GARETH PEARSON – A brilliant young acoustic guitarist and composer from Cwmbran. Gareth has performed at festivals and concerts worldwide. His influences include Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, also Tommy Emmanuel who personally invited Gareth to the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society in Nashville. Gareth has a formidable string of Concerts and guitar festivals behind him, including the Montreal Jazz festival. www.garethpearson.com
TIPITINA – Playing and singing the music of New Orleans are Justin Randall, Debbie Jones and Gary Barber. To borrow from Hoagy Carmichael’s handy list of life-enhancing ingredients they play “swing, boogie-woogie and jive” not forgetting blues and gospel. The name Tipitina comes from the title of a piece by the late Professor Longhair and it is from him and his students – Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and Dr John that they draw their inspiration. They recently appeared on The Paul Jones Blues show on BBC Radio 2 where songs from their new album ‘I Wish I Was in New Orleans’ were played. www.myspace.com/tipitinaartist
THE NUMBERS RACKET – An exciting six piece jump jive/swing band who play a little bit of blues too. Band members include, Maurice on vocals, Jason on trumpet, Dominic on saxophone, Nino on drums, Johnny on guitar and JJ on bass. Bring your dancing shoes for this one and get ready to jive! www.thenumbersracket.com/
THE HUMMINGBIRDS BLUES BAND - First class rhythm and blues band from Sheffield. Bob “Saxbob” Swift on tenor and Soprano sax, Stu “Steelman” Arfield - blues axeman, John “the Revelator” Houghton on bass and vocals and John Scott on drums. High-energy, up-beat blues to dance your socks off to! www.hummingbirdsbluesband.co.uk
ALBINO FROGS - The Frogs don't like to pigeonhole themselves, although some try, and names like Steely Dan, The Blockheads, Level 42 and Little Feet crop up. This totally original five piece band has a sound and feel all of its own, when you listen to them there will not be a single cover heard. “They will soon have your foot tapping to funky grooves and instantly hummerble hooks” ~ Sound On Sound Magazine. www.myspace.com/albinofrogs
SANDRA GRANT - A brilliant saxophonist, flautist and vocalist from North London. From the smooth and sweet flute performance to the growlin’ tenor sax, she will knock your socks off right from the start. She effortlessly covers any style of music; Jazz, Latin, Blues, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Calypso, Rock, Pop Asian, Irish, Gospel, Classical... Her new album is called "She'll Blow Your Mind...with Jazz in Blues!"… we think she will! www.myspace.com/sandragrant
CLAUDIA AND THE BELIEVERS – Icelandic Claudia Gunnars played at Aberjazz festival last year backed by the Believers and was very well received. Claudia leads the band and performs jazz-rock and blues numbers in her own inimical style. The Believers consist of Yanni on lead guitar, Robbie on blues harp, Nick on bass guitar and Tom on drums. They cover a large range of music from cool, slick jazz and blues to the kind of music to really make you shake your tail feathers!
HOOCHIE COOCHIE BAND - Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates talent and enjoys good blues/rock music. As well as some self-penned compositions they play timeless classics such as St James’ Infirmary, Stormy Monday and of course Hoochie Coochie Man. Mojo Morgan’s blues influences include Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith and Muddy Waters and all of the 60s blues from the UK such as Alexis Corner and John Mayall. Mojo himself says, “The Hoochie Coochie Band is all about having fun with the music and the audience.” They always manage to provide excellent entertainment and leave their audiences crying out for more. www.myspace.com/mojomorgan39shoochiecoochieband
LAST CHANCE SALOON - This band play a smooth, funky style of country rock/rhythm & blues, blended with cool, soulful grooves. They play a mixture of original songs, along with some classic tunes covering a whole range of styles. Some of the artists they cover are: Little Feat, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, The Band, The Beatles, Steely Dan, Rikki Lee Jones, Taj Mahal, Ket Mo, Eric Bibb, Ben Harper, Elmore James, Ry Cooder, Charles E. Calhoun, Steve Earle, Junior Wells, Albert King, Louis Jordan, George Gershwin and JJ Cale.
TED CROOK’S BLUES HIGHWAY – Driving blues from this Swansea based blues band. The line up features Ted Crook himself on vocals and harmonica, Gordon Jones (Doc) on drums, Mark Phillips (Tiny) on lead guitar and either J J Scrivner or Mike Bollam on bass. An authentic blues band with a little bit of jump jive and swing thrown in. Influences include Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds and also Rod Piazza. www.myspace.com/tedcrookandtheblueshighway
WILL KILLEEN – One of the most underrated Blues slide guitarists around, backed only by harmonica and gravelly voice! Will plays a mixture of original and traditional acoustic blues. His unique blues guitar style shows influences from a mixture of country, Celtic, eastern and rock music. Described as ‘Ireland’s finest acoustic blues export since the late, great Rory Gallagher’. Equally dazzling as a finger picker or as a slide guitarist.
THE DANIEL CURTIS TRIO - Dan Curtis is a brilliant Jazz and Blues singer who has performed at venues including the Wales Millennium Centre, Café Jazz, Swansea Jazzland, Hard Rock Café Cardiff, The Jazz Lounge London, plus venues in New York City. With Dan Phelps (Piano) and Dan Evans (Trumpet), the trio recently performed a two-hour concert at the prestigious BAFTA awards, playing some original songs along side Jazz and Blues classics including standards from the Great American Songbook. www.danielcurtismusic.com/
PHIL KING – A return to Fishguard for this supremely talented Bristol based singer/songwriter who delights his audiences with his jazz-infused soul music. Phil’s solo debut album ‘Leaves’ has received fantastic press. He has performed all over the UK including Glastonbury, Guilfest and Cheltenham Jazz Festival and has shared a stage with many great artists including Beth Rowley and Alice Russell. Phil will be accompanied by Dave Johnston on bass and vocals. www.phil-king.net/
HIDEAWAY TRIO – Featuring lead guitarist Gareth Price (formerly of Tyler Brown Blues Band), Dai Codd on bass and Alan Rowland on Drums. A Pembrokeshire based blues/rock band, inspired by great blues heroes such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Their mission is to bring people the best in blues, rock, full tilt boogie and surf guitar. www.myspace.com/hideawaytriowales
CALL ME ALBERT – Driving blues from Merthyr. They played here last Christmas and went down a storm! The band has a mix of musical tastes and influences from the progressive rock loving drummer, through to the hard rock guitarist, the blues influenced singer / harp / old tin can player...to the bassist; a sort of throwback to the seventies blues / rock / west coast etc. Since recording their CD ‘Keep Harping on...(Almost Live!)’ Albert has received a lot of coverage and airplay on numerous blues radio stations all around the world. A band worth watching! www.myspace.com/callmealbert
COTTONMOUTH - Pembrokeshire’s own rock and blues sensation formed in 1997. Regular gigging has brought critical acclaim and a hardcore fan base. There have been a few line-up changes along the way, with a major reshuffle in 2008, but front man Brian Rowe just keeps rolling along. With the addition of a keyboard player, this exciting five piece band have added Southern Blues Boogie and Rock to their set and ‘the feel-good factor’ and sense of fun they create is as fresh as ever.
THE FREEWHEELERS – An excellent local jazz band, many of them ex-professional musicians. They have played at Brecon Jazz and Jazz in the Park Pontypool many times. They are fronted by Dennis Wheeler on baritone sax and vocals, Jeff Salter plays tenor sax, Steve Metcalf plays electric guitar, Clive Richards plays fretless bass guitar and Graham New on drums. They have been together for around nine years. They play mostly mainstream jazz and specifically they “play damn good tunes!”.
In the Fabric – In The Fabric are a contemporary jazz group from Cardiff, greatly influenced by the ECM label and folk traditions from across the world. Recently formed, they came together through a few function gigs eventually culminating in a very successful tour to China. Dan Messore (Guitars), Joe Northwood (Saxes), Aidan Thorne (Double Bass) and Ollie Howell (Drums) came together and shared their views and ideas that resulted in the emergence of this very energetic, organic sounding music.
THE TUDOR RHYTHM KINGS – Tudor Thomas (trombone and vocals) has led traditional jazz bands in the Midlands, East Anglia, the West Country and West Wales over a 30-year period. He now plays mainly with the Swansea-based Speakeasy Jazz Band with Ian Jameson on clarinet and soprano sax, Eric Swift on trumpet, Peter Berry on string bass - the steady driving-force behind this interesting front line and George Sykes on Banjo. The Tudor Rhythm Kings perform a varied programme of foot-tapping Dixieland jazz with an interesting sprinkling of vocals. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of this popular, classic quintet.
GARETH PEARSON – A brilliant young acoustic guitarist and composer from Cwmbran. Gareth has performed at festivals and concerts worldwide. His influences include Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, also Tommy Emmanuel who personally invited Gareth to the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society in Nashville. Gareth has a formidable string of Concerts and guitar festivals behind him, including the Montreal Jazz festival. 
TIPITINA – Playing and singing the music of New Orleans are Justin Randall, Debbie Jones and Gary Barber. To borrow from Hoagy Carmichael’s handy list of life-enhancing ingredients they play “swing, boogie-woogie and jive” not forgetting blues and gospel. The name Tipitina comes from the title of a piece by the late Professor Longhair and it is from him and his students – Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and Dr John that they draw their inspiration. They recently appeared on The Paul Jones Blues show on BBC Radio 2 where songs from their new album ‘I Wish I Was in New Orleans’ were played. 
THE NUMBERS RACKET – An exciting six piece jump jive/swing band who play a little bit of blues too. Band members include, Maurice on vocals, Jason on trumpet, Dominic on saxophone, Nino on drums, Johnny on guitar and JJ on bass. Bring your dancing shoes for this one and get ready to jive! 
THE HUMMINGBIRDS BLUES BAND - First class rhythm and blues band from Sheffield. Bob “Saxbob” Swift on tenor and Soprano sax, Stu “Steelman” Arfield - blues axeman, John “the Revelator” Houghton on bass and vocals and John Scott on drums. High-energy, up-beat blues to dance your socks off to! 
ALBINO FROGS - The Frogs don't like to pigeonhole themselves, although some try, and names like Steely Dan, The Blockheads, Level 42 and Little Feet crop up. This totally original five piece band has a sound and feel all of its own, when you listen to them there will not be a single cover heard. “They will soon have your foot tapping to funky grooves and instantly hummerble hooks” ~ Sound On Sound Magazine. 
SANDRA GRANT - A brilliant saxophonist, flautist and vocalist from North London. From the smooth and sweet flute performance to the growlin’ tenor sax, she will knock your socks off right from the start. She effortlessly covers any style of music; Jazz, Latin, Blues, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Calypso, Rock, Pop Asian, Irish, Gospel, Classical... Her new album is called "She'll Blow Your Mind...with Jazz in Blues!"… we think she will!
HOOCHIE COOCHIE BAND - Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates talent and enjoys good blues/rock music. As well as some self-penned compositions they play timeless classics such as St James’ Infirmary, Stormy Monday and of course Hoochie Coochie Man. Mojo Morgan’s blues influences include Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith and Muddy Waters and all of the 60s blues from the UK such as Alexis Corner and John Mayall. Mojo himself says, “The Hoochie Coochie Band is all about having fun with the music and the audience.” They always manage to provide excellent entertainment and leave their audiences crying out for more. 
LAST CHANCE SALOON - This band play a smooth, funky style of country rock/rhythm & blues, blended with cool, soulful grooves. They play a mixture of original songs, along with some classic tunes covering a whole range of styles. Some of the artists they cover are: Little Feat, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, The Band, The Beatles, Steely Dan, Rikki Lee Jones, Taj Mahal, Ket Mo, Eric Bibb, Ben Harper, Elmore James, Ry Cooder, Charles E. Calhoun, Steve Earle, Junior Wells, Albert King, Louis Jordan, George Gershwin and JJ Cale. 
TED CROOK’S BLUES HIGHWAY – Driving blues from this Swansea based blues band. The line up features Ted Crook himself on vocals and harmonica, Gordon Jones (Doc) on drums, Mark Phillips (Tiny) on lead guitar and either J J Scrivner or Mike Bollam on bass. An authentic blues band with a little bit of jump jive and swing thrown in. Influences include Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds and also Rod Piazza. 
WILL KILLEEN – One of the most underrated Blues slide guitarists around, backed only by harmonica and gravelly voice! Will plays a mixture of original and traditional acoustic blues. His unique blues guitar style shows influences from a mixture of country, Celtic, eastern and rock music. Described as ‘Ireland’s finest acoustic blues export since the late, great Rory Gallagher’. Equally dazzling as a finger picker or as a slide guitarist.
THE DANIEL CURTIS TRIO - Dan Curtis is a brilliant Jazz and Blues singer who has performed at venues including the Wales Millennium Centre, Café Jazz, Swansea Jazzland, Hard Rock Café Cardiff, The Jazz Lounge London, plus venues in New York City. With Dan Phelps (Piano) and Dan Evans (Trumpet), the trio recently performed a two-hour concert at the prestigious BAFTA awards, playing some original songs along side Jazz and Blues classics including standards from the Great American Songbook. 
PHIL KING – A return to Fishguard for this supremely talented Bristol based singer/songwriter who delights his audiences with his jazz-infused soul music. Phil’s solo debut album ‘Leaves’ has received fantastic press. He has performed all over the UK including Glastonbury, Guilfest and Cheltenham Jazz Festival and has shared a stage with many great artists including Beth Rowley and Alice Russell. Phil will be accompanied by Dave Johnston on bass and vocals. 
HIDEAWAY TRIO – Featuring lead guitarist Gareth Price (formerly of Tyler Brown Blues Band), Dai Codd on bass and Alan Rowland on Drums. A Pembrokeshire based blues/rock band, inspired by great blues heroes such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Their mission is to bring people the best in blues, rock, full tilt boogie and surf guitar. 
CALL ME ALBERT – Driving blues from Merthyr. They played here last Christmas and went down a storm! The band has a mix of musical tastes and influences from the progressive rock loving drummer, through to the hard rock guitarist, the blues influenced singer / harp / old tin can player...to the bassist; a sort of throwback to the seventies blues / rock / west coast etc. Since recording their CD ‘Keep Harping on...(Almost Live!)’ Albert has received a lot of coverage and airplay on numerous blues radio stations all around the world. A band worth watching! 
COTTONMOUTH - Pembrokeshire’s own rock and blues sensation formed in 1997. Regular gigging has brought critical acclaim and a hardcore fan base. There have been a few line-up changes along the way, with a major reshuffle in 2008, but front man Brian Rowe just keeps rolling along. With the addition of a keyboard player, this exciting five piece band have added Southern Blues Boogie and Rock to their set and ‘the feel-good factor’ and sense of fun they create is as fresh as ever.
THE FREEWHEELERS – An excellent local jazz band, many of them ex-professional musicians. They have played at Brecon Jazz and Jazz in the Park Pontypool many times. They are fronted by Dennis Wheeler on baritone sax and vocals, Jeff Salter plays tenor sax, Steve Metcalf plays electric guitar, Clive Richards plays fretless bass guitar and Graham New on drums. They have been together for around nine years. They play mostly mainstream jazz and specifically they “play damn good tunes!”.
In the Fabric – In The Fabric are a contemporary jazz group from Cardiff, greatly influenced by the ECM label and folk traditions from across the world. Recently formed, they came together through a few function gigs eventually culminating in a very successful tour to China. Dan Messore (Guitars), Joe Northwood (Saxes), Aidan Thorne (Double Bass) and Ollie Howell (Drums) came together and shared their views and ideas that resulted in the emergence of this very energetic, organic sounding music.
THE TUDOR RHYTHM KINGS – Tudor Thomas (trombone and vocals) has led traditional jazz bands in the Midlands, East Anglia, the West Country and West Wales over a 30-year period. He now plays mainly with the Swansea-based Speakeasy Jazz Band with Ian Jameson on clarinet and soprano sax, Eric Swift on trumpet, Peter Berry on string bass - the steady driving-force behind this interesting front line and George Sykes on Banjo. The Tudor Rhythm Kings perform a varied programme of foot-tapping Dixieland jazz with an interesting sprinkling of vocals. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of this popular, classic quintet.