15th June 2pm (Doors 1pm)

Papa George Band

Internationally acclaimed London bluesman Papa George is admired on the UK blues circuit as an extremely well respected musician.  Since the mid-70s Papa George has forged a reputation for stunning performances on the blues circuits and festivals,  “Highly regarded, both here and in the US, and Europe, for the gritty passion of his voice and his finesse on the blues frets…” Paul Jones BBC Radio2.  Recognised as one of the top guitarists and vocalists and described by THE TIMES as “a mean axeman”, he captivates audiences playing Fender Stratocaster, or bottleneck blues-style on Amistar and National Steel Guitars.

In 1963 the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were dominating the music scene and George (aged 10) persuaded his parents to buy him his first guitar.

It didn’t take long to be drawn to the blues, having seen artists such as

John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf at London’s Hammersmith Odeon (Apollo). In his late teens George turned professional, playing at the “Borsch ‘n’ Tears”, Knightsbridge, where he met many talented musicians.

This opened the door to touring Europe, playing festivals. His first band “Taxi” opened the show for Tina Turner at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1983 – treading the boards of those famous artists he’d witnessed!

During the 70s & 90s George ventured out to play in Colombia, New York, LA and Texas, these experiences had a profound effect on his musical journey. Shortly after his return to the UK in 1986, he formed the Papa George Band, which became very popular around London & the South East, plus Europe & Scandinavia. The Papa George Band has built a solid reputation for their great musicianship, mainly using original material - their improvisational skills are second to none.  They continue to tour and play festivals throughout Europe. Guest Appearances include:  Micky Moody, Zoot Money, Freddie Mercury, Paul Jones, Roger Chapman, Bobby Tench, Jon Lord, "Sir” Charles Atkins, Ken Emerson, Gary Husband, Elliot Randall, PP Arnold and the late, Gary Moore.

By 2001, alongside his Band work, Papa George had developed a successful solo career mainly using steel and acoustic guitars accompanied by his mesmerizing vocals.  He also plays dynamic duos with Micky Moody, Ken Emerson, Alan Glen… In 2004 & 5 “Habitat For Humanity” and the Blues Foundation, Tallahassee, Florida invited Papa George to play at the Dr Martin Luther King Freedom Festival - he was honoured to play amongst some of Florida’s great gospel & blues artists.

In 2006 Papa George Band played the opening set at “The Sunflower Jam”, The Porchester Halls, London, raising awareness and money for The Sam Buxton Sunflower Healing Trust. Guest musicians on the night included Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin); Jon Lord and Ian Paice (Deep Purple); Linda Lewis and Paul Weller, Bernie Marsden; Neil Murray; Sam Brown; Paul 'Wix' Wickens; Margo Buchanan; Nick Fyffe and Don Airey (supported by HRH The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health).

After jamming with Papa George at the FVG Festival Italy 2010, Muddy Water’s guitarist, Bob Margolin, quoted “There’s one!... that’s what I say to myself when I meet a musician - anywhere - any age - who is a powerful Deep Blues player. It happened again tonight in Brugnera, Italy. On the show was Papa George, from London. George was playing solo and is a spectacular blues artist. He’s got power and nuance, he’s a master entertainer and pure player. I’ve become a big fan of his music”.

For over 30 years of extensive live performances, Papa George continues to play and sing the blues with true passion, heart and soul. Monica Dupont has nominated Papa George for induction into the Blues Hall of Fame

--------------------------------------------

Coming Soon To Blues At Barleylands

22nd June

SpikedriverS

************************

29th June

Sugarman Sam

************************

6th July

Alan Glen's All Stars' Tribute to Chess Records

************************