The Blues Band

If music matures like fine wine, 1979 was a vintage year. That's when Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, from the hugely successful Manfred Mann, returned to their first love, the Blues. They imagined their 'back to the roots' project, The Blues Band, would simply earn some beer money. How wrong they were - the public were ready and waiting. Talent goes to talent. Into the ranks came slide guitar ace and superb vocalist Dave Kelly, legendary ex-John Mayall drummer Hughie Flint, (replaced in 1982 by the renowned Rob Townsend of Family), with solid bass provided by Gary Fletcher.

The Blues Band's 2012 studio album, Few Short Lines amply demonstrates the veneration of their peers. Bob Dylan's keyboard accomplice Al Kooper plays on six tracks, Bruce Springsteen's comrade Southside Johnny provides harmonica and vocals, all lavishly topped off by Paul Jones raunchily duetting with Linda Lewis, plus Dave Kelly's pairing with Scotland's soul queen, Maggie Bell.