Local Artists
The Fastliners
Often described as ‘Multi-National Blues Mayhem’ and ‘Eclectic Texas cum Chicago Roadhouse Blues’ the Fastliners consist of members from three corners of the globe, Texas and Canada, Australia, and England and Orkney and draw on blues material from the ‘40s to the ‘90s with a healthy selection of original material thrown in for good measure. Drawing on rich, diverse musical backgrounds they play electric and eclectic blues influenced by Texas, Chicago and southern blues styles, as well as swing, jump, funk, proto-rock and rockabilly.
Their live sets are punctuated by diversity, intensity and humour and cover anything from slow and moody, to fast, rocking and screaming, the whole gamut of the blues.
Originally named ‘Last Train’, the Fastliners have quickly gained a reputation as first class performers since they formed in 2008, not surprising considering some of the veteran musicians in the band. Blues Matters Magazine have described them as ‘A true feast for any Blues gourmet’ with their music giving ‘…an extensive insight into Blues history by unearthing many gems from little known artists.’
The Demented Chords
Local band the D-Chords make their Orkney Blues Weekend debut in 2010 but all of the group will be familiar to fans of the festival with members formally playing in the Bad Liars, Wang Dang Delta, Mean Business, BWB, and Glebe Street. The D-Chords are fronted by Lorraine ‘Gimme a Pigfoot’ McBrearty; stunt guitar work by Ayrshire legend John Pettigrew; easy guitar and moothie by Andrew Want; and the four on the floor rhythm section of Pete Nicol on even easier guitar (a.k.a. bass) and Dave ‘Boom-Boom’ Stevenson bashing the skins. /p>
Expect a rousing set of blues numbers and more with special guest pedal steel player Dougie Stevenson of Scotdisc returning again to the Stromness stage. /p>
Bad Taste
Bad Taste are an electrifying blues power trio. Performing all over Scotland the guys have built an excellent reputation on the blues scene. After a brief spell of in-activity the guys are back with a new sound which promises to be the very best yet!
Miss Noma and Mr Ree
Orkney Blues Weekend stalwarts Miss Noma and Mr Ree, aka Catherine and Michael Moldau will be performing for us again this year. We can look forward to classics such as Killing the Blues, Come on in my Kitchen, and I wished I was in Heaven, all performed in a classic Mississippi delta blues vein.
Blue Rooster
“BLUE ROOSTER” – A classic three piece ‘Electric Blues’ band with Drums, Bass and Guitar. They share an enduring love of ‘The Blues’ and together, have over sixty years of extensive experience in many different line ups and genres. Since their inception in 2007, they have been playing to high critical acclaim from blues fans at festivals, clubs and pubs where ever they appear. With a newly released CD, they endorse their repertoire with a talented mix of electric blues classics from Hendrix, Clapton and Greene to Bonamassa. Their inventive arrangements, screaming solos and vibrant presence pays tribute to all that’s best in the tradition of the blues. A must for any Festival, Club or Pub line up, their fat sound enthrals and captivates, leaving audience’s begging for more.
Red Dog Bandit
Red Dog Bandit are a four piece Rock and blues band from Orkney, they formed 5 years ago at Stromness Academy. They have been gigging constantly in Orkney and are trying to play more shows in the rest of Scotland. They were a part of the Orkney MagFest playing to hundreds of people, with professional orchestral accompaniment. They mainly play their original compositions but also do many covers of songs by the likes of Free, Cream and Lynyrd Skynyrd amongst others. They recorded an album in 2007 and are currently recording their second. They love to play live, and showcase their exciting and well rounded set of powerful riffs mixed with heavy blues and groove music. They cite their influences as ‘60s and ‘70s giants Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. They are possibly the most exciting young band ever to come out of the north of Scotland!
Blueberry Jam
Blueberry Jam are a two piece sister act featuring Katy and Emma Thomas.
Binsness Bluesboys
Binsness Bluesboys – playing blues numbers from Peter Green, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, Rory Gallagher, Jazz Gillum to name a few..