Zoe Schwarz' Blue Commotion

£18 - A wonderfully varied and entertaining night of blues. Three great acts showcasing the superb talents of Joe Mac New Orleans solo piano, the formidable acoustic American roots and blues duo Stompin’ Dave and Earl Jackson, and as always, the ever-popular contemporary electric blues of Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion. Joe Mac Solo New Orleans-inspired piano. Joe Mac is a fast-emerging British singer, songwriter and soulful piano player from London. He started playing his first shows when he was 16 years old and has been gigging ever since. Growing up in a house where music was alive and always played, either through his grandad playing the boogie on the Joanna or his father strumming some lush chords on the guitar or listening to his sister belting out some Aretha, he decided to make music his life and thus started his musical journey. Through listening to his father’s vinyl collection, he heard a unique array of music, especially artists such as BB King, Allen Toussaint, Beatles, Bob Dylan Stuff, and Dr John. Joe got his first Tour playing with Jimmy Thomas who served as a vocalist for Ike and Tina Turner. He has played across many genres, and styles. He has shared the stage with artists such as Michael Kiwanuka, Spiritualised, KatyB, Simon Kirke (free), Jimmy Thomas, Jack Garratt, Todd Sharpville, Matt Scofield, Dana Gillespie, Dom Pipkin, Cinelli Brothers, and the CC Smugglers. Over the last year, Joe has been concentrating on his current album which is heavily influenced by the smoky deep grooves of The New Orleans Sound. He currently has residencies at many of London’s premier venues such as Blues Kitchen, Ronnie Scott’s, The Ned, and the Night Jar. Stompin’ Dave and Earl Jackson Acoustic American roots and blues duo. Dave and Earl began performing together in 2012 since then they have given barnstorming performances together at blues and rock n roll festivals and music clubs nationwide and abroad. Multi-instrumentalist and tap dancer Stompin’ Dave has performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Bestival and is described by Maverick Magazine as “one of the world’s greatest performers”. Earl is a well-known figure on the British Rock n’ Roll and Jive circuits with his band ‘The Earl Jackson Four’ and has made appearances on BBC radio and TV including the prestigious Jonathon Ross show. Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion 4 piece Hammord-organ driven contemporary rocking blues. ZSBC refresh the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing, and vocal prowess. With an exciting live set based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs, and exciting grooves, they mix old-school tradition with contemporary flair and sophistication. Zoe and Rob Koral are a “nationally regarded couple, it tells in the power and professionalism of their performance…”. Zoe’s dynamic and commanding vocal delivery is complimented by the unmistakable touch and flow of Rob-guitar, and the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker – Hammond organ and Eddie John – drums. There is diversity, depth, and uniqueness to the band’s music, where each of the band members is given the freedom to express their musical prowess and stamp their magic to the songwriting of Zoë and Rob. A testament to their chemistry is the sheer volume of music written, recorded, and released, with ‘Chameleon’ (April 2020) being their 7th album in 8 years; and over 10 years of intense gigging, with concerts and festivals the length and breadth of the country and abroad, complimented with numerous rave reviews and accolades.