Earl Thomas has been impressing audiences around the world for the best part of two decades. His direct approach and engaging personality has seen him opening shows for Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Etta James, B. B. King, India Arie and Ike Turner. His dynamic stage show described as one part Sam Cooke, one part Otis Redding, one part Al Green, and ten parts Earl Thomas. His songs have been recorded by Etta James, Solomon Burke, Tom Jones, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green. He’s performed at top music festivals including the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, has released eleven critically acclaimed CDs, and has songs in two major feature films. He is a singer, songwriter, producer, and world class entertainer. He is EARL THOMAS.

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Al Hughes, like so many Scottish singers, is rooted in the blues and soul tradition. However, he writes from his own perspective on topics which are very much of today.

His influences can be clearly seen, but make no mistake, this music is modern, relevant and gathering praise from a growing number of well respected figures on the British music scene.

Comparisons have been made by more than one reviewer between Al and the late Rory Gallagher's acoustic playing and also to both Chris Smither and Townes Van Zandt.

 

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Jim Suhler made a name for himself in the State of Texas as one of a number of fine young Texas guitar slingers coming out of the Dallas area. In 1999 Suhler stepped into the world spotlight as guitarist for George Thorogood’s in his band of superstars collectively known as The Destroyers. Since joining The Destroyers Jim has recorded, toured the world and written songs for the band. Such is his reputation, he has frequently been included in many of the "Top Ten Guitarists" lists featured in numerous music publications.

 

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Eugene is a nomadic musician living his life on the road. His home is wherever the next performance takes him, and every year this is from America through Europe, to Australia with many other stops in between.

Born in 1963 Eugene was the fourth child of five. With blues guitarist Hideaway Slim for a father and a mother from the same Bullock family that gave us Annie Mae (better known as Tina Turner), there was inevitability both that young Eugene would become a musician and that his heritage would shape his musical path – and so it proved.

At five years of age he was already playing with his father around the Louisiana area and along with his brothers, as The Bridges Brothers, he sang gospel and was the musician of his church, touring with the Pastor, Elder A A Edwards. At thirteen Eugene was entering Rhythm & Blues talent shows and had formed his first R&B band The Five Stars.

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“Softly softly” is not a maxim that King King are familiar with. Since surging into life two years ago they have barely stopped for breath, and their electrifying sound and scorching live shows have generated more of a thunderous roar than a buzz.

Straight out of the blocks it was clear that King King is a band which knows how to make an entrance. An exhilarating debut at the Monaghan Blues Festival created such a stir that it prompted organizer Somhairle MacConghail to remark: “King King aren’t just playing the festival. Word is that King King ARE the festival”. With a reception like this there’s little surprise that the phone has been ringing off the hook ever since, and the last year has seen them bring their inimitable brand of multi-faceted blues rock to the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Abertillery Festival and even Glastonbury. This was in addition to a seemingly non-stop series of rousing live shows across the UK and Europe, much to the delight of the band’s burgeoning fan base.

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Right now, Paul Lamb and the King Snakes are a refreshing mixture of (relative) youth and experience who create a wonderful, equilibrium of real blues, boogie, swing & a good time jump.

“They play blues in the same way Brando used to straddle a Triumph…. lazily, cocksure, coolly and aggressive” …Blues & Rhythm

It didn’t all happen suddenly, it took years of hard work and application; unfashionable words that signify little in these days of instant fame. As Paul can tell you, he and his band have done their individual time, made their mistakes, applied what they’ve learned, focused on their musicianship and the results are passed on to audiences that flock to their gigs. The audiences in turn are guaranteed to enjoy genuine music performed with skill and mutual encouragement. It’s a simple but sure formula.

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