James Oliver! What can we say about the titanic Tommy Cooper of the Telecaster, the man who makes James Brown look like a slouch – “the hardest working man in show business” indeed?
The Festival’s been in existence for 20 years and James has played over half of them – any venue, any time – there’s no ego, he just wants to play, and we want to hear him.
He is undoubtedly one of the most talented, dedicated and explosive guitarists on the contemporary scene. Wilko and Mick Green might be his big heroes but he can play anything – country, rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, Blues, western swing – and often in the same song. A tour de force who is forced to tour.
We are so pleased to have him back on the main stage on the final night of the 20th Festival appearing with his fabulous Revue which will feature –
Mark Kemlo on drums. Veteran of legendary rockabilly band The Rimshots, Mark can swing, shuffle, and slam like few others.
Geraint Watkins on keys. Is there anyone he hasn’t played with? From Macca to Van the Man, Slim Chance to The Balham Alligators via Nick Lowe et. al. he is the gentle genius of the 88 note work bench. He sings and writes too.
Norman Watt-Roy on bass. He’s played sessions on so many hit records he’s lost count, he was an essential member of Ian Dury and the Blockheads plus the Wilko Johnson Band, and is revered as a colossus of the bass, a guru of the groove.