Blues times two

Another night of good rocking comes to the Robin.

There’s a double bill of two of the UK’s most highly-regarded blues guitarists coming to the Robin 2 on 30th August, with Ian Parker and Aynsley Lister touring together for the first time in ten years.

A songwriter genuinely literate, sometimes almost literary, Ian is an original craftsman. Expressed through a distinctive bitter-sweet vocal delivery, Ian’s songs hold nothing back. His ability and willingness to share with his audience, naked honesty and genuine emotion, is what sets him apart.

His career took off in the summer of 2003, when he signed to Ruf Records following a personal introduction to US record producer, David Z (Prince – Purple Rain). His debut album Inside was released in October of that year and in March 2004, Ian appeared on Germany’s top live music TV show, Rockpalast, establishing him as a mainstay on the European blues circuit.

In September 2005, Ian wrote and recorded five songs for a Ruf Records project album, Pilgrimage, recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee, and released in January 2006. The release of Pilgrimage extended Ian’s touring activities throughout Europe and importantly, into the USA.

By 2010, Ian had begun focusing his attention firmly on his song-writing, touring internationally as a solo acoustic performer – an artistic process which culminated in the release of his debut acoustic album, The Bare Bones and an appearance at The Royal Albert Hall opening for Italian superstar, Zucchero.

Now firmly back in his natural guise as a Strat-wielding bluesman, Ian returns to the Robin 2 on 30th August to launch his new rootsie blues album Politick Blues, bringing with him his full four-piece band which features his long-time collaborator Morg Morgan on keys, David Jenkins on bass and Chris Finn on drums. Ian and his band combine their latest material with many of the highlights from Ian’s career to date.

I that’s not enough, also appearing will be Aynsley Lister, an incredible guitarist whose brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing fueled with the kind of heart and soul that’s missing from so much modern music. Whether passionately writing and recording his own material or mesmerising audiences at his live shows, one thing is abundantly clear: music is hard-wired to his DNA and flows from his fingertips like sonic bolts of lightning.

With over 100,000 albums sold, lashings of critical acclaim and years of high profile touring, Lister’s resumé speaks for itself and firmly secures his position as a leading light in the resurgence of British blues-infused music. Aynsley’s latest release, Home, is out now on Straight Talkin’ Records.

Tickets are available from the reobin 2 box off ice on 01902-301211 or here