What do Alexis Korner, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Eric Clapton, Stevie Winwood, Spencer Davies, Jack Bruce, Rod Stewart, Ginger Baker, The Artwoods, Muddy Waters, Savoy Brown, Otis Spann, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, Larry Williams, Graham Bond, Ten Years After, Stan Webb, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, Champion Jack Dupree, Christine McVie, Mick Taylor, Eddie Boyd, Dr.Feelgood, Freddie King, Climax Blues Band, Roger Chapman, Cleo Laine, Jimmy Witherspoon, Level 42, Roachford, Sherman Robertson, The Hoax, Oli Brown, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Bo Diddley all have in common?
Answer: at one time or another, they have all been involved in the making of records that have been produced by Mike Vernon.
Mike is best known as the founder of the Blues record label Blue Horizon. Maybe not quite so well-known is that his ‘other’ job is that of vocalist. As part of his 2020 tour, Mike and his outfit, The Mighty Combo bring their own brand of tough, energising and tuneful R&B to the Malt Shovel Tavern.
The Mighty Combo features Kid Carlos; an outstanding young guitar player from Spain; Ian Jennings (upright bass), Matt Little (keyboards), Paul Tasker (saxophone) and Mike Hellier (drums).
Full-on 100% good-time music guaranteed.
Originally formed in 1986, by Val Cowell (lead vocals & rhythm guitar), and Richard Hayes (lead & slide Guitar), Bad Influence has seen many line ups in the years since. Whilst Val and Richard have been the consistent driving force, the rhythm section has seen some changes. Ever since the beginning the band has toured constantly, playing a wide variety of venues, including the now legendary Marquee Club (both Wardour St and Charing Cross Rd) on a great many occasions.
Three decades of touring and recording have honed Simon Honey Boy Hickling’s individual blistering harp technique and vocal style to earn him an international reputation as a virtuoso player. He is truly a great front man, singer and harp player, and also a fine songwriter of catchy quirky roots tunes. Past credits include three years of touring and recording with Steve Marriott, sharing lead vocals and playing the harp. Recording with Bo Diddley and playing and recording as a member of Anthony Thistlethwaite’s (ex Waterboys) ‘Blue Stars’ – a band featuring Mick Taylor and the ‘Kick Horns’. He has also toured as a member of ‘Nine Below Zero’ all over Europe.
On the first and third Thursday every month. Entry fee – £1 per team member. £50 bar tab for the winners.
Rag Mama Rag, one of Europe’s finest country blues acts, returns to The Malt Shovel Tavern with their wide range of instruments and hard-driving, rhythmic sound inspired by the blues of the 1920s and ’30s.