Bluesfest: the gift that keeps on giving

Couldn’t make it to Bluesfest last weekend? Not to worry, Bluesfest Touring is bringing it to you! Here’s a rundown of just some of the amazing shows on in the coming week…

Wednesday 3rd April

JD McPherson @ The Basement supported by Ray Beadle (solo).

“I started getting into the black side of rock ’n’ roll: Larry Williams, Little Richard, Art Neville’s stuff on Specialty, then soul and Jamaican rocksteady.” – JD McPherson

His father introduced him to the Delta blues and jazz. High school showed him Led Zeppelin, Hendrix and punk rock. He fell in love with bought and has been blended them in his own way ever since. He seamlessly meshes the old and the new JP McPherson has something for everything and will no doubt leave you wanting more of his seductive style.

Ben Caplan (solo) @ Blue Beat supported by Genevieve Chadwick.

“Caplan has an incredible live energy. His voice is strong and sturdy, like something you trust. His words feel like the truth and every bit of anguish he utters comes bellowing up from deep inside his belly.” – Alan Cross

This rugged, raspy and roaring gentleman is to folklore what smoke is to bourbon – perfectly coupled.  Ben’s songwriting is as bold in range as it is in ferocity. Fueled by a quality of melodrama and powerful lyricism, it’s the romance and the manhood crashing with his voice that gives Ben a truly innovative and experimental artistry.

Thursday 4th April

Jake Shimabukuro @ The Basement.

“Jake is taking the instrument to a place that I can’t see anybody else catching up with him.” – Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) after releasing his own album of ukulele songs.

On his most recent album ‘Peace Love Ukulele’ (which debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Album Chart), Jake and his “uke” mix jazz, rock, classical, traditional Hawaiian music, and folk, creating a sound that’s both technically masterful and emotionally powerful and utterly unique in the music world. “If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place,” says Shimabukuro.

Friday 5th April

Bettye LaVette @ The Factory

“You’ve got a singer here who is willing to stretch and is not content to live in the safety zone”   – Elvis Costello

Despite being discovered and signed at the age of sixteen to Motown, her rise to superstar status has taken four decades and has been nothing short of what Bettye has described as “….a scramble. The scramble is my story”. An exceptional interpreter of song, Bettye delivers through her rough yet tender, sensuous voice. Her dynamic power seethes throughout each song, wringing out the sorrow, sharing her hard-earned wisdom and story throughout these tales of reinvention.

Soja @ The Metro supported by Current Swell

“Passionate and well-crafted songs… [are] why these reggae road warriors—with more than a touch of hard-earned soul—have attracted a dedicated following.” – RELIX

Over the past few years, SOJA has sold more than 200,000 albums, headlined in more than 15 countries, generated over 20 million+ YouTube views and have amassed more than 850k Facebook fans. Following a sold-out album release run across the US, SOJA have also toured with and supported O.A.R., Gentleman, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Disco Biscuits, Damian Marley, UB40, Matisyahu, 311, Slightly Stoopid and Dave Matthews Band. Their live shows have seen them become festival favourites throughout the States and Europe, and to celebrate their new album, SOJA will be heading our way for the very first time.

For more shows, more info, pics and vids, check out Bluesfest Touring’s webpage here.