The Gig Cartel - Gig guide: The Blues Band, Holmfirth

Over 20 albums and 35 years have passed since 1979, when Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness expected a short shelf life for their idea of forming a pub band to 'play the blues for beer money'. But passion is a currency everyone covets, and The Blues Band had passion by the bucketful; and fans know a good thing when they hear it. The public's eager response to what The Blues Band thought was a hobby project took them by surprise, providing a career for life beyond the boundaries of pop, in the musical tradition they love. Pubs and beer money are a thing of the past. The Blues Band continue to be celebrated across the media and have played to wildly appreciative audiences around the globe in venues ranging from clubs through to civic halls and theatres. They've toured with Dire Straits and headlined at Glastonbury. Now they've added to their expanding catalogue of recordings with a brilliant new album, Few Short Lines.
Eric Clapton once said; 'When all the original blues guys are gone, you start to realise that someone has to tend the tradition.' But although they carry the torch, The Blues Band are no musical museum. They're the ultimate good night out. After thousands of gigs their passion and showmanship keeps filling venues around the world. You can experience it with their latest recording, Few Short Lines. Check out their studio guests: Bob Dylan's keyboardist Al Kooper, Bruce Springsteen's sparring partner Southside Johnny, Linda Lewis duetting with Paul Jones Dave Kelly paired with Scotland's soul queen, Maggie Bell. If you're looking for spirited blues with a peerless pedigree, your search is over.