Urban Desert Blues

About Urban Desert Blues

Leading UK harmonica player Joff Watkins invites some very special guests for a night inspired by the music of Senegal and Mali, combined with the roots of blues from North Mississippi and New Orleans.

Joff, session player and member of top blues act Jimmy Regal and the Royals, is a regular collaborator with Senegalese griot musician Diabel Cissokho. They have recorded sessions for BBC Radio 3 and appeared at festivals including Womad. Joff also guests and records with Ska legend Rhoda Dakar among others.

CJ Williams is guitarist with Jimmy Regal and the Royals and the writer of several West African-inspired blues numbers including Can't Cry No More, which featured on the BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends show. One of the UK’s best and most original guitarists CJ is much in demand and appeared on film soundtracks and many sessions.

Kamila Bydlowska is a multi award winning violinist who has played concerts and festivals in Europe, USA, and Asia. A dazzling virtuoso who has worked as a concerto soloist and crossed onto many other genres including tango and gypsy jazz.

Murray Anderson is a drummer and percussionist who specialises in African drumming styles and samba rhythms. Murray teaches at the London School of Samba and has played festivals and concerts all over the UK.

• Our performance captured at the Music Room in New Cross Gate.
• Joff and CJ in Jimmy Regal and the Royals with Diabel Cissokho, Can't Cry No More.

For more info, contact the organiser.