Click here to view the full brochure
Click here for a simple downloadable gig listing suitable for black and white print
Click here to view the full brochure
Click here for a simple downloadable gig listing suitable for black and white print
Opening the Festival this year we have the wonderful Channel 2.
Jan Holena (ex Western Valley Hot Club) on sax/clarinet and piano alongside Simon Brady (ex Swing Commanders) on guitar, mandolin and vocals. Uplifting swing and popular numbers from these two fine musicians.
Wandering the border lands of blues and folk - ever sifting and shifting through the sands of dreams and hope.
Rik's rootsy music draws its water from many places always changing and adapting - for many years Rik toured with the bands Ernie's Rhythm Section, Honeyfeet and Walk learning and sharing the craft - “I’ve been very lucky to play with such awesome folk - every gig is a chance to learn and evolve."
A favourite here in the Ribble Valley making a very welcome return, Arthur Geldard is a stylish and very popular young vocalist. His influences are Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams and Chet Baker.
Katoush are a five piece instrumental jazz group hailing from Lancaster. Their set is varied, from jazz standards you might expect, to more modern compositions you might not. They can be simultaneously bluesy, funky, or chilled, but melodies and groove are a certainty.
Adam Bradbury – Trumpet
Rachael Hamilton – Saxophone
Art Wrennall – Guitar
Nick Cooper – Drums
Rob Livesey - Bass
Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues are delighted to welcome Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat to the St Mary’s Centre for a magical opening headline concert. Cinematic, melodic instrumental group based in Leeds, led by saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson creating performances full of magic, joy, and warmth.
MORE INFO & VIDEO...Red Hot Drop are an established six piece uptempo rock/soul/funk/band fronted by the
excellent vocals of Claire Louise and backed by accomplished musicians on guitar, bass,
sax, keyboards and drums. The band cover classic songs from the 1970’s through to the
present day which are intended to get you up and dancing!
We are delighted to welcome for the first time to RVJBF a blues band of notable quality - 'DC Blues' based in York and Newcastle. Tight musicianship and a big sound with - harmonica, Hammond, guitar, bass and drums. This event kicks off a great weekend programme at the Rose & Crown!
Reviews:
Blues Matters - The Great British Rock & Blues Festival, Skegness - Jan 2023
The opening act on the Blues Matters stage was Yorkshire band DC Blues, a hard hitting 5 piece band led by the mercurial frontman Paul Winn on harmonica, his vocal delivery throughout this set was very good and the rhythm section of Ben Darwin and drummer Paul Thompson really shone through. Add to this the guitar artistry of Lloyd Massingham and the chemistry flows in this blues intoxicated laboratory. Steve Brandon on keys was the icing on this slick and enjoyable performance, mixing blues styles and reinterpreting such standards as "Who Do You Love" & "Somebody Loan Me A Dime" with a funky slow sexy feel.
Website Link: https://www.dcbluesband.com/
Mr Cottonhouse (AKA our very own Gary Ward) is joined by East Lancs favourite Teri Birtwistle to end our Friday evening programme in the cosy setting of 'The Ale House.' Together, Gary & Teri present two vocals and two guitars and a list of songs spanning- blues, jazz, R&B, gospel and country blues.
A favourite here in the Ribble Valley making a very welcome return, Arthur Geldard is a stylish and very popular young vocalist. His influences are Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams and Chet Baker.
A welcome return for the Clitheroe Town Band who once again return to the town library. Presenting an eclectic selection of music including ragtime and Swing - and watch out for the original Clitheroe Quickstep!
Enjoy some live street music whilst supporting our local market traders.
Presenting our very own big band under the guidance of Paul Rigby (Northern Jazz Orchestra).
Mark Duckworth and Ted Duprez are a Spanish guitar duo who fuse traditional Spanish, Rumba, Flamenco, Jazz and Bossa Nova guitar styles, underpinned by over a decade spent working in various rock guitar outfits; creating a unique, modern approach to Spanish guitar music with a healthy dose of improvisation.
Manchester's one-man blues explosion, Franny plays harmonica and sings the ORIGINAL Chicago Blues delivering knockout performances and winning the admiration and acclaim of audiences and musicians alike.
