one........ then enter Chantel McGregor, one of the most exciting rock and blues musicians that the UK has ever produced.

After attending Leeds College Of Music she achieved a First Class Honours degree in Popular Music and a coveted prize, for outstanding musicianship. She has since stepped out in the pro-musician world and her stunning live performances are proving that this is rock blues for the new age, played by a musician born with an effortless virtuosity, peppered by flights of incendiary guitar.

If you measure an artist’s prospects by the company they keep, then Chantel is clearly heading in the right direction, having been invited to perform on stage by Joe Bonamassa, the American blues supremo, on two of his tours so far!

Tracks from her debut album 'Like No Other' have received airplay from Paul Jones on Radio 2 and Chantel was voted Young Artist of the Year, in the British Blues Awards 2011.

www.chantelmcgregor.com

The Cadillac Kings have become firm favourites on the blues & jump-jive scenes. With stunning musicianship & an exciting stage act, this band knows how to entertain audiences, from intimate clubs to major festivals, the length & breadth of the UK, Europe & Scandinavia.

The band formed in 2000, around London, with six experienced musicians, Amongst the line-up is the award winning harp player Gary Potts "a great harmonica player  in the making" (wrote US mag Blues Revue back in 2002). Gary’s awesome tone & power regularly position him in polls for the best UK harmonica player.

The other founder member of the band is vocalist & songwriter Mike Thomas, who writes nearly all the band’s material, combining the sounds & styles of ‘40s & ‘50s r ‘n’ b with an unerring 21st century wit.

The Band released their 3rd album “Trouble In Store” in 2009 to rave reviews and now feature what many consider to be their strongest line-up ever, featuring the amazing piano player Henri Herbert & the UK’s finest west coast-style guitarist, Mal Barclay.

‘DON’T MISS THEM!’ Blues in Britain

www.cadillackings.co.uk

“Quietly, here at Radio 2 we think Alan Nimmo and King King are going to go all the way" Paul Jones BBC Radio 2

It is often said that you don’t have to peer very deeply into the pedigree of rock, R&B, funk or soul to happen upon a little blues. This is obviously a view shared by King King, who have gone swashbuckling through the blues family tree to produce their debut album TAKE MY HAND.

It seems difficult to believe that the band, fronted by charismatic bluesman Alan Nimmo, only came into being a couple of years ago. Seemingly endless gigs, festival appearances (Glastonbury amongst them), and notable radio slots (Paul Jones Show on Radio 2 and live session at Maida Vale) have all been achieved.

The new album has been co-produced by Ewan Davies, who has previously worked with Arctic Monkeys, Editors and The Noisettes. Ever present throughout TAKE MY HAND are Nimmo‘s impassioned vocals and intricate guitar work.

They take to the stage on Saturday and their performance is eagerly awaited by those who have already witnessed them live.

"King King set the night on fire, they blazed into the finale with a superb set of one great song after another. A brilliant performance by the whole band" Blues in Britain

www.kingking.co.uk

After his very successful appearance at the 2011 event we are very pleased to have Bernie back as headliner for Saturday 2012. His ‘Bernie Plays Rory’ set went down a storm, and his new set will still feature some Rory Gallagher material for those of you who need your Rory fix.

Bernie has also been collaborating with David Coverdale regarding the Whitesnake ‘Box Of Snakes’ release. Those of you who follow Bernie will know of his return to the stage in 2011 to perform with Whitesnake at Hammersmith. Expect some early Whitesnake material in the set too.

With the inclusion of some choice hot blues numbers the evening promises to be a treat. Don’t miss it.

www.berniemarsden.co.uk

King MO’s music can best be described as soulful blues with a rock-edge. In addition to their original songs they play King MO arrangements of Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, Dylan and Ian Siegal tunes to name but a few.

They are simply one of the most dynamic blues/rock bands around. Two Dutch Blues Awards (Sjors Nederlof, best guitarist and Sweet Devil, best CD 2010), the band has performed on stages such as the BB King’s Blues Club in Memphis, or Holland’s biggest bluesfest Ribs & Blues in Raalte. Together with a record deal with Continental Records, references that count in only two and a half years since the band has been touring.

Singer Phil Bee (Dutch Blues Awards twice nominated best blues singer in Holland) has performed and toured with the likes of Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience), Jan Akkerman (Focus), Steve Lukather (Toto) and Ana Popovic.

