'A Night of Blues ‘n’ Boogie' - 3 great acts!
Back by popular demand. A wonderfully varied and thrilling night of blues! Three great acts showcasing the superb talents of the truly authentic Boogie-Woogie piano and vocals of Julian Phillips, the ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’ Acoustic Roots of Mark Harrison (guitar & vocals); and as always, the night will close with the dynamic and ever-popular Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, whose Hammond-organ-driven electric blues blend old-school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication.
Prepare for an unforgettable night of entertainment!
Julian Phillips – Solo Boogie-Woogie Piano
As one of the UK's top boogie-woogie piano players, Julian has gained a great reputation for his wide and varied repertoire in the boogie and blues genre and is one of the founder organisers of the UK boogie-woogie festival here at Sturminster Newton.
Julian has played concerts and festivals in Europe and America and is highly esteemed by his fellow players. He taught himself how to play the piano at the age of 14 by listening to and interpreting the music of the great boogie-woogie pioneers including Jimmy Yancey and Pinetop Smith. His love and knowledge of blues ‘n boogie is infectious, and whether playing solo or performing with other musicians his enjoyment of the music is intensely evident.
Followed by…
Mark Harrison – Acoustic Roots
Mark is an established, multi-award-nominated artist with an ever-growing reputation for being unlike any other artist out there. He performs all-original songs in his own very individual style. He has been regularly featured on BBC Radio, including the Radio 2 Pick Of the Week show, and a live session on Radio 2 Cerys Matthews Blues Show. He has been described by the BBC as an artist who 'makes you think afresh' and by countless reviewers and audience members as 'uplifting' and 'inspirational'.
Mark is well-known in the blues world - BBC Radio has said 'He's kind of reinvented the blues in this country. What a glorious sound he makes', he has been described as 'one of the most genuinely innovative, interesting bluesmen in Europe today' by Blues Matters magazine, and he has been nominated multiple times in the UK Blues Awards (including 2026).
“One of the most genuinely innovative bluesmen in Europe today. Always a joy” - Blues Matters magazine
“He's kind of reinvented the blues in this country. What a glorious sound he makes” - Frank Hennessey, BBC Radio
“Everybody should be talking about Mark Harrison” - Classic Rock magazine
markharrisonrootsmusic.com
INTERVAL
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – dynamic and lyrical Hammond-organ driven contemporary electric blues.
“Seriously good music” – Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 2
ZSBC refresh the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing and vocal prowess. Their vibrant, exciting live set is based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs and exciting grooves; they mix old-school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication.
Zoe’s dynamic and commanding vocal delivery, her majestic vocal sweep and her interpretive ability, are complimented by the unmistakable and inimitable touch and flow of Rob Koral-guitar; and the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker-Hammond organ and Eddie John-drums who bring massive musical authority and the ability to push the music in unpredictable and exciting directions.
There is diversity, depth, and uniqueness in the band's music, with each member given the freedom to express their musical prowess and add their own magic to Zoë and Rob’s songwriting. A testament to their chemistry is the sheer volume of music they’ve written, recorded, released, and toured — with their brand-new album Colourful House marking their seventh studio release since their formation in 2012.
“A great band. Terrific musicians all four of them” - Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
“A different level of class. Zoe's vocal: powerful yet vulnerable. Rob, Pete and [Paul] turned out a masterclass in Schofield-esque sophistication” - Blues in Britain Magazine
“This is a band of exceptional quality, fronted by the stellar vocals of Zoe Schwarz; you really shouldn't miss the opportunity to enjoy them” - Live Review, Brian Harrington, Arlington Arts, Newbury Times
zoeschwarzmusic.com
