Long time UK band Ten Years After are still playing, albeit without their original front man Alvin Lee. Drummer Ric Lee talked to Trevor Hodgett about the band’s new album, Evolution, recorded with their young guitarist Joe Gooch who co-wrote much of the material with their bass player Leo Lyons.

Much lauded guitarist and singer Gordon Smith has recorded an album, called The Essential Gordon Smith, which even he, a perfectionist, thinks is good. Some of the UK’s finest musicians guest on the album and one of them, Alan Glen, has sent Blues In Britain an e-letter in praise of the result. Gordon Smith and friends will launch the album at Brooks Blues Bar on 27th March.

Those of us who go to the blues weekends that Monica Madgwick runs will be familiar with guitarist, singer and harmonica player Tim Aves who often hosts the jams or acts as MC. Tim has teamed up with Son Henry Band to do a short tour in the South-East of England at the end of March. He has sent an e-letter to bring us up to date on what has happened to him lately.

Our featured Blues Venue this month is Blues Nights at Miller’s Snooker Club, Kirkby-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire. Rob and Jackie Knowles put on top UK and US acts, twenty times a year. In March, they have Oliver Darling’s band The Dirty Robbers and Gwyn Ashton playing. If you can get there, go and check it out; tell them you read about the club in Blues In Britain.

As the weather improves, the number of gigs increases and the Gig Guide begins to swell so we can only list gigs up to a certain date. Check with your favourite clubs’ web sites for more dates and get on their emailing list. Make your motto ‘See and Hear More Blues!’

Fran Leslie

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