Multi-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow has announced alt-country trio Red Sky July as special guests for her headline show at BluesFest 2014.
Formed by Ally Mcerlaine (guitarist in the band Texas) and Shelly Poole (previously one half of Alisha’s Attic) along with Charity Hair (The Alice Band), Red Sky July released their self-titled debut album in 2011 to critical acclaim, Q magazine labelling it “a timeless blend of vocals & intricate twang…. As atmospheric as it is emotional”, whilst the Evening Standard noted its “seductive, exuberant mix of voices”. This will be something of a homecoming gig for London-based Red Sky July and it presents the perfect opportunity to showcase their new album ‘Shadowbirds’ (due September 2014).
Running across six days from Sunday 26th - Friday 31st October 2014, this year’s BluesFest will present a diverse programme packed with blues legends, superstar international acts and incredible emerging talent.
Hosted exclusively at the Royal Albert Hall, BluesFest 2014 will feature performances taking place throughout the entire venue in the daytime, culminating in headline shows in the main auditorium each evening from Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Van Morrison, Grammy-winning soul sensation Gregory Porter, five-time Grammy-winning guitar legend Robert Cray and the remarkable Californian blues-rocker Beth Hart.
An eclectic range of acts have been lined up for the daytime slots including multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers, scintillating soul band The Excitements, inspirational New York singer-songwriter Nell Bryden, and son of the legendary Muddy Waters, Chicago blues singer Mud Morganfield. UK artists will also be strongly represented with the likes of '60s star and Clapton sideman Andy Fairweather Low, gritty R&B outfit Dr Feelgood, the inimitable Georgie Fame, rising-star bluesmen Marcus Bonfanti and Dan Owen, and a string of exceptional female vocalists including Jo Harman and Jess Roberts.
The daytime activity will also feature the return of the ‘In Conversation With’ talks, with revered broadcasters Robert Elms and Paul Jones interviewing the likes of Mud Morganfield and Beth Hart. There is also a strong educational thread to proceedings, with workshops and talks taking place throughout the week.
Festival Director Leo Green: “We’re extremely proud to once again be delivering a really diverse BluesFest programme that covers the entire spectrum of the genre, incorporating rock, blues, soul, funk, jazz and more. The festival falls during the school half-term so, as well as being a big draw for serious blues fans, the daytime programme will appeal to families, while providing young people with a unique introduction to the blues. And throughout the daytime events, kids go free!”
Published on 25 July 2014 by Ben Robinson
