http://www.blueguitars.co.uk/
Originally from Jarrow on Tyne but now living in Colne, Lancashire, Graham has been a blues devotee since he was 14 years of age. Originally inspired to learn the guitar, and drawn to the blues by the brilliant playing of Peter Green in his days with Fleetwood Mac. This initial inspiration led to a voyage of discovery into the magical world of the blues via B.B.King, Freddie King, Otis Rush, T-Bone Walker and then on to the earliest performers like Blind Lemon, Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Blake, Lonnie Johnson, Blind Boy Fuller and others.
In 1972 this interest was encouraged and enhanced when he went along to 'The Honeysuckle Blues Club' on Coatsworth Road, Gateshead. This was the only club of it's kind on Tyneside featuring entirely acoustic blues music. It was run by Jim Murray, Ray Stubbs, and Ronnie Johnson with their partners. Jim, Ray and Ronnie used to play most weeks, both as soloists and collectively as 'Pigmeat'. Unfortunately, the club folded less than two years later. However, thanks to brilliant and enthusiastic performances by people like Steve Phillips, Dave Speight, Ray Stubbs and Jim Murray, all of who still play today, that inspiration remained for years to come.
Graham's playing reflects the styles of the early blues masters particularly the east coast, syncopated styles of Blind Boy Fuller and Blind Blake. However, other major influences include Bo Carter, Lonnie Johnson, Rev. Gary Davis, Memphis Minnie & Kansas Joe, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Big Bill Broonzy, Fred McDowell, Sleepy John Estes, Mississippi Sheiks, Delmore Brothers, and the Memphis Jug Band to name but a few. A typical performance includes impassioned renditions of a selection of songs from the above artists played with energy and conviction on a very old Stella, and National resonator guitars.
During 2008 Graham played at the Colne, Burnley, Dundee, Maryport and Upton-on-Severn Blues Festivals. He has also played support to blues performers as diverse as Paul Lamb & The King Snakes, The Spike Drivers, Steve James, The Cadillac Kings, Rag Mama Rag, Michael Roach & Johnny Mars, Olli Brown and Nine Below Zero at venues across the north west of England.