Fuelled by the blues of Howlin Wolf, Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson and fired by the devil himself, Franny's harmonica and deep, soulful vocals have set crowds dancing and rooms alight with a blue flame night after night after night.
A welcome return for Lancashire's much loved Jon Brindley and we are delighted! Jon is a very experienced and well respected musician. Primarily as a folk/blues musician but Jon has many strings to his multi-instrumentalist bow! He is a great purveyor of song as well as being a fine vocalist and musician.
Saturday afternoon this year has a real community feel to it. To highlight this we are pleased to welcome for the first time 'SO BAR' in Clitheroe as an official venue at the RVJBF.
'Blufunk Syndicate' is the Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues community band, under the guidance of Gary Ward, they will be performing a selection of popular uplifting songs exploring funky pop, blues and jazz. This year the band returns with a new line up and a bunch of new songs! Come and give the guys some support and if you are interested in joining the band (they are always interested in new members) then let us know!
Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues are thrilled to welcome Olivia Moore and Unfurl to the St Mary’s Centre for an enchanting afternoon concert.
Olivia Moore is one of the UK's most innovative and creative violinists. She performs with her band Unfurl, a quintet drawing on diverse influences of Jazz, Indian and Arabic rhythms.
MORE INFO & VIDEO...Choros Gitan are two highly respected guitarists in the North West. Matt Wells and Willy Fluss combine to present an afternoon of gypsy jazz.
Holena Swing Company is a brand new band led by Czech clarinet, sax and piano player Jan Holena. The lineup features some of the finest musicians from the North West: Simon Brady (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Cliff Woodworth (violin, vocals) and David Luvin (double bass). You can expect a nice blend of swing, gypsy jazz, western swing and blues with bags of energy and virtuosity.
Easystreet Big Band have been a fixture on the St Helens Big Band scene since the late 1970's. They arrive in the Ribble Valley to perform a "Big Band Mixed Bag of Swingy Thingys" and will play a mixture of classic swing numbers; two vocalists will entertain the audience with well known songs with a singalong swingalong vibe. Big Band interpretations of some well known songs from the "hit parade" and if requested a dancing finale with a bit of 'Big Band Disco Band'. Come and have a look and a listen. Easystreet Big Band are St Helens' Best Kept Secret and this promises to be a treat for big band fans - free admission!
Mojo Rising will be bringing you a range of Chicago Blues classics. Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Little Walter, the Three Kings, Jimmy Reed, Otis Rush and more. Come on in and Let the Good Times Roll!
It is always a pleasure to welcome former UK harmonica champion Luke Shaw to RVJBF, a very entertaining and engaging performer who will be joined once again by fellow band member Nick Bold for some 'howlin' dog' stripped back blues!
It is always a pleasure to welcome back our good friends 'Blowjangles' who always add fun, colour and good times to any event! For over 20 years Blowjangles have been putting smiles on people's faces and we expect more good times when they perform at 'SO BAR' on Saturday afternoon.
A five piece rocking rhythm, blues & boogie band with a hint of soul featuring guitars, sax, bass, drums and vocals.
Manchester's one-man blues explosion, Franny plays harmonica and sings the ORIGINAL Chicago Blues delivering knockout performances and winning the admiration and acclaim of audiences and musicians alike.
Fuelled by the blues of Howlin Wolf, Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson and fired by the devil himself, Franny's harmonica and deep, soulful vocals have set crowds dancing and rooms alight with a blue flame night after night after night.
Mark Duckworth and Ted Duprez are a Spanish guitar duo who fuse traditional Spanish, Rumba, Flamenco, Jazz and Bossa Nova guitar styles, underpinned by over a decade spent working in various rock guitar outfits; creating a unique, modern approach to Spanish guitar music with a healthy dose of improvisation.
We have been trying for ages to book Andy for the festival and we are delighted that we can welcome him to the 2024 line up. Andy was the piano player with Manchester's favourite West Coast Swing Band 'The Winchesters' and was recently the keyboard player with the late Leslie McKeown's Bay City Rollers. Expect blues, R&B, Swing and a few surprises all performed with quality musicianship, and knowing Andy... a dash of humour!