Awarded left-handed guitarist ‘young’  Sjors Nederlof is undoubtedly the centre of attention in the band. Organist Colly Franssen has performed with a long list of musicians, including Jan Akkerman. His 1963 Hammond C3 is essential for the typical King MO sound.

Most who witness this band play will be converted. Essential!

www.kingmo99.com

Stratus is a high energy, professional group of young men, combining heavy blues rock and commercial talents to provide a full sound and exciting atmosphere. Brought together by each member honing their skills and looking for a unique sound, the band has passion for their musical influences: Joe Bonamassa, Kings of Leon, Gary Moore, Aynsley Lister etc. This groups' sole intention is to split commercial rock with the blues, then spread their style all over the industry.

Larry Miller is an exploding ball of rock blues energy in the Rory Gallagher vein, with the licks to match. Just read some of these reviews...

‘You want pile driving rock/blues with searing guitar, crashing chords and rip roaring songs about life love and the blues? Larry delivers. You like long, lean, linear, big toned guitar solos? Larry delivers. You dig passionate vocals with a life affirming timbre? Well in truth Larry tries hard and his rip roaring style pulls him through’. GRTR.com review of new cd ‘Unfinished Business’

'In case you don't know, Larry Miller is a stunning guitarist and arguably the best currently active British born axeman, with the possible exception of Jeff Beck. That good' - Totalkitcar

"Holding his captive audience in a packed out venue hypnotising them into a trance with his guitar skills. A true master at work who many have said fit's a void left by the great late Rory Gallagher. Much respected within the music industry by fellow artists who have nothing but good words to say about him and his guitar playing ability" Blues Matters 2011

"As the natural successor to Rory Gallagher and Alvin Lee, Miller with the right backing looks set to commute his way to fortune with ease" The International Encyclopedia of Hard Rock

If you like Rory Gallagher, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Moore, Walter Trout or Hendrix, you’ll love the guitar pyrotechnics of Larry Miller, 'nuff said.

www.larrymiller.co.uk

Late 2002 saw Oli pick up a guitar for the first time. Two and a half years later at age of 15 he was invited to America as the guest of American Blues band Blinddog Smokin’. This first trip saw Oli on the same stage as Buddy Guy and Taj Mahal.

In 2008 Oli was signed to the German Blues label, Ruf Records. Thomas Ruf flew into the UK to see Oli perform and signed him on the spot.

Oli’s debut album, OPEN ROAD, was recorded and released in 2008 and received great reviews across the UK and Europe. It was voted the No. 2 Blues album of 2008 by readers of Blues Matters! magazine and it still rides high in the Blues Charts.

2010 saw Oli return to the studio with the legendary producer, Mike Vernon (Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, John Mayall, Freddie King, David Bowie etc).  Mike came out of self imposed retirement to work with Oli after seeing and hearing him on various You Tube videos.

The Mike Vernon produced album, HEADS I WIN TAILS YOU LOSE, was released April 2010 in the UK, Europe and America. The press reception was fantastic. Mojo Magazine and Classic Rock voted HEADS I WIN TAILS YOU LOSE their No. 4 and No. 3 Blues album respectively of 2010.

In 2011 Oli has been touring in Europe, New Zealand, Canada and America (with an appearance on American breakfast TV). October and November 2011 has seen The Oli Brown Band on a major 25 date UK tour with the legendary John Mayall.

Oli is now writing and recording his third album which is planned for release April 2012. The new album will coincide with Oli’s headline tour of the UK in April 2012 and Germany in May 2012. Come and see him at Linton in June!

