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Born & raised in Pasadena, California, Guy Tortora is currently based in London, in the UK.

What he does as a songwriter and performer is what people like to call Americana these days  —  a hard term to define as it seems to mean different things depending on who you’re talking to.  But if to you it means original songs, well constructed and well performed, in some of the various musical idioms that originated in the USA  —  blues, jazz, folk and roots  —  and also interpreting the work of other writers in these genres with depth and feeling, then you should check out his work if you haven’t already.

Over the last few years he has laid claim to a unique niche on the Blues ‘n’ Roots scene in the UK and European Continent, from small clubs and theatres to festivals. His two recent solo albums received a warm welcome in the Blues ‘n’ Roots reviews, a third album was released in 2008 to great acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike. When travelling light, he performs in stripped down acoustic mode either on his own, or accompanied by bass or keyboards. At many UK gigs he appears with the Guy Tortora Band, his own four-piece outfit of accomplished musicians from the UK and Europe. With this band he has performed live with artists as diverse as Eric Clapton, Pee Wee Ellis, John Cleary and Eric Bibb. He has gigged across North America and much of Europe. He also performs solo, and in duo or trio format with his regular members of the Guy Tortora Band: bassman Costa Tancredi, or keys player Janos Bajtala. Recently he has formed an acoustic cuo partnership with Ben Tyzack of UK bandSpikedrivers – Guy and Ben have is a short UK tour planned for November 2015.

Guy is a guitar player of some accomplishment and a distinctive songwriter. On both acoustic and electric guitars he plays finger style, and is a fine bottleneck and slide player. His playing is not the flashy guitar-slinger style beloved of bluesrockers everywhere, but understated, and leaves room for the songs to make an impact, whether his own or the “covers” he performs that include many old standards and traditional tunes as well as songs by more recent American writers such as Eric Bibb or Kreig Viesselman.

Albert Lee is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history, having worked with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Crickets over his long and illustrious career. The British-born country-rock artist started his career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of sixties London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe.

“The ultimate virtuoso. His skill is extraordinary, his ear is extraordinary and he’s gifted on just about every level.”

– Eric Clapton

After moving to the U.S. and assimilating himself into the country music scene, Albert quickly garnered a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business. He recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown’. He continues to tour today, and plays his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar.

“A brilliant guitar player. His sound is unmistakable – often emulated, never equalled.”

– Emmylou Harris

British born Anouska Assisi is an 20 year old award winning singer – songwriter and guitarist whose music is a compelling hybrid of folk rhythms delivered with soul and lyrical authenticity. Musically literate from a young age Anouska has already amassed an impressive body of work and prior to the pandemic was wowing audiences with her live performances. She has a growing fan base internationally and is on the radar of A&R executives on both sides of the Atlantic.

Tickets here: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/eclectic/

The Counterfeit Stones are more than a tribute to the Rolling Stones, they’re a complete re-enactment. With a healthy smattering of ‘Spinal Tap’ humour, their performances take on an almost cartoon-like air.

The band formed in October 1991, and although there have been some personnel changes since then, the characters of course never change. They’ve played most major countries in the world and been booked by multinationals, British Royalty, and some of the most famous international celebrities.

Even Mick Jagger himself quoted The Counterfeit Stones as being, “The Most famous Stones band in England”. They’ve shared stages with Joe Cocker, Iggy Pop, Blur, ZZ Top, Bryan Ferry and many more.

We look forward to welcoming their ‘Street Fighting Sham’ live show to Godalming Borough Hall on Saturday 22nd April 2023. Doors 7.15pm

Sat 8th April 2023 8pm Cranleigh Arts Centre

“SPELLBINDING” – National Rock Review
“GAME-CHANGING” – Classic Rock Magazine
“REMARKABLE TALENT” – Powerplay Magazine
“SHEER PERFECTION” – Fireworks Magazine
“DEPTH AND SINCERITY” – Metal Discovery
“PREMIER LEAGUE” – Rock Society
“POSITIVELY ENGROSSING”-  Raw Ramp
“SUBLIMELY INTENSE & HAUNTING” – Spin Sunday
“A SCHORR-FIRE WINNER” – Music Republic Magazine
“SOUL STIRRING” – FabricationsHQ
“MODERN BLUES BRILLIANCE” – Jace Media
“VOCALIST OF POWER AND DEPTH” = Blues Doodle
“POWERFUL & HEARTFELT VOCALS” – Rhythm & Booze