A welcome return for our good friends Vernon Fuller (guitar/vocals) and Fylde Coast based guitarist Willy Fluss. Jazz based and very accessible - perfect accompaniment for a meal at The Calf's Head. Twin Frets produce an irresistible blend of Soulful Jazz, Funk and pop!
Another first time act appearing at RVJBF. 'Bridgewater Blues Band' are a four piece blues band established in 2008. Expect blues classics by Jimmy Reed, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Junior Wells, Sonny Boy Williamson, BB King, Albert King, Howlin' Wolf, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and more.
One of the most exciting acts currently taking the UK jazz scene by storm. Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, this genre-defying band bring together influences from Hip-Hop, Broken Beat, Electronica, Dub and Punk with an informed Jazz sensibility.
MORE INFO & VIDEO...It is always a pleasure to welcome former UK harmonica champion Luke Shaw to RVJBF, a very entertaining and engaging performer who will be joined once again by fellow band member Nick Bold for some 'howlin' dog' stripped back blues!
Bluehounds present R&B, Soul, jazzy Americana and some powerhouse blues/rock!
Triptik bring their soulful, R&B, disco party vibes back to RVJBF after causing a bit of a stir last year! Good times at the Rose & Crown for sure!
Nutty. H. Kriss are an East Lancs trio featuring Naomi (Nutty) West on lead vocals. Nutty's amazing soulful vocal style draws comparisons with Susan Tedeschi! Expect soulful blues, gospel and Americana with three part vocal harmonies.
Saxophonist Fraser and guitarist Tom are two of Lancashire finest jazz musicians who will be playing a mixture of chilled jazz standards with a few surprises.
'Perfect Fourth' - Yorkshire's favourite saxophone quartet! Four excellent musicians performing quality (and quirky) arrangements of jazz numbers as well as their interpretations of popular songs! We are really looking forward to this event as we welcome another venue to the festival for the first time - Bowland Bikes.... a bike shop in Clitheroe. This event promises to be memorable and a lot of fun!
James Gansler and Maria Danielle are no strangers to RVJBF, together they have performed many times with their band 'The Cheating Hearts.' This time we welcome them for the first time as a duo and a long list of songs covering several genres including Americana, Country Blues and pop.
Kirk McElhinney is an exceptional finger style guitarist based in Manchester and this will be a Sunday afternoon treat for any acoustic guitar players! He has appeared alongside such luminaries as folk legend Bert Jansch, Tommy Emmanuel and Nitin Sawhney. Either as a songwriter or guitar vocalist, a Kirk McElhinney performance always has quality written all over it!
Exploring the blues with Hammond organ, harmonica, guitar, bass & drums and 150+ years of experience. Lead by James Mackie the organ player with The Selecter and then Madness during the 80's/90's, James shares the stage with Ben Ruth (vocals/harmonica), Rob Livesey (bass), James Barrott (drums) and Niels Rasmusson (guitar). This is what we call a proper blues band!
Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues are thrilled to welcome the incredible Ed Kainyek and his quartet for this special Sunday afternoon session at the St Mary’s Centre. Ed is a highly skilled saxophonist with an earthy and expressive style who has graced the stages of the Manchester International and Cheltenham Festivals.
MORE INFO & VIDEO...Phil Mahon was born in Bury and has over 50 years experience of playing in bands and solo. He has played alongside many musicians from the UK, USA and Spain; notable names include Screaming Lord Sutch, Victor Brox, Mike Walker and many more. He has fronted The Johnny Friendlies for the past 35 years and also Phil Oksera & The Grapevines for the past 8 years. He was a singer and guitarist in Ribble Valley’s own soulsters, Rambunkshus. His solo shows cover blues, soul and R&B.
Margit Van Der Zwan and Richard Wetherall are two highly respected jazz musicians in their own right as we welcome them back to RVJBF and The Waddington Arms at Waddington. Margit is a singer and cellist and has performed with the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra, Jools Holland and Elbow. Richard Wetherall has played with top jazz musicians such as Richard Iles, Bobby Wellins and Mark Nightingale. He has toured worldwide with Casablanca Steps and Dominic Halpin and the Honey B’s including supporting Tony Bennett.
