finetune artist: The Blues Band

This vastly experienced British blues-rock outfit was put together - initially "just for fun' - in 1979 by former Manfred Mann band colleagues Paul Jones (b. Paul Pond, 24 February 1942, Portsmouth, England; vocals, harmonica) and Tom McGuinness (b. 2 December 1941, London, England; guitar). They brought in slide guitarist and singer Dave Kelly (b. 1948, London, England; ex-John Dummer Blues Band and Rocksalt), who suggested the bass player from his then-current band Wildcats, Gary Fletcher (b. London, England). On drums was McGuinness" hit-making partner from the early 70s, Hughie Flint (b. 15 March 1942, Manchester, England). Such a confluence of "name" players brought immediate success on the pub/club/college circuit and, despite the group's humble intentions, recordings followed. The Official Blues Band Bootleg Album was literally just that: inability to pay studio bills had forced them to press copies privately from a second copy tape. It sold extremely well, however, and Arista Records soon stepped in, releasing the master recording and issuing four further albums by 1983. The band split in 1982, but re-formed three years later after a one-off charity performance. Recent releases have placed far more emphasis on original material and augur well for the future. Ex-Family drummer Rob Townsend (b. 7 July 1947, Leicester, England) replaced Flint in 1981. The band regularly performed during the 90s, even though Jones and Kelly had substantial careers of their own. Jones has become one of the UK's leading blues/R&B broadcasters and Kelly has released a number of solo albums. The latest Blues Band venture is their version of the "Unplugged" phenomenon, recorded not for MTV, but at the famous Snape Maltings in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. The Blues Band has such a pedigree that even the most stubborn pro-American purist accepts them. Jones alone has made an immense contribution to promoting the blues and authentic R&B over four decades.

Listen to The Blues Band at Finetune.

(2002) Stepping Out

Bus To Nowhere
I Am The Blues
I'll Be Home Again Tonight
Half The Man [Twice The Fool]
Last Chance To Dance

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