Artists
Check out our current roster of exciting blues and roots acts.
The Liam Ward Band
Quotes
"Hot rhythm, searing guitar and soulful vocals"
BLUES & ROOTS BLOG
"Great harp playing - I learned something!"
PAUL JONES (BBC RADIO 2)
"Quite joyous.... sounding as if it were brewed in the Chess Studios in Chicago"
AMERICANA UK
"Shining harp, swings warmly"
BLUES BLAST (USA)
"Emotionally charged and lyrically rich... keeping the blues alive and well in the twenty-first century."
BLUES.GR (GREECE)
Biography
The Liam Ward Band bring you modern rhythm and blues like you've never heard before.
Get your mojo working with the epic harp-driven sounds of vintage American dance music: Chicago blues, west coast swing and funky, soulful roots music.
With one foot firmly in the past, the band also have innovation at the heart of everything they play. The band are known for originals that push blues boundaries, bringing you some of the freshest British blues on offer.
One of the UK’s most revered harmonica players, vocalist and bandleader Liam Ward is a winner of the
National Harmonica League Player of the Year and has been described by Harmonica World as "endlessly inventive".
The rest of the band comprises stalwarts of the British blues scene. On guitar, respected jazzman Matt Jones (The Square Pegs, Django Chutney), the bass player's bass player Martin Hill (Empty Pockets, Final Demand), and sought-after drum ace Gareth Davies (Only Us, The Distributors).
Debut album 'Uprising' is made up entirely of original compositions, and is already garnering public and critical acclaim. We're extremely proud for the album to be the inaugural release on Green Bullet Records.
Cole & Ward
Quotes
“Catchy, diverse in style and, above all, astonishing.”
ROOTSTIME (BELGIUM)
"A quality and professionalism that sets them apart from so many"
ROCK 'N' REEL
"These two are supremely talented and, when they play together, their talent is magnified."
BLUES IN BRITAIN MAGAZINE
"Simply magical… a fine celebration of two very talented musicians."
FATEA MAGAZINE
Biography
Mark Cole's powerful, passionate vocals and honest uncluttered slide and rhythm guitar (plus a little mandolin and other found objects) make it hard not to enjoy his musical creations. He has played with and supported many top blues and roots artists including Pinetop Perkins, Dr. Feelgood, Richard Thompson and Alvin Lee.
Cole's songwriting is instantly recognisable: quirky, funny and yet capable of poignance too. Combined with Liam Ward's emotionally charged harmonica and his own songwriting talents, a set from these two takes a "pass-the-parcel" approach with each given a chance to share their own styles.
Debut album 'Blues and Other Truths' is inspired by the traditional music styles of the Deep South and produces an eclectic rollercoaster ride of emotions. You’ll dance, laugh, reflect, and maybe have a little cry too!
The Jake Leg Jug Band
Quotes
"A masterpiece of nostalgic music that will be hard for any other band to repeat"
FOLK NORTH WEST
"Expert musicianship and great arrangements....highly recommended"
JUST JAZZ
"Instrumental virtuosity. Very enjoyable, very listenable"
BLUES & RHYTHM
"Expert musicianship and superb arrangements"
FATEA
"Good time music from a good-time group"
THE JAZZ RAG
Biography
The Jake Leg Jug Band bring you the authentic sounds of 1920s and '30s America - Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Ragtime - and put their own twist on it.
Songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption fill their set with intrigue and humour.
Before joining Green Bullet, the Jake Leg Jug Band recorded their albums as part of the 'Vintage Recording Project' essentially recording all live around ribbon microphones, as it would have been back in the Prohibition era.
New abum 'Fifth Avenue' brings together the best songs from the band's previous releases, re-recorded with latest line-up including new female vocalist Bryony Rose.
We are delighted to welcome the Jake Leg Jug Band to Green Bullet Records.
Liam Ward & Malcolm Thorne
Quotes
"These boys kick ass!"
ROB PAPAROZZI
(BLUES BROTHERS BAND / BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS)
"Attractively stripped back... very entertaining in a live setting"
BLUES IN BRITAIN
"Fantastic playing and equally fantastic harmonies"
SMART RADIO
"Great young talent and top songwriting"
STILL GOT THE BLUES
"A very attractive blend of acoustic blues and British eccentricity"
BLUES MATTERS
Biography
Liam Ward and Malcolm Thorne combine an authentic blues sound with rich lyrical originals to serve up a modern take on the classic harp-guitar duo.
Debut EP 'You Are Medicine' is full of quirky, rootsy originals and has been met with critical acclaim from both sides of the Atlantic.
Liam is firmly established as one of the UK’s top harmonica players; Malcolm's guitar playing contains a respect for tradition and the ability to serve the song at all times.
Together, the duo blend uplifting harmonies with crafted storytelling to take you on a compelling and memorable musical journey.
The Rumblestrutters
Quotes
"Be sure not to miss them!"
SPENCER DAVIS
"Very impressive"
BBC RADIO 2
"Super, pacy and energetic"
BLUES MATTERS
"Like 'em, nice harmonies and harp playing"
DAVID CROSBY
"The Lovin' Spoonful's worst nightmare - a British jug band!"
JOHN SEBASTIAN
Biography
The Rumblestrutters bring the Prohibition era to the party! The acoustic three-piece vividly evoke the blues, jazz and jug band music of the 1920s.
Debut album 'Prohibition Blues' has been greeted with international radio play and universal critical acclaim. The album has confirmed the band's reputation as one of the UK's premier roots bands, with stellar performances at top festivals across the land.
Equally adept at classic material and original compositions, the Rumblestrutters' performances have to be seen to be believed. Luscious harmonies and virtuosity combine in songs of bootleg liquor, late night parties, and even the odd hubbly bubbly pipe.
New album 'The Jug Band Songbook' - released on Green Bullet Records - offers a lively and varied collection of classic 1920s and '30s songs, and features the band's tight harmonies and impressive instrumentation.