-----Original Message-----
From: Bottleneck Blues [mailto:john_at_bottleneckblues_dot_com]
Sent: 03 March 2007 10:16
Subject: Tues 27th March
Importance: High

What a truly magnificent gig last Tues, great to see so many new faces......Eugene demonstrated in no uncertain terms what a superb performer he is....wonderful singing, superb playing, what more could we ask for? I feel a great sense of privilege when I'm in the presence of artists of this calibre....& not a hint of the "Prima Donna" either....a few could take a lesson here!!

I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.....sorry if you didn't get a seat (sorry to Dee Roberts #1 & #2 also for the confusion!) but if you were there you could see we were rammed ~ but for the 28 no-shows it would have been an all time record....however we still had nearly 130 in the room so thanks for your support. With turnouts like this is gives me confidence to continue booking the better quality acts that The Bottleneck has become famous for, it's always a risk & I try to pay all the artists at least what they ask for....I can only do that with your continued support so good on yer!

Well, another cracker with a completely differ feel....two acts....from New York The Groanbox Boys an intriguing duo who play early country blues, mountain music & Americana on a variety of instruments including "Shackles" whatever that might be. Check out their site www.groanboxboys.com for some interesting sound-bites & history. Much of what I've heard reminded me of the 60's Folkways compilations....great stuff.

I saw this line-up last year & was very impressed with the musicianship.....a rock solid rhythm section & exceptional playing from Richard....beautifully fluid guitaring but also great mandolin too. There's some real history here, Jim Leverton (Bass) recorded with Bob Marley on the Fire album, was a session man with Atlantic Records & recorded with The Walker Bros & Joe Brown as well as touring with Steve Marriot for 15yrs. Richard's pedigree is too long to list fully but he's recorded with Hubert Sumlin, Carrie Bell, Eric Bibb plus Geoff Achison & Ben Andrews ~ expect classic Chicago & Texas blues & some old-time R&B from the likes of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, T-Bone Walker, Freddy King & much more.

Please note...to try to be fair to everyone, in future, unless I'm told of late arrival I will only keep tables until 8:45pm. This will enable me to offer those without a seat somewhere to put their bums! If you expect to be late please just text me on 07702 554989 & I'll happily keep your reservation. The alternative, to prevent me turning people away in the belief that all tables were gone, as I did last Tues , is a scrum for what tables & seats are available & I don't think any of us want that....hope you understand.