Lees Blues

Oliver Darling has built a solid reputation as a stylish guitarist of note through working with many musicians such as Mike Sanchez, Tanita Tikaram, Buena Vista Social Club members, a regular with Geraint Watkins, and been a touring member of Imelda May’s band since 2015. Simultaneously Darling has been performing solo acoustic shows, plus more as a Trio with Rollo Markee (The Tailshakers) on harmonica and drummer Rob Pokorny (Billy Branch, James Hunter, Si Cranstoun). Proving what a fine vocalist Darling is as well the Trioperformsetsofclassicdeltablues,upbeatfingerpickingfolkbluesandtheirsuccessorsrockabillyandrock‘n’roll. Allthat experience was poured into eleven new recordings creating a debut solo album, LEE’S BLUES, eight of which are self-penned. Darling : “ ‘Anne’ and ‘Lee's Blues’ are clearly Big Bill Broonzy inspired, then the others are really influenced by some of my other heroes Charles Brown and Johnny Moore (‘Champagne and Caviar’), Bo Didley (‘Honey Bee’), Muddy Waters (‘Got Love’), and Robert Johnson (‘Don’t Think That I’m Crazy’).”Album was co-produced by Marco Cinelli (The Cinelli Brothers). All tracks were bounced via analogue tape giving the album a genuine warmth. What results is a set of vintage styled songs with a strong contemporary energy and sonic aura. As Davy Graham was once labelled ‘folk blues and beyond’ indeed. Guests on LEE’S BLUES are: Dean Beresford (Richard Hawley, Charles Brown), Al Gare (King Biscuit & The Pleasure Boys, Imelda May), Bob Loveday (Van Morrison), Joe Glossop (Tom Jones, James Hunter). Reviews in Blues In Britain, Blues Matters, Rock & Reel, Record Collector. IBBA radio chart, Jazz FM interview, BBC Local radio sessions. Standout tracks ‘Honey Bee’ and ‘Lee’s Blues have been curated on multiple digital playlists.