THE SATURDAY EVENING SESSION ARTISTS – in brief

• Kai Strauss & The Electric Blues All-Stars GER – The times when European artists simply imitated North American productions are long gone. Regret it or not, the blues has gone global, defended by musicians who keep the memory of the blues alive, the best of them giving it the extra soul that makes it special, German singer-guitarist Kai Strauss is among this elite. Strauss is not only a convincing vocalist with a warm timbre, above all he’s an accomplished guitarist with rich and creamy phrasing, who’s fierce but disciplined playing doesn’t degenerate into a volcanic cascade of notes. Kai Strauss has been an enduring presence on the European blues scene for more than 25 years. From his professional start in the 1990s, when he teamed up with Texas, US-born singer Memo Gonzalez, to his successful career as a solo artist, Strauss has proved himself to be a guitarist and vocalist of power and originality.

‘This is high energy top quality electric blues as it should be, from the heart and with punches of feelings and emotions. Hard to believe this man is a blues player from Germany and not from Chicago or Memphis’ – Blues Matters! UK

‘Kai Strauss is a subtle and sophisticated bluesman who has it all’ – Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records (Chicago/IL)

• Hamilton Loomis USA – Blend together Lenny Kravitz’s hybrid of classic rock and soul, the bluesy swagger of Stevie Ray Vaughan and the sweltering funk of Prince and the result is American guitarist/singer, Hamilton Loomis. Texas born Loomis is a protégé of Bo Diddley, he met the icon backstage at the age of 16 at Houston’s famed venue Rockefeller’s and he quickly became friend, mentor, collaborator and supporter. The influence clearly rubbed off; the Loomis show has all the energy and swagger of the great 60s blues showmen.
• Greg Coulson Band – Greg is an accomplished Pianist and Hammond player, he is also a gifted guitarist and singer/songwriter specialising in Rhythm & Blues. In 2010 at the age of just 19 Greg joined the legendary two- tone band The Selecter. He toured worldwide with The Selecter making over 400 appearances before leaving the band in 2015. He now leads his own band complete with horn section delivering and his brand of high octane, fun and musically ingenious Blues.

“As a frontman you’ll struggle to see any better. Vocals, Guitar and Hammond were absolutely sublime. Unique, expressive, dynamic and thrilling would be a start to the description of the experience, but it’s a lot more”

• Redfish Blues Band – Redfish has developed a distinctive and defining style of their own, featuring the astonishing vocal and guitar talents of Christian Sharpe and the awe-inspiring swirling Hammond organ of Steve McGuckin, backed by the rock solid and sympathetic rhythm section of Rod Mackay (bass) and Steve Gibson on drums. With influences including Clapton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmie Vaughan, Booker T, and all three of the Kings, this must-see band has developed a delicious, bubbling gumbo of blues, soul, gospel and funk.