1) R&B band from Glasgow, Scotland Sharing a mutual love of roots, rhythm & blues (and cheap blended whiskey) Sam West, Calum McCann, Michael Law and Graham McGeoch formed soon-to-be internationally acclaimed band The Fortunate Sons in a smoky Glasgow West End flat in 2005. They cut their teeth in the wee hours jamming rhythm & blues in dark and dirty venues till the next morning when they picked up their coats and cases and moved on. The Fortunate Sons are knee deep in country and blues, stained from the muddy banks of the River Clyde. Unmoved by fashions or trends of the month, their debut album is a dirty bluesy experience, inspired by the energy and soul of early blues music. This self produced body of work draws upon life stories, delivered with infectious enthusiasm and authenticity. Growing up in the UK’s toughest city The Fortunate Sons found that they empathized with many of the delta blues players of America’s south such as Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy and Willie Dixon whose lyrical stories told of love lost and found and the hard walk of life. They were similarly inspired by Bob Dylan’s evocative and poetic lyrics as well as the spontaneous spirit of Crosby Stills Nash and Young. These influences have been forged together into songs like “Slave Chain” and “All I Need”- with the latter featuring a Creedence Clearwater Revival sounding riff coupled with Muddy Waters inspired verses and a John Lee Hooker style middle eight. Furthermore, flavours of Rory Gallagher stand out in the blues rocker “Say Nothin” which also seems to have a peppering of Albert King and Ray Charles. The Fortunate Sons are at odds with the current musical climate, relying on an old-school ethos of hard work, camaraderie and a well won reputation, not spin! Pour yourself a glass of whiskey and listen to the new blues explosion of gritty tunes that will put fire in your belly and cleanse your soul. 2) Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute from The Netherlands
