THE blues commence tonight with the pedal to the metal and caning it down to Rock City for a gig by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (pictured).
This blues, garage rock, folk revival, neo psychedelia band began in San Francisco began in 1998, influenced by the Rolling Stones, the Verve, Velvet Underground and Jesus and The Mary Chain. The gig is one of only six in the UK in the wake of their latest studio album, Specter At The Feast.
For punters who want more blues-centred music, tonight The Approach features the voice, piano and keen sense of humour of Dino Baptiste.
Trent Navigation is offering husband and wife blues duo The Red Dirt Skinners.
The Greyhound, Beeston, has Steelyard, with their blues-rock originals and carefully crafted covers.
Last but not least, The Flowerpot, Derby, is showcasing that legendary blues rock band The Pretty Things on their 50th anniversary tour.
The band got their name from the 1955 Bo Diddley song of the same name and they earned their reputation from their controversial lyrics, ultra-long hair and alternative stage attire.
Sunday takes blues fans to the Diamond, Sutton-in- Ashfield, for the return of the latest in the line of UK's new breed of guitarists destined for the top. Ben Poole was inspired by blues and rock and has combined it into to his own sound.
Ben first came to prominence as lead guitarist with Dani Wilde's band but it was soon obvious that he had talent in his own right and, while still playing for Dani, he forged a solo and band career. Total Guitar Magazine has even gone as far as classing him as, "the next Joe Bonamassa".
Finishing the blues for the week is an accomplished musician who became a great favourite at Millers: Matt Woosey is doing a solo acoustic set at The Flowerpot, Derby, on Wednesday.