“Blues prodigy set to shake the British scene out of its slumber” Classic Rock Magazine

www.olibrownband.co.uk

“. . .simply one of the finest American bands” – All Music Guide

"Saturday was a blast! You guys really made the Gramercy shine and ooz with your own personality." - Harvey Leeds, Live Nation NYC

"They may term it 'Hillbilly-Pink Floyd' and sure, they have an air of both Floyd and maybe Bowie at times, atop their folkcountry roots (note, not fauxcountry) but it's done with a warmth and comfort of a mystical Nebraska or poetic Crazy Horse." – Sleazegrinder, UK

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Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have been called  "the hillbilly Pink Floyd," which is an apt description, particularly if you throw in elements of Incredible String Band, Neil Young, The Band, Dylan, and maybe even some Frank Zappa as well. Upon returning recently from the U.K. this fall where they spread their contagious brand of quirky Americana from Glasgow to Penzance, the band completed work on their fourth studio album, “The Grand Slambovians”. The advent of “The Grand Slambovians” is both the band’s latest reincarnation and the title of their new soul stirring CD. "These are great songs, captured in a chaotic, unstoppable and barely describable landslide of an album." Acoustic Magazine June 2011

Joziah Longo, (lead singer/songwriter for the band) describes the new collection of songs as - "A more extreme dose of what we've always been - a country prison music meets British invasion type of thing". For the uninitiated, the band's all over the map melodic avant folk conjures Tom Petty, Dinosour Jr., and a fuller Buffalo Tom, possessing an exotic instrumental arsenal in addition to standard rock regalia. Equal parts Washington Irving and Woodstock, the band taps a broad palette of styles ranging from dusty Americana ballads to huge Pink Floydesque cinematic anthems. Playing art school roots rock, sometimes folk and quirky Americana, they possess an exotic instrumental arsenal (accordion, cello, mandolin, theremin) in addition to standard rock regalia. "The entire root system of Rock Family Trees is embedded in Longo's voice."- The Big Issue, Scotland, U.K.

Together since the late 90's where they met in art school, Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams are shedding their skin and come out boldly as 'The Grand Slambovians' in 2011 touring the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. in support of their latest creative effort. Unleashing their hauntingly signature songs on the world once again, the new album is getting rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. Manically melodic, the bold, new songs knit into the band’s classics like an old paisley quilt wrapped around a very large family. The ultimate DIY’ers, the band runs its own label and has previously released 3 critically acclaimed studio albums - 'The Great Unravel' (2008), 2004's double-disc 'Flapjacks from the Sky', 'A Good Thief Tips His Hat' (1998). In October 2011 they once again brought their legendary Halloween show,  'The Grand Slambovian Halloween Ball' to London's Electric Ballroom and NYC's Gramercy Theater.

Known for electrifying live performances and great original music, they have a devoted and growing international fan base.

www.slambovia.com

Singer Earl Thomas grew up in rural Tennessee, yearning to be a British rock ‘n’ roller. Musician Paddy Milner was raised in England, dreaming of becoming his own version of an American bluesman. Years later they would meet, realizing their soulful bond had transcended space and time.

They, who seemed so different on the outside, harboured a kindred musical spirit on the inside. That is reflected into their new recording “Earl Thomas with Paddy Milner & The Big Sounds,” original music of contemporary blues, rock, soul, funk and rhythm and blues. “I always thought the blues was a collaborative art form,” said Thomas, whose rural upbringing was rooted in the blues and gospel traditions of the American South. “When I got together with the guys in this band, I realized that the blues was universal. It came from Africans, Europeans, indigenous Americans and Asians. And it all came together on American soil, but the soul behind it is everywhere.”

Thomas and Milner met for the first time in January 2007 when both were performing on the Caribbean leg of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. They watched and listened to each other, jammed together in late-night sessions and found a quick rapport. “He spoke with a cool British accent, but musically I understood what he was saying,” Thomas said of the keyboard player. “His music is intelligent, honest, daring, soulful, and it speaks to me.” Milner, too, was struck by the similarities. “Earl’s voice and way of singing is immediately passionate, soulful, powerful and very importantly, original,” said Milner. “I think the fact we both look for a unique sound with our music, based in tradition but with a whole lot of international and cross-cultural flavours thrown in, is one of the keys to our collaboration.”

A year later, Thomas was looking for a band to back him on a European tour and found Milner ready and willing. Milner & The Big Sounds was a perfect complement to Thomas’ soulful and incendiary vocals. Natural and complementary, the music flowed in rehearsals, performances, and, at a live session for the BBC they were convinced, a proper recording was inevitable. The Big Sounds include guitarists Randall Breneman and Marcus Bonfanti, bassist Scott Wiber, drummer Alex Reeves and the horn section of Ben Somers, Bob Dowell and Jonathan Radford known collectively as The Horn Stars.

www.earlthomasmusic.com