Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys

About

American blues artist Lightnin’ Willie returns to Norden Farm

Celebrating the true sounds of American blues, Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys are at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts on Wednesday 2 September at 8pm. Tickets are £17.50.

Lightnin’ Willie’s knowledge of American blues comes from a lifetime of learning and chasing the sound, stories and spirit of the genre. Originally from Dallas, Texas and now based in Los Angeles, he has spent more than two decades touring, recording and building a reputation as a true bluesman - seasoned, original and completely at home on stage.

His passion for the genre began with an early musical spark in Mexico, where he watched local musicians pull feeling and rhythm from weathered guitars. That raw, handmade sound stayed with him and helped shape the road he would follow.

His journey has shaped his understanding of the blues through travel, work, late nights, dance halls, clubs and the hard education of the road.

A two-time winner of the California Blues Challenge, Lightnin' Willie's catalogue includes eight acclaimed albums. His live shows blend sharp guitar work, sly humour, swing, soul and deep blues feeling, bringing together traditional blues influences with his own distinctive style.

Influenced by the greats of American blues including Muddy Waters, B.B. King and T-Bone Walker, as well as the great electric blues tradition. His voice, timing and stage presence are unmistakably his own.

Joining Lightnin’ Willie for the performance are Giles King (harmonica), Aaron McRobbie (bass) and Paul ‘Nobby’ Birch (drums).