2014 Harvest Blues Trail
Monaghan Rhythm and Blues Festival 2014
Hosted by 6 of the Best Hostileries (or Pubs to you & Me) in Monaghan Town
no cover charge at all to gain entry
Clara Rose – Ireland
Hailing all the way from County Monaghan, Clara Rose has been writing and performing her own brand of blues for 10 years. Following her critically acclaimed debut album “A Portfolio” (2010) and her successful collaborations with blues harmonica legend Don Baker, roots/blues artist Clara Rose has now released a new E.P “Queen of the Late Night Radio”, recorded live with her band. She is now ‘bringing it all back home’ with summer dates in Dublin (The Grand Social), The Limavady Blues Festival, 7 Hills Blues Festival (Armagh), The Electric Picnic AND of course, The Harvest Time Blues in her home county! Her full band sound is powerful, sassy & soulful and promises a live experience not to be missed!
Clara Roses’ Facebook page and Website
The Monaghan Blues Jam – Ireland
The Creative Force Of Dez and his Gang who keep the flame of the Blues Going how’s it all going throughout the year. The Group that holds the Jam together have been working on this project for over 10 years now” We’ve had a lot of fun over the last 10 years, but as someone once said ‘the times are a changing’ so we’ll have to see what the future brings. To date musicians from all over Ireland, England, America & Europe have performed at our little Jam, so a BiG “Thank You” to all the Jammers, Audience & McKenna’s Brewery Bar for your support. We will
The Monaghan Blues Jams’ Facebook page
Crow Black Chicken – Ireland
Our Very good Friends and one of the Best Blues Rock Bands on the scene are back with us having journeyed through the Austrian Alps to get here. They have embarked on a gruelling tour with their New Album “ Rumble Shake”
Since forming in 2009, Crow Black Chicken have earned back-pats aplenty for their dirty southern blues sound. This power trio of Christy O Hanlon (Vocals, Guitar), Stephen McGrath (Bass) and Gev Barrett (Drums, backing vocals) combine elements of folk and hard rock with the blues rock of bands like Gov’t mule, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin to create their greasy no bullshit blues rock sound. 2014 sees the band release their second album “Rumble Shake”. Recorded in Dublin’s famous Westland studios (Bob Dylan, Horslips, Thin Lizzy,), mixed by George Reiff (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ray Wylie Hubbard) and featuring guest appearances from some of Irelands best blues musicians including Texas music legend Ray Wylie Hubbard.
Crow Black Chickens’ Facebook page
The Hardchargers – Ireland
“Dirty Blues from Belfast”… Taking Blues/Roots/Rock into exciting mercenary territory from aggressive washboard/resonator driven Roots Music, to provocative raunchy roadhouse style Blues rock. The HardChargers have performed across the island of Ireland since 2009, performing at a stellar list of music & arts festivals, opening for US artists Bob Log III and Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and Austrailia’s The Beards. A recent Belfast gig prompted the legendary Terri Hooley to describe them as “My kind of fecking band”
“This energetic trio happily gnaw at the roots of delta blues, showing no inhibition.The band provide a punishing sound. Described in their Irish homeland as ‘Dirty Blues from Belfast’ And who are we to argue! The band build a bridge between Delta-influenced acoustic blues and extremely tight rock guitar grooves, using Dobro, washboard and heavy guitar grooves create a unique picture.”
The Hardchargers’ Website and Facebook page
The Rockets – Ireland)
The Rockets are a 5 piece band from Dublin with a love of all things Beatles, and in particular 1950’s Rock N Roll and Rockabilly.
If you love Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Elvis and the rest, and in particular if you love your Rock N Roll faster than a Formula One car, and louder than a 747 coming into land, then dont miss the Rockets live on stage
The Rockets’ website and Facebook page
The Revolutionaires – England
Scorching a trail across the live music venues of the land is this sizzlin’ hot 1950’s R&B combo…The Revolutionaires!
Established within the ‘hotbed’ of the North East music scene in the UK, they power out jumpin’ hot rhythm & blues in their own indomitable hard hitting style.
Primarily, they are influenced by 1940’s and 1950’s R&B. In particular, Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Roy Brown, but have adopted a harder and more aggressive approach, synonymous with modern blues artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Mike Henderson which helps create their own high energy sound.
Over the last decade The Revolutionaires have established themselves on the UK and European Rockin’ circuit, as well as the Blues scene.
They have toured extensively both home and abroad
The Ronnie Greer Band – Ireland
One of the justifiable legends of the Northern Ireland music scene, Ronnie Greer is also one of its favourite performers. A superb blues and jazz guitarist, his fingers have added passion and fire to some of the greatest blues bands in the country, including for a time the legendary Jim Daly Blues Band and a host of others.
Ronnie never fails to wring the last drop of emotion out of a solo, while still keeping the toes tapping. As a sideman and frontman, Ronnie has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business – including the likes of Dr. John, Lowell Fulson, Phil Guy, Johnny Mars and many more.
