It's not easy to describe the almost endless mix of merging influences in this amazing string master's playing... He moves from a classical opening with almost courteous music across the continent to the blues of the Mississippi Delta, from the Balearic Islands to the Balkans, and then back to the United States. A Spanish blues evolve into Gypsy music, travels to Eastern Europe, with a splash of Paco de Lucia, then a touch of Delta tunes and more. Also influences from Richie Blackmore, Joaquin Rodrigo, JJ Cale and even J. S. Bach speaks for themselves. Claude Bourbon has impeccable timing and does things on six strings that are simply amazing. Experience a stunning acoustic fusion of blues, jazz, folk, classical and Spanish guitar.

“Claude Bourbon aptly describes himself as a musical artist. He uses a vast array of music tools to paint a landscape we have all visited either in person or in our dreams.” Mary Pat Cooney – FolkWorks

“Claude Bourbon is a unique figure today… his playing is almost indescribable“- The Hook, Charlottesville, USA

“A breathtaking acoustic fusion of blues, jazz, classical and Spanish guitar from a stunning guitar virtuoso…” Altadena News, USA”

Richard Digance is a BAFTA Nominated entertainer and Gold Award Recipient from The British Academy of Composers & Songwriters. He also performs in concert, composes soundtracks for audiobooks, TV soundtrack music, writes books, makes albums, paints pictures, mends washing machines and still has his school penfriend. 

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 On his own ITV TV show in the 1980s and 90s he played a guitar duet with Queen's Brian May as well as joining Status Quo and The Moody Blues for cameo appearances. Along with award-winning radio documentaries he also composed and performed audio book music for author, Bill Bryson. Although a concert performer in his own  right, Richard has also supported Steve Martin in The USA and both the late comedy genius Robin Williams and Roy Orbison at The London Palladium.

Richard makes his annual pilgramige to a place thats dear to his heart! Dont miss this opportunity to see this consumate entertainer on your doorstep.

'Richard Digance is brilliant' - Bill Bryson

'Richard Digance is a National Treasure' - Bob Harris

Otis Gibbs is a songwriter, storyteller, painter, photographer, and planter of 7,176 trees. He once wrestled a bear and lost. He’s been called “the best unknown songwriter in music today,” but if you ask him, he’ll just say he’s a folksinger.

The Trust Of Crows, his tenth studio album, was recorded at the iconic Columbia Studio A in Nashville, where Bob Dylan made Blonde on Blonde and Nashville Skyline. It’s been closed to the public for decades, but Otis as an alt-country singer-songwriter was given permission to record there.

Once again we are pleased that Otis has chosen the Birchmeadow as one of his gigs on his uk tour. 

“Gibbs has been likened to everyone from Guthrie to Springsteen — but his is the rare voice that stands on its own.” -Esquire
 
“Man, can this singer tell a story …”  -USA Today

We are pleased to welcome back this fantastic act. Celebrating the music of BB King, Clapton, Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Peter Green and many more

This band of experienced musicians has its roots all firmly anchored in the blues. This is blues of not just the Delta, Chicago, and elsewhere in the USA but also the blues of Ealing, Dartford and wherever else formed the British Blues boom of the 60’s and beyond .

Driving guitar riffs and assured vocals matched by a swinging horn section, make this a show to remember. Enjoy the music and stories from those lucky enough to be there – and feel the blues come alive. Let the good times roll!.

Spend an evening in the company of this fine 6 piece band to celebrate the British Blues explosion of the 1960s. From BB King to John Mayall, from Jimmy Rogers to Peter Green: The Classic Blues show recreates the authentic sound of British Blues musicians and the artists who inspired them.