With the Elvis film sparking an appreciation of the blues in a whole new generation of music fans, the arrival of Aynsley Lister at the Tivoli this month feels pretty timely.
Lister is one of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists and is considered among the best in the world.
His unique brand of blues-based rock is a smart blend of contemporary song fuelled by the kind of heart and soul that made rhythm and blues and the Memphis sound revolution so huge.
Citing Peter Green, Albert King and Eric Clapton as major influences while growing up, and recognising these elements are often missing from some modern music, his mission is to shake things up.
He has had a unique perspective on modern blues since forming a band at 13 and releasing a single in 1998 on Ruf Records.
He has played with the likes of Buddy Guy, John Mayall and Lynyrd Skynyrd and won multiple awards, including guitarist of the year, songwriter of the year and song of the year at the British Blues Awards.
He is now recording his newest studio album, Along For The Ride, which is set for release via Straight Talkin’ Records.
He describes his latest work as a bold, confident and accessible slice of contemporary blues-rock, and it will no doubt attract a new audience – building on the 100,000 albums he’s already sold worldwide.
Lister appears at the Tivoli on Friday September 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets £22, www.tivoli.co.uk
Lorraine Gibson