Ben Poole

Ben Poole is a UK blues rock act and singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom. The project centres on blues-influenced guitar playing with a hard-edged rock approach and is associated with modern blues and rock. Poole is presented as a guitarist and vocalist working in the British blues-rock scene.

Career and style

Poole’s music combines blues with a heavier rock sound and places emphasis on virtuoso guitar work. He is described as a young British blues guitarist who draws on classic blues traditions while pushing into a more aggressive rock style. His playing is noted for its precision, phrasing, vibrato and stage presence, with some coverage comparing his approach to that of well-known contemporary blues-rock players.

Collaborations and performances

He performs both under his own name and as a live guitarist for Dani Wilde, a Ruf Records blues artist. Alongside his solo work, he tours widely in the UK and across Europe. His live activity includes appearances in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, France, the Canary Islands and Germany, as well as at festivals in the UK and Europe.

Poole plays with several established blues musicians and receives public praise from figures including Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, Richie Kotzen, Paul Jones, Bernie Torme and Guthrie Govan. He also tours with Richie Kotzen and appears alongside him in London. Other key live moments include jamming on stage with Jeff Beck and Gary Moore.

Festivals and recordings

Festival appearances include Maryport Blues Festival in Cumbria, where he supports John Mayall and The Blues Band, Fricktaler Blues Festival in Switzerland, Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales and Rhythm Festival in Milton Keynes. He is also scheduled in the past to appear at Download Festival at Donington Park as the only unsigned blues roots artist on that bill.

Poole records with Dani Wilde on her second album, working with blues producer Mike Vernon, whose credits include Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall and Buddy Guy. His own recordings are presented as evidence of a developing future on the European blues-rock scene.

Recognition

Music coverage names Poole as a guitarist to watch, and blues and guitar magazines describe him as a notable new player on the British blues scene. He is also highlighted by Total Guitar magazine and Guitarist magazine, while Blues Matters, BBC Radio 2 and other commentators praise his sound and technique.