The Riders

The Riders are a unique, exciting acoustic duo playing their own brand of contemporary blues.

Their huge repertoire of original material reflects a variety of musical influences, including the early country and delta blues of the 1920s and '30s, and the feel-good pop and rock music that they grew up with.

Stylistically The Riders can't be pigeon-holed - their songs range from steamy to foot-stompin', from rootsy rhythm and blues on slide guitar and drums to toe-tapping country-blues featuring washboard and finger-picking guitar.

Their music has that spark of energy and optimism that is reminiscent of the music of the past.

After 15 years of playing in pubs, clubs, winebars, breweries, private functions and festivals around the South West, The Riders have honed their performance and songwriting skills, while retaining the energy, enthusiasm and quirky sense of humour that has entranced audiences from the very beginning.

The Riders' success as a live act is due to the quality of their songwriting, their skills as musicians and entertainers and the sheer enthusiasm with which they deliver every show. These guys love what they are doing - and it shows!

The Riders are -

Deborah Birch (vocals, drums, washboard, percussion)

Martin Cropper (vocals, slide & open-tuned Dobro, 12-string acoustic guitars [baritone & standard], 6-string acoustic guitar & stomp-box)

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Trio - Howlin' Lemon Blues Revival

Martin and Deb have joined with Greg Bowles in a new blues trio, Howlin' Lemon Blues Revival.

Howlin' Lemon Blues Revival is an authentic, acoustic blues trio which takes you back to a time when music was played by accomplished musicians who didn't need to rely on a myriad of effects to enhance their sound.

The trio's repertoire is 1920s-30s based, but extremely varied, encompassing Mississippi Blues, Texas Blues, East Coast Piedmont Blues and Ragtime, as well as various 'local' styles of the era.

Their songs range from slower melodies to faster paced rocking blues, throwing in some superb finger picking and slide for good measure.

Add some powerhouse vocals, washboard and spoons and you'll be howlin' for more.