Ronnie has been, I confidently assert,the greatest blues guitarist in Ireland,since the 70′s,when he made his name playing in the legendary Jim Daly Blues Band, who often backed the likes of Dr John and Lowell Fulson. So why on earth did he wait until he was sixty-two before recording his studio album A Lifetime […] R2 RocknReel Magazine
Ronnie Greer – Vocals and Guitar. Alan Hunter – Bass and Vocals. Colm Fitzpatrick – Drums.Anthony Toner – Vocals and Guitar.
Ronnie Greer website
The Juke Joints – The Netherlands
This Dutch Blues Rock sensation are known for the full-power gigs, with an exciting mix of rockabilly, rock&roll, Blues & zydeco , They
shared stages with the best that blues has to offer , Kim Wilson Band, Buddy Guy, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, The Paladins, Walter Trout, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers,
The Nighthawks, Jim Shuler, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, George Thorogood , Roomful of Blues, Eddy ‘The Chief’ Clearwater, Joe Bonamassa , Johnny Winter……..
After 26 years, 11 albums and an unimaginable number of blistering shows, the Juke Joints, masters of rock rollin’ blues, have succeeded in stretching their limits with undoubtedly their best and most diverse album so far. A highly diverse album it has become indeed, which is to be released worldwide and which should win The Juke Joints global recognition as one of the most energetic rock rollin’ blues bands around.
The Juke Joints’ Facebook page
TrickBag – Sweden
Trickbag are regarded one of The top European Acts on the Blues scene and is known for being one of the best back-up bands in the business touring with Blues artists such as: James Harman, Kid Ramos, John Németh, Barrelhouse Chuck, Gene Taylor, West Weston etc…
For over 17 years now TRICKBAG has amazed audiences all over Scandinavia, Europe & the US with their Energetic, Explosive Live shows and 5 full-length CDs all containing original songs…
The band has backed numerous Blues artists when touring in Europe, such as: JAMES HARMAN (US), KID RAMOS (US), LYNWOOD SLIM, (US) JOHN NÉMETH (US), BARRELHOUSE CHUCK (US), GENE TAYLOR (US), RJ MISCHO (US), WEST WESTON (UK), “LITTLE GEORGE” SUEREF (UK), EGIDIO “JUKE” INGALA (ITA), KURT CRANDALL (US), etc.
Trickbag has also shared stages with stars like: Kim Wilson, James Harman, Kid Ramos, Junior Watson, John Németh, RJ Mischo, Jackie Payne, Barrelhouse Chuck, West Weston, Gene Taylor, Sven Zetterberg, Rick Holmstrom, Kirk Fletcher, Earl Thomas, Little George Sueref, John Primer, Bob Corritore, etc etc…
TrickBags’ facebook page
Leo Bud Welch remembers well the day his cousin’s guitar came in the mail. Welch and another, a younger cousin brought the package to their house on a long walk up from the mailbox and were forbidden to play with it while the older cousin was away. But they could not resist and when the guitar’s owner found them with it, he was so impressed with their playing that he gave them free use of the instrument. So began Welch’s self-education with the guitar.
Lil Jimmy Reed has done opening acts and performed with well-known artists such as, (USA) – Bobby Blue Bland, Ike Turner, Little Milton, Marvin Sease, Shirley Murdock, Clarence Carter, Rafel Neal and Family, Lyn White, Tabby Thomas, The Love Doctor, Billy Soul Bonds, Willie Clayton; (UK) – Otis Grand (2006); (Iceland) – Andrea of Bluesman; (Denmark)- Troels Jenson to HpLange; (Sweden) – Sven Zetterberg Bluesband, Harry Banks Buzzers, Paul & The Blue Delivery (Finland) – Pepe Ahqvist and many more would be a much-appreciated reality.
A superb guitarist with a style all of his own, holding his audience in spellbound attention as only the best artists can do. Doug MacLeod’s message is essentially an optimistic one, as shown for example by the feel-good Coming Your Brand New Day, Brand New Eyes. The optimism, however, is balanced in the repertoire by acknowledgement of the less desirable aspects of life and people, and there’s a depth to what he does.
een playing together for twenty-five years, twin-frontman lineup is unparalleled on the blues scene, with Joe’s flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois’ cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals. Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other, making for a powerful and irresistible combination.Smokin’ Joe Kubek Featuring Bnois King 
FRIDAY 5th September
James “Super Chikan” Johnson is an American blues musician, based in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He is the nephew of fellow blues musician Big Jack Johnson. in 1997 he released his debut album, Blues Come Home to Roost, influenced by such musicians as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Chuck Berry. He went on to release What You See (2000), Shoot That Thang (2001), Chikan Supe (2005), and Sum Mo Chikan (2007).
What a powerhouse of soul and inspiration mixed with desire and passion. She will take you to the most inner depths of your soul that other artists wish they could do with their music. She sets the standards for modern blues and country female vocals. An artist that is true to her music and not afraid of the hard work and commitment it all involves. She is the real deal with a live show that is still as dynamic as ever and her band are a treat not be missed. 2014 alone has seen Grainne play at many of Europe’s leading festivals including Blue Balls Festival, Lucerne, Switzerland, Notodden, Norway, Linton Festival in the U.K., Aosta Festival, Italy and later this year will see Grainne and her band grace the stage in Germany, Svalbard, Holland and beyond.
Formed in Chicago back in 1998, The Steepwater Band’s signature sound is a nod to early British blues, combined with a modern, raw and gutsy musical approach. Founding members Massey, Bowers and Winters have a synergy that comes from years of playing together. Then in early 2012, the long-time trio was joined by Saylors, from Indianapolis, IN, who brought an added depth to the TSB LIVE sound. Although the band got their start as devotees of delta blues, they have since been expanding on their influences, absorbing everything from Psychedelia to Americana, from Jazz to 50’s Rock n’ Roll Music. The Steepwater Band’s latest album “LIVE & HUMBLE” was recorded in Chicago on 4/20/13 at the now defunct Ace Bar on West Fullerton Avenue. Jeff Massey (Vocal, Guitar), Tod Bowers (Bass), Joseph Winters (Drums) and Eric Saylors (Guitar, Backing Vocal) played over 200 shows together on the High & Humble Tour leading up to the night of this amazing show, and is the first TSB recording to feature this newly adorned 4-piece lineup. Critics and fans agree, LIVE & HUMBLE captures TSB’s kinetic energy, and their own brand of Rock n’ Roll improvisation. The record contains over 75 minutes of music, featuring tracks spanning from their previous studio LPs, “Revelation Sunday (2006)”, “Grace and Melody (2008)”, and “Clava (2011), along with a 16 minute version of John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom” that rips right into Zeppelin’s “How Many More Times” and back again, leaving the listener only wanting more. It is their humble devotion to music, and a commitment to achieving their goals without compromising the integrity of their musical vision that makes The Steepwater Band a rare find.
Mud Morganfield eldest son of the undisputed king of the Blues Muddy Waters has been delivering his charismatic Chicago blues to audiences around the world. Stunned audiences have noted that he looks and sounds strikingly like his old man, so much so the one of his dad’s former sidemen said “It’s like watching a ghost in the flesh!” Mud, however also has his own very individual mojo working he is blessed with a big and powerful voice that manages to convey deep emotional resonance and good old fashioned testosterone laden strut on those classic shuffles, He’s also blessed with a natural sense of showmanship. He mixes up the sets with his dad’s classic songs and his own original material. As Mud puts it “I started to sing to show the world that dad left me here.. I’m not Muddy Waters and I’m certainly not trying to be him, when I’m up on stage I always feel pops is there with me. He has shared the stage and gained the respect of many of his Dad’s ex sidemen, Buddy Guy, Kenny Big Eyes Smith, Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, Pinetop Perkins, Jimmie Johnson, Mojo Buford, to name but a few. Micky Moody (Whitesnake) guitar,Ian Jennings Double Bass,Mike Hellier drums,Giles King Harp, Jools Grudgings Piano some of the best Chicago blues I’ve heard in years. Son of a Seventh Son to any lover of the blues. Muddy would not be disappointed in how his legacy is being carried on.” “The resemblance between Mud and his famous father is uncanny, and he’s got the phrasing and delivery down pat . . . this is a fine effort that definitely adds to the Morganfield musical legacy.”
JW-Jones is a Canadian blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, and band leader Constantly on the road, Jones delivers a world-class performance with great tunes and cool arrangements. His shows are high-energy crowd pleasers. Pushing boundaries by creating songs and layering swinging blues, all the while keeping it retro
Lil Jimmy Reed has done opening acts and performed with well-known artists such as, (USA) – Bobby Blue Bland, Ike Turner, Little Milton, Marvin Sease, Shirley Murdock, Clarence Carter, Rafel Neal and Family, Lyn White, Tabby Thomas, The Love Doctor, Billy Soul Bonds, Willie Clayton; (UK) – Otis Grand (2006); (Iceland) – Andrea og Bluesman; (Denmark)- Troels Jenson to HpLange; (Sweden) – Sven Zetterberg Bluesband, Harry Banks Buzzers, Paul & The Blue Delivery (Finland) – Pepe Ahqvist and many more would be a much-appreciated reality.
Best known for his blues and slide guitar style, whose influences include Elmore James, Robert Nighthawk, B.B. King, Alvino Rey, Les Paul, Mohan Bhatt, George Harrison and Keith Richards.
Allman family & Neville Family join forces. These aren’t just families, they’re gods, and with a lineup comprising both the iconic Cyril Neville and Devon Allman, The Royal Southern Brotherhood come pre-loaded with expectations. Don’t worry: they can match them. The family tree might be auspicious, but this new band trades on talent, not genealogy. It’s not about rock history: it’s about the here-and-now. The soul of the south. Amplified soul for the new generation