Last night at Jagz, the Memsahib and I went to the opening blues session of the year to see the Sonny Black Band (and, no, he didn't ask me to sing this time! He's learned his lesson). He was introducing a guest: Dave Specter from Chicago who'll be known to US 'Catters but who hasn't toured here before. He's a jazzy blues guitarist, very similar in style to Sonny and the two swapped licks all night that kept the crown baying for more. Only about 30 of us unfortunately. I was even allowed to buy one of his CDs- Herself can give no higher seal of approval. Dave doesn't sing and Sonny didn't for a change, leaving Bob (keys)and George )bass)to do the vocal honours. I haven't mentioned Damon on drums- he's got an album out as well but I haven't seen that yet. Sonny didn't bring his resonator guitar unfortunately but they did both play bottleneck on one number
If you like your blues subtle and swinging rather than just loud and fast and you like jazz guitar in the Wes Montgomery, Grant Green mode then catch these two great guitarists on Dave's short British tour :
January 2004: UK Tour w/ Sonny Black!
Confirmed England Dates:

January 13: Jagz Club, Ascot
January 14: Blues Alive Club, Bishops Stortford, (live CD recording!)
January 16: Talking Heads Club, Southampton
January 19 The Bulls Head, Barnes
January 20: Tower Arts Centre, Winchester
January 21: Stamford Arts Centre Stamford
January 22: Bullfrog Blues Club, Portsmouth
January 23: Hawth Arts Centre, Crawley
January 24: Barrelhouse Blues Club, Salisbury (West Country)
January 27: Bottleneck Blues Club, Rochester (Kent)

+ BBC Radio Interview, January 21st on the Paul Jones Show

A great start to the New blues Year.

RtS