The Bletchingley Blues

The Blues is a musical form and genre, originating in the Deep South of the United States around the mid 19th century, which has since influenced much of contemporary music permeating almost every style of modern western music.

Its evolution from the field hollers, chants and spirituals of its roots has brought many different Blues styles from Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, Boogie Woogie, Country Blues, Jump Blues. New Orleans and Memphis styles to what might be called British Blues popularised in the 1960s. These can all be heard in much of the popular music we still listen to today.

Bletchfest’s Blues Night celebrates the role Blues plays in contemporary music with a performance by local Blues aficionados The British Bluescasting Corporation playing toe-tapping, feel-good, Rhythm & Blues bringing their own unique style to classic blues tracks and original songs.

Bob Cranham, who has performed with many of music’s icons, is on guitar and vocals. Bob is also a successful producer producing over 50 albums for artists from all genres. Dave Williamson plays bass and vocals and over the years has worked with a veritable ‘Who’s Who’ of rock, pop and soul bands and artists. Also on guitar and vocals is Ben Keen with former Bletchingley resident Barry Cook, who has toured with rhythm and blues royalty such as The Drifters, Supremes, Ben E King, Marv Johnson and Martha Reeves, on drums.  

Supporting The British Bluescasting Corporation are Breakthru’ whose repertoire will showcase the influence of the blues on popular music over the decades.

Just as the Blues has many parents, from European folk music, as well as traditional African music and old spirituals and songs sung by slaves, so it also has many children. Not only in its varied forms of the blues itself but in its influences in Rock, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Rhythm and Blues.

Bletchfest is an initiative of Grange Meadow CIC, a not for profit community interest company raising funds for local community projects.

Bletchfest’s Blues Night at Bletchingley Village Hall on Saturday November 18th will explore those musical influences and the role blues has had in shaping its modern forms. Blues are the roots and music the fruits.

Doors open at 7pm with a licensed bar serving a variety of drinks and hot dogs for those in need of nourishment.

Tickets for the event at Bletchingley Village Hall are limited by capacity so in order to guarantee your place it will be important to book early to avoid disappointment. Note that those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Links to the ticket box office can be found on our website at
www.bletchfest.org.