Leader Mick Kidd

Welcome to the Blues Group page.

We play the Blues, but what IS 'The Blues' (according to this group!). 

The criteria I use for the songs is, that if it has 'Blues' in the song title, or the second line of the verse is the same as the first, or it just sounds like it belongs, then we'll have a go at it. As a result, we have quite a range of songs, including what might be called 'Country Blues', as well as some 'Rock 'n' Roll'. All suggestions for songs you'd like to be included in the book are welcome.

If you listen to some early recordings of blues songs from the early 20th century, many of them are difficult to understand due to recording quality, but thanks to other performers covering their songs, along with the internet, they've been made more accessible. We have versions of songs by Lightnin' Hopkins, Elmore James, Doc Watson, Leadbelly, Albert King, and covers by  Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, and Hugh Laurie, as well as Elvis, The Rolling Stones, Status Quo and more.

The group is made up mainly of accoustic and electric guitar players, with a bass player and some harmonica players. I've also added percussion to some songs via a drum machine app.  Other instruments are welcome, for example we have had Mandolin, Banjo, and just recently Saxophone, which all add distinctive sounds into the mix. I would certainly welcome more accoustic guitar players to come along, as the rhythm they provide is fundamental to the sound of the song, and a base for the electric guitar and other soloists to work on. Don't forget we need Vocalists too - If you want to 'sing the blues', for just one song, or more, we can fit you in.

The Songbook that we use is a PDF Blues book file which can be downloaded onto a device (Tablet/Phone etc) from dropbox or email, for use during the sessions. It currently contains over 40 song sheets, with lyrics and chords for each, and a link to a performance of the song via internet connection so you can hear what it's meant to sound like. 

I don't intend to produce any paper copies of the songbook, although a few may be made available in the future.

If you've read this far, and are still interested in joining us, this is Where and When.

We meet for a couple of hours between 1330 and 1530 every other Tuesday in the ballroom at Alford Hall sports and social club to play the blues. In addition, from 1300 I'll usually spend 20 minutes or so to look at any new songs recently introduced into the book in more depth, or to look at strumming patterns and rhythm techniques particular to a song. Some of the songs may be unfamiliar because of their vintage, they certainly were to me, so its important to get an idea of how we want it to sound.

We'd love to see you come along and give it a try. Get in touch and let me have your email address if you're interested.

Cheers 

Mick

Here is a list of our dates:

Blues Music