New York City blues comes to London’s 100 Club on Tuesday 26th November with The Hitman Blues Band, led by guitarist and vocalist Russell ‘Hitman’ Alexander. The 8 piece band complete with horn section play original modern blues and inspired versions of blues classics. The common thread for every tune is the blues – from soulful blues ballads to music makes you want to dance. Powerful vocals, ripping guitar, a rock solid rhythm section, adventurous horns and stirring backing vocals, plus a little humour in the narrative. This is a blues show like no other. The Hitman Blues Band play the blues you’ve been looking for all your life.
The son of New York’s jazz scene drummer and vibes player Ray Alexander, frontman and band leader Russell ‘Hitman’ Alexander really does have New York City in his veins, blues in his heart, and the music of many worlds in his gifted hands. The man in the shades, top hat and sharp suit on stage with that tight band in that dark club is playing real blues, informed by 50 years of mastery of New York City’s thousand styles while imitating no one.
On their 20th Anniversary UK Tour and for the final gig of the tour at The 100 Club, The Hitman Blues Band will be playing songs from their new album ‘Calling Long Distance’. From the upbeat, ear catching opening title track to the moody closer, this is an album you’ll listen to over and over – and still find new things in each song. ‘Calling Long Distance’ features 8 originals and four covers, done in the unique Hitman style. The risqué “Watch That Thing!” and blues surf instrumental ‘Blood Alley’ will keep the excitement flowing, as will ‘We’re Gonna Party Tonight’, a testament to making good times no matter what. There’s an original approach to ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, as well as funky blues arrangement of the classics ‘I Know You Rider’ and ‘Sunday Morning Comin’ Down’. The title track ‘Calling Long Distance’ is a fun boogie and ‘Side Pocket For A Toad’ honours one of Hitman’s favourite UK beers. The thoughtful ‘Back To The Blues’ sets you up for the album closer, ‘Wide Old River’ – a modern take on the format of field hollers and work songs.
For this Tuesday blues night on 26th November at The 100 Club, there are also two opening bands – Amba Tremain Band and Lightning Threads. When Hitman sings ‘We’re Gonna Party Tonight’ he really means it. If you want a good time, you’ll be there !
Advance tickets only £15 each and available from www.solidentertainments.com
or tel: 01472 349222. Tickets will also be available on the door but subject to availability.
For more information on The Hitman Blues Band visit: www.hitmanbluesband.com
