THE BLUE BISHOPS

At the rockier end of the blues spectrum The Blue Bishops have been long established as a powerful live act with a signature style that sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. Over the years their music and energy has attracted band members and stage and recording guests that include world-class musicians such as Martin Turner, founder of Wishbone Ash, Rod Argent of Argent and The Zombies, John 'Rabbit' Bundrick of Free and the Who, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull and the late and sorely missed Jim Rodford of Argent, The Kinks and The Zombies. Then there's the production team of John Leckie (Simple Minds, George Harrison, Radiohead, Muse...) and Stu Epps (Kiki Dee, Elton John, Chris Rea, Twisted Sister...) This heady concoction may seem an unlikely mix. Yet it produces a contemporary take on the British Invasion scene the guys grew up with. It's what made Robert Cray, when coming on after the Blue Bishops at the Bishopstock Festival in the UK (the name is pure co-incidence) to say 'Now, I'll have to watch my back', and critics across the board recommend the band as one of the best live acts on the scene. But most of all it's a rocking, individual style that moves on without ever losing sight of its blues roots. Anywhere from The Great British R&B Festival in Colne to the Crawdaddy in Richmond, or the beach of Paradise Island in the Bahamas their rocky blues style has delighted audiences wherever they go. Their first album ‘Blue Bishops’ secured the band a prime slot at the Bishopstock Festival in ‘99 which set the tone for their long-lasting popularity. Subsequent albums ‘Deep’, ‘Bootleg’ and ‘In the Red’ have attracted critical acclaim and airplay across many different continents. Among the many tributes to their performances, Paul Jones, after their BBC Radio2 live session, summed up his appreciation in one word. ‘Superb.’ The line-up for the performance at the HAMPTON HUB are Geoff Grange, lead vocals, harmonica and guitar, Simon Burrett, slide guitar and guitar, Mickey Hollis, drums, and Ian Fordham, bass. For more information www.bluebishops.co.uk Tickets are £10 in advance and £12 )TD (subject to availability) and can be purchased by clicking on the ‘Get Tickets’ button or texting / calling the BX OFFICE on 07770 636303.