Blues At Northampton University England

I found an interesting press release about the University of Northampton's blues week. From August 5th through the 10th. I like the idea of an University having a blues week, or concert series. It is great for the music. For More Information Click HERE. The players who will perform next week from PressZoom.com

• Michael Baytop - 'Bones'

Hailing from Washington DC, Michael plays the 'bones' as a percussion instrument to sound like castanets and tap drums. He will be giving a 'bones' workshop, demonstrating rhythm techniques associated with various blues styles. He learned this instrument from Richard 'Mr Bones' Thomas, a master craftsman and regular fixture on the Washington DC music scene.

• Danny McCormack - Keyboards

Danny will be accompanying vocals classes on keyboards throughout Blues Week 2007. Currently playing with Roy Wood, Danny was born in London and now based in Birmingham. He started playing piano aged 12 and at 17, he joined King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys. He has also played with Van Morrison and Bobby Parker amongst others.

• Stefan Grossman - Guitar

Stefan has recorded over 20 solo albums and started Kicking Mule Records in 1968, a label that showcased blues guitar. A true pioneer, his Stefan Grossman's Guitar Workshop and Vestapol Videos have set the standard for all of the teaching that takes place in blues workshops throughout the world.

• Ari Eisinger - Guitar

A guitarist and singer who plays blues from the early years of its development. The authenticity with which he recreates some of the best and instrumentally complex guitar music is unprecedented.

• Grant Dermody - Harmonica

A harmonica player known for his rich tone, tasteful solos and solid rhythmic playing, Grant Dermody is making a welcome return to Blues Week 2007 after his successful workshops last year.

• Dennis Gruenling - Harmonica

Dennis has been laying down some of the best blues and roots harmonica in the East Coast of America region for over a dozen years now. Dennis has been pulling in countless fans and numerous accolades from critics and musicians for his swinging, highly original harmonica sound and top-notch band.

• Michael Messer - Bottleneck Slide Guitar

Michael Messer is a slide guitar master. His obsessive appetite for knowledge of the art is virtually unequalled. To further reflect the esteem in which he is held, Newtone Strings in conjunction with National Reso-phonic Guitars have a Michael Messer brand specifically made for National guitars.

• Scott Ainsley - Bottleneck Slide Guitar

Scott has forty years studying and playing traditional music, visiting and documenting senior musicians in America's old-time banjo and fiddle music, blues and gospel traditions. He produced a teaching DVD on the guitar techniques of delta blues legend Robert Johnson, and a book on Johnson's music 'Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads' ( Hal Leonard, 1992 ).

Michael Roach, Founder of the European Blues Association and Director of Blues Week 2007, also hosts his own guitar and vocals masterclasses at the event. Firmly established within blues music circles, he has four solo acoustic CDs under his belt and has just released the highly acclaimed album I betcha!.

He is now known as a vocalist and leader of his own eight piece soul/rhythm and blues band.