Features

Life just keeps on getting better and better for Norfolk bluesman Oli Brown. At the time of writing I'm about to accompany Oli and his band on a plane to Memphis to cover their attempts to win the city's International Blues Challenge.

Oli Brown

18 year old Oli is flying the flag for the UK and I wouldn't bet against him winning the contest. He and his group will be up against blues outfits from all over the States and beyond. It's a real 'taking coals to Newcastle' story and one which I'm really looking forward to reporting on for BBC local radio in the Eastern region.

If you saw the Oli Brown Band's performance opening for Dr Feelgood in Ipswich just before Christmas or their support slot with Ian Siegal in Norwich last month you'll know that they're firing on all cylinders.

They've now signed a record deal with the leading German label Ruf Records and as soon as they return from Tennessee they'll start work on their debut album which, it's hoped, will come out before the summer. Oli has also landed support slots for up and coming London shows by Johnny Winter and Jeff Healey. It's a bit of an old cliché to say this young man is going places but he really is.

The delights of Felixstowe

Felixstowe harmonica player Giles King is another blues musician from this area who's making an impact on both sides of the pond. Giles, 36, was a guest musician at the recent launch of the Ipswich Rhythm and Blues Club and he was in impressive form.

Giles King

He is now giving the award-winning Paul Lamb a run for his money in the blues harp stakes and it's little wonder that top London musicians like Lee Sankey, Matt Schofield and Ian Siegal look to Suffolk's King of the blues when they need a bit of harmonica on their recordings or on stage.

Another Felixstowe act, Wicked Grin, kicked off proceedings at The Staff Club with a well rehearsed set of blues covers. For the most part they managed to steer clear of the old chestnuts preferring to dig a bit deeper for their material. Midway through their set Giles and singer Annie Houghton stepped up to the plate for a great rendition of Chris Smither's Love Me Like A Man and from then on Wicked Grin had the audience just where they wanted them.

Ramon Goose

I was a little bit concerned that the next act fronted by Colchester's Ramon Goose would have their work cut out to keep the momentum going but I needn't have worried. Ramon alternated between electric and acoustic guitar and with a fine rhythm section behind him - Akos Hasznos and Paul Francis - he maintained the high standards set by Wicked Grin and, at times, took the night to new heights.

Former Jellyroll guitarist Joel Fisk guested on one song and it came as no surprise when Giles King reappeared on stage. What a start for I.R.B.C. organisers Linda and Kevin Hart. They had to turn people away at the door and the success of the launch night bodes very well for the future.

The next gig is on Saturday February 23rd when Giles King returns in his role as a member of Essex group, Bad Town Blues. Also on the bill is Nolan Wiltz's Homebrew so another great evening is assured. Get there nice and early. The music starts at 8pm and admission's £4-95.

Ian Hunter

Former Mott the Hoople front man Ian Hunter brings his band to Ipswich this month for an eagerly awaited gig at The Manor Ballroom. I never got to catch the singer in his glory days but did see him at a poorly supported concert at The Spa in Felixstowe back in the nineties.

Ian Hunter

He shouldn’t have any trouble filling The Manor on Friday 29th February and on the evidence of his latest album, Shunken Heads, we're in for a memorable evening.

Although he didn't write All The Young Dudes (that's a David Bowie song) Ian did pen other Mott classics like Roll Away The Stone, All The Way From Memphis and The Golden Age Of Rock'n'Roll.

The band went their separate ways in 1974 and, as expected, Ian continued to make great records as a solo artist. Having been a rock musician for close on 40 years, Ian knows the business inside out and never fails to deliver. I'm anticipating a great gig at The Manor. As I write, the show is close to selling out so if you haven't bought your ticket yet get along without delay.

Tom Baxter

Finally many congratulations to Ipswich-born singer / songwriter Tom Baxter who's been flying high in the album charts with his second CD Skybound.

Four years ago Tom enjoyed success with his debut, Feather & Stone but, in spite of notching up decent sales figures, he was dropped like a stone by his record label Columbia.

It must have been a bit of a blow to Tom who was brought up in Bungay.

Tom Baxter

But, rather than lose interest in the music business, Tom's resolve was hardened and four years on his commitment to the cause is paying dividends. The ballad, Better featured in the film Run, Fat Boy, Run and was played solidly on BBC Radio 2 for about six weeks but, for some reason, didn't make much of an impression on the singles chart and entered the album chart at number 12 and Tom's star is shining brightly again. The 36 year old is performing at the Norwich Arts Centre on Sunday 2nd March when he'll have his band with him.

His brother Charlie's also on the bill. He goes out as Charlie Winston and among his admirers is Peter Gabriel. In fact, Peter was so impressed that he signed him to his Real World label and if you saw Peter's show at Blickling Hall in Norfolk last year then you probably caught Charlie opening for his new boss.

I'm sure the Tom Baxter gig at the Norwich Arts Centre will sell out so, once again, don't waste any time in buying tickets.