The European Blues Aces A Handful Of Aces (CD)

(Homework Records) 10 tracks
The European Blues Aces. Five musicians, five countries, one simple aim - to offer top quality, no-frills traditional blues that is so seldom heard in European clubs and at festivals nowadays.

If you are looking for something special, from leading European musicians, look no further. We are excited to get this unique combo out on stages around the continent and further afield. The blues is back.

From the Netherlands, Hein Meijer aka Little Boogie Boy has been playing with blues greats since the early 90s, including John Primer, who gave him his moniker when sneaking into Chicago blues clubs whilst underage. Performing not only with his own Little Boogie Boy Blues Band but also as a sideman to many well-known US musicians, Hein’s infectious brand of “happy blues” continues to spread around Europe.

From Germany, Chris Rannenberg on piano and vocals is one of the few living pianists that learned in person from the greats and carries on the tradition of blues a la Blind John Davis, Sunnyland Slim, Walter Davis and Otis Spann. It simply does not get better than this in the world of blues piano and Chris is a central pillar in the European Blues Aces.

From England, Roger C. Wade on harmonica and vocals has been active for over thirty years in various formations. Rooted firmly in the footsteps of Big and Little Walter, George Smith and Sonny Boy, Roger is not only a consummate blues harmonica player, but also a uniquely powerful performer that never fails to entertain an audience.

The Finnish bassist and guitarist Jaska Prepula has been a stalwart of the European Blues scene for many years and regularly tours with a whole host of musicians from Europe and the US. Jaska is a leading practitioner of traditional and swinging blues, in not only the Tomi Leino Trio but he is also on speed dial for numerous other combos throughout Scandinavia.

Based in Denmark, drummer Mikko Peltola is unique in his approach to blues drumming. Always fresh, dynamic and with that Fred Below swing, Mikko has been the driving force for many visiting musicians from the US over the years and lays down an irresistible blues beat.