Organ drenched funky goodness......if you're hurting for some Meters and Booker T flavoured grooves then look no further than The Metermen from Lancaster. Featuring- David Shooter (bass), Gordon Walker (organ), Paul Graves (guitar) and Ben McCabe (drums). Another first time appearance at RVJBF.
Richard Moss is best known for being the guitarist and vocalist of Irish Band 'Drop The Floor' - but Richard is also an accomplished finger style blues and ragtime guitarist and we are delighted that he will be performing this set at RVJBF again last year following a storming gig at last years festival!
After Hours are a three piece Blues Rock Band from the North West of England with a powerful and melodic sound delivering a solid set of original and classic material.
Formed by Lee Wharton in the 1990’s, the band enjoys an established following who appreciate their unique blend of blues, rock, funk and progressive influences with carefully planned sets and spontaneous improvisation keep their performances fresh and exciting for the band and audience.
BBC Featured Redux with Kevin Hassett on vocals, Paul Matthews guitar and Jeff Henson on stand up Bass offering melodic, accessible jazz with new and fresh arrangements of classics.
Redux .....a Latin verb meaning to bring back, to restore, to revisit. These definitions best summarise perhaps the Redux musical approach which is to provide new, respectful interpretations of the great jazz standards of Porter, Gershwin, Ellington, Waller, Gillespie et al.
Melody is at the heart of what Redux do.
Exploring the blues with Hammond organ, harmonica, guitar, bass & drums and 150+ years of experience. Lead by James Mackie the organ player with The Selecter and then Madness during the 80's/90's, James shares the stage with Ben Ruth (vocals/harmonica), Rob Livesey (bass), James Barrott (drums) and Niels Rasmusson (guitar). This is what we call a proper blues band!
'Fat Snarly' will be making their RVJBF debut on Sunday evening and bringing their rock'n'roll, old R&B and blues boogie woogie styles to Clitheroe. As well as being first time performers to the festival, we are very happy to announce a new venue for the event at Ribblesdale Wanderers Cricket Club in Clitheroe.
Ancient Infinity orchestra is a jazz ensemble led by double-bassist and composer Ozzy Moysey, based in the bustling creative city of Leeds. Their Gondwana Records debut ‘River of Light’ drinks deep from the well of spiritual jazz and is especially inspired by the soulful sounds of Pharoah Sanders, Alice and John Coltrane.
MORE INFO & VIDEO...The Merkins make their RVJBF debut at the Rose & Crown and bring their 'good time' vibes to the venue on Sunday night. Featuring a host of quality musicians from the likes of - The Hiding Magpies, Atomic Rooster and Fruitless Forest! Popular tunes that groove are on the menu!
Shug Spencer - bass
Karl Francis - drums
Dan Arnold - guitar
Jack Herbert - keys & vocals
David Jaggs is the lead singer of the UK's leading Northern Soul band 'The Northern Soultrain' - as well as being the frontman for The Ragamuffins. A gifted multi instrumentalist and performer, David's solo shows can go in any direction, he'll even take a request or two as interacts with the audience with ease. Expect pretty much anything really!
Our Monday programme would not be complete without a Cheating Hearts performance at The Aspinall Arms. This has become a tradition with the Aspinall Arms demanding this band returns every year! The Cheating Hearts bring americana, folk, country and rock to the table with quality musicianship and vocals. They also bring the house down every year!
Cutting through the noise, bringing fresh sounds to Clitheroe. A free event outdoors in Holmes Mill yard organised by Stereo Press, the Grand's Youth Led programming group.
Line-up: Ed Lomax - keys; Derek Smith - Drums; Mel Hatchman - bass; Lyn Fairbanks -vocals; Mike Hope - tenor sax
A festival treat! Hear top American Songbook jazz standards at Spread Eagle’s Dinner Jazz with Mark Lewis Quartet & guest Mike Hope on tenor sax! Cool vocals from Lyn Fairbanks, & terrific tenor from Mike Hope.
The festival finale will be something very special this year. Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues are over the moon to welcome the award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles with her 18-piece Jazz Orchestra featuring a host of the UK's finest jazz musicians.
“Formidably creative.... The Heroine of British Jazz ...” - Dave Gelly, Observer.
MORE INFO & VIDEO...Bowland Brewery - Proud to be supporting the Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival.