A new flavour to Thursday music - We have stunning acoustic and unplugged blues music here on the first Thursday of the month with Graham Bellinger, Mark Dennis and friends.

Graham, Mark and friends will bring you a selection of Blues in the style of that 1960s American country blues trio Koerner, Ray and Glover, this night gets its name from their classic first album "Blues, Rags & Hollers."  Like them we'll be approaching their traditional material with a mixture of reverence and fun!

There is no entry charge although there will be a raffle towards expenses for the chaps. Come and join us for an evening of first class entertainment.

Background

Graham Bellinger: Graham sings and plays folk-based music on guitars of every variety, mandolin, mandocello, harmonica, melodeon and banjo.

His repertoire ranges from American blues, ragtime and country music to British traditional songs and material by modern songwriters, including himself. Each and every song is presented with the warmth, humour and commitment it deserves so that all types of audiences can enjoy them.

His solo work now includes workshops for clubs and festivals on the history and performance of the  blues and Americana and on guitar styles and techniques. He also sings popular songs for residents and staff at hospices and residential homes.

Graham has had a weekly residency at Alexanders in Chester for the last twelve years and was resident soloist at Chester’s Raven folk club for many years. He is a regular and effective host and MC for concerts, open mic nights and clubs and is known for his supportive and good humoured style.

Graham has been performing at folk clubs and festivals for 35 years. He has performed in community events, socials and parties and on local radio. He has played more pub gigs than he cares to remember and has composed and performed music for dramatic productions. Apart from performing solo, Graham is also a seasoned band member; in the early 1970s he played in a trio in south west England with Geoff Cater and Phil Andrews, and recorded in Bristol with a young Andy Sheppard. He then moved to the Midlands, forming the topical song duo Behind the Times with Ian Hankinson. He was guitarist and singer for over 10 years with well known West Midlands folk group the Deacons, running and guesting at folk clubs and recording two LPs. In the 1990s he was in a duo with respected jazz bassist Tony Cave, formed the roots rock band Geronimo's Cadillac and worked as part of a popular and successful duo with Steve Goodchild, guesting at clubs and festivals in Britain and Europe. Graham and Steve produced a double CD - 'The Silkstone Sessions' Graham now performs with the acoustic rock and roll band Root Chords and the acoustic trio Deportees. He is also a member of traditional singer Roy Clinging’s Old Hat Band. This variety and range illustrates Graham's eclectic and open minded approach to repertoire and performance. Graham has also contributed to recordings by Bill Malkin, Roy Clinging, Angie Wright, Phil Bradley, Julie Wright, John Warburton, Terry 'The Bear' Burgin and Vocal Point.  Graham can be contacted through his web site here.

Mark Dennis: Mark's musical approach is diverse. Primarily known as a lead electric guitarist and songwriter for Wirral and Liverpool bands Out of Order, Fortress America, Afraid of Mice and Stun the Guards, his songs mixed an outright love of varied pop music with a solid grounding in progressive rock.

Marks playing and production style is very detailed and shows influences from Jeff Beck and William Orbit to Antonio Forcione, his solo guitar style has continued to express these influences but has added further elements, combining ethereal soundscapes, funk styling and fluid spiralling 'hammer-on' lead techniques on the acoustic guitar. Add to this his knowledge of delays and reverbs and the result is a truly intriguing sound.

Mark is currently involved in recording two projects, one with singer Iain Tucker at Wyre Bank Studio's, near Lancaster, and the other with Dave Sharp the former guitarist from The Alarm.  Mark's website is here.

Come and experience this highly innovative and inventive guitarist

''He's amazing - electronic, soul, folk music, traditional, blues and pop – all in one night's entertainment''
''Mark Dennis – he's a one man orchestra on the guitar''