The Gloucester Blues Project

We’re playing at Zack’s!

Ian — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 15:49:55 +0000

If you’re looking for something to do on Tuesday June 5, head to Zack’s on Wilson’s Wharf for some fine dining and an awesome lineup of homegrown blues.

We’ll be hitting the stage for the Durban Blues Train along with the regulars Will’s Blues Band and Bobby and the Dynamites. For more than 10 years Will’s Blues Band, in its various guises, has been the mainstay of the Blues Train.

Bobby and the Dynamites originated in 1986 at Pieces of Eight, where Robert van der Linde, Richard Haslop, Vic Schulze and Will Wallace played an eclectic collection of old blues, country, soul and folk rock. With Robert immigrating to the UK in March, Tiffany Sheppard has joined the band and added a whole new dimension, with harmonies and duets featuring strongly in the band’s repertoire.

The Blues Train was founded in 2000 and is South Africa’s longest running Blues organisation. Having hosted many of South Africa’s blues greats including Dan Patlansky, Albert Frost, Jerry Kunene and Brian Thusi, the Blues Train remains a big part of the SA blues scene.

Currently housed at Zack’s Restaurant on Wilson’s Wharf in Durban, the Blues Train rocks the harbour with a wide variety of guest bands and artists every Tuesday night. Come down and join us on the deck for a great evening’s entertainment from 7:00pm to 10:00pm!

Here’s the Facebook invite for all you keen social media folks.

Movie Soundtrack Blues

Ian — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:35:59 +0000

This week we’re looking at some of the best blues tracks to appear on the Silver Screen. This list is by no means complete, so feel free to add your suggestions in the comments box.

Blues Traveler – But Anyway (Kingpin)
The Louisiana Gator Boys and the Blues Brothers – New Orleans (Blues Brothers 2000)
Aretha Franklin – Think (Blues Brothers)
Taj Mahal – Needed Time (Sounder)
Steve Vai & Ry Cooder – Butler’s Bag (Crossroads)

The Best Chicago Blues

Ian — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:01:41 +0000

Chicago Blues has spawned many a great rock and roll band. It’s influence permeates through the music of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Joe Bonamassa (among many others). In this week’s playlist, we pay homage to the Chicago blues greats – the ones that got the stone rolling.

Freddie King – Hideaway
Junior Wells – Tobacco Road
Otis Spann – Some Day
Muddy Waters – Rollin’ Stone
Buddy Guy – Sweet Little Angel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbqtnNorgQA

Blues Pianists

Ian — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:06:43 +0000

This week we’re moving away from the Guitar Gods and turning our attention to the fantastic, finger-fiddling, antics of the blues world’s greatest pianists.

Pete Johnson – Death Ray Boogie (the video below is not actually Pete, but it’s a pretty good impersonation)
Otis Spann – Aint Nobody’s Business If I Do
Jimmy Yancey – Rolling the Stone
Clarence ” Pinetop” Smith – Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
Memphis Slim – Everyday I Have The Blues

Modern Blues: From Black Keys to Guitar-slinging Trout

Ian — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:10:21 +0000

This week we’re taking a look at some modern blues artists – from the crossover sounds of the Black Keys to the reckless guitar wailing of Walter Trout.

Walter Trout – Dust my broom
Doyle Bramhall ll – Helpless Man
Tab Benoit – Nice & Warm
The Black Keys – Your Touch
Storyville – A Piece of Your Soul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSbZBZjIDVI