BluesAngels and the Mark n the Blues Trio will fly the flag on April Fools Day for the real old time acoustic blues.
The trio is Mark Bishop on guitars, Eric K Betts on blues harps and David Rowlands on washboard, possibly the hardest working blues players in Sydney.
“Barely a week goes by we don’t see their banner fly at one or another of the latest inner city bars, or out west to Windsor and Katoomba, either solo, duo, or occasionally trio,” said Tom Flood from BluesAngels.
“Mark is a veteran of the city music scene and anchorman of Mark n the Blues, perfecting his picking style with John Morris of Blues Preachers.
“His song playlist is a rich history of pre- and post-war blues with a few later maestros thrown in.
“Canadian Eric is among the best vampers in Sydney, particularly when it comes to trad blues.
“A Japanese translator and former financial analyst, he learned his later chops from Jim Conway, started performing with the Investment Buskers six years ago, and Mark n the Blues soon after.
“Session drummer-percussionist David Rowlands came to fame in the 60s with hit band, The Unknown Blues.
“Reformed in 2011, they played Byron Bluesfest and Dave got back into music after a long hiatus and a car accident.
“While jazz fusion is his preference, he likes to create rhythms for all kinds of situations.
“He joined Mark and Eric last year with his washboard.
“BluesAngels, local champions of acoustic blues on the Coast, will be very pleased to finally get these three to Hotel Gosford.
“They first met about two years ago at Hotel Blue in Katoomba and Tom tapped a few numbers washboarding with Mark and then harmonicist, Joe Berenguel, downstairs prior to a BluesAngels gig, and they met briefly again at The Tav Blues Party last year.
“You can be certain this will be among the best nights of acoustic blues seen on the Coast with Mark n the Blues’ authentic sound and BluesAngels’ wide ranging blues and dues stylists.
“The delicious bistro will be cooking until 8:30pm, coffee and cake at the bar until late.
“Ditch the rain, ditch the heat, ditch the mozzies and catch a unique night of acoustic blues and dues, 1st Saturdays Hotel Gosford, April 1 from 7:00pm”, Mr Flood said.
Entry is free.
Media release,
Mar 20, 2017
Tom Flood, BluesAngels