Every year there is seemingly a constant parade of must-hear singers right? Not really. They come along rarely if they’re the real deal, as rarely as a seminal live album actually. Meet Sari Schorr. What makes her different is what makes all the others the same. She’s got talent, who hasn’t, but she has depth, life experience (like helping out in Haiti after the earthquake). She has real stories to tell. Sari is one of the few singers that can be, and is, mentioned in the same breath as Joplin. What you get is Blues with 3 Michelin Stars served in a New York diner. Don’t forget to leave a tip!

Sari’s brand-new, 12-track live album was recorded on the last tour and serves as a perfect illustration of why you’ll want to catch the next one. We are treated to the passion of original songs from her two studio albums and two reworked covers, Black Betty and I Just Want To Make Love To You, both hot favourites with audiences. These stunning live recordings from across Europe, along with two previously-unreleased acoustic tracks recorded for the BBC in the UK, truly make this album an object of desire. For Sari “there is an honestly in a live performance that allows me to be vulnerable and uncensored.”

We are in uncharted territory, and to use superlatives that have been wrongly applied to lesser performers in the past, mostly by ad agencies, would be to cheapen something exceptional. Perhaps the best words are actually the names of other exceptional artists Sari stands alongside, like Tina Turner, Elkie Brooks and the already mentioned Janice Joplin. 

“Schorr can sing ‘em.  the New Yorker makes you believe every stormy line ” Classic Rock Magazine

“…one of the best contemporary blues rock singers in the world” Raw Ramp

“Sari’s songwriting reflects human emotions and experience, adding to the feeling of intimacy with her audience. She speaks of her commitment to tackle difficult subjects in her songwriting often considered taboo, such as domestic abuse and heroin addiction, offering a different perspective on topics of which no one wants to talk”. – National Rock Review – Sonia Alani

After a superb introduction at Paul Jones and Friends at G-Live we are delighted to present a night of Stevie Wonder with Noel McCalla and Derek Nash at Godalming Borough Hall.

Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder throughout his entire career, the mesmeric vocalist, Noel McCalla, and award-winning saxophonist, Derek Nash, have put together a band of top musicians to play a wide-ranging back catalogue of classic hits, from 1970’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered through to hits from Talking Book, Innervisions, Songs in the Key of Life and Hotter than July.  Playing hit after hit, from the dance floor classics I Wish and Superstition to beautiful arrangements of My Cherie Amour and Overjoyed, the set will also include compositions by Stevie Wonder that others have had massive hits with.

Noel McCalla’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers” (Blues and Soul Magazine) and, for more than 19 years, Noel’s searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann’s “Earth Band”. He also provided vocals on Mike Rutherford’s highly acclaimed album, Smallcreep’s Day, and is often featured with jazz funk band, Mezzoforte.

Derek Nash has played in Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion. He has won several British Jazz Awards throughout his career fronting Sax Appeal, his Acoustic Quartet and the funk band, Protect the Beat. Derek has performed live, on record and on television with Gregory Porter, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse and many, many more.  At the forefront of the British jazz movement, Derek Nash is “one of the most versatile saxophonists in the UK today” (The Guardian)

The all-star band features Neil Angilley – piano, Tim Cansfield – guitar,  Jonathan Noyce – bass, Nic France – drums.  Musicians whose credits include Bill Withers, The Bee Gees, Gary Moore and  Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.

”Rarely have I heard the music of Stevie Wonder interpreted with such finesse, energy and all round brilliance” – The House of Soul 

Our Audience’s comments………………………

A superb trawl through an eclectic and vibrant songbook, played with real elan and gusto. A thrilling show. Go see…

Seasoned, brilliant musicians, with an awesome pedigree bringing a rare homage to Stevie’s wonderful material. No lie, I enjoyed this show more than Stevie’s show at Hyde Park last summer. This is no plastic ‘tribute” act. It’s the real deal. It’s fabulous.

What an amazing night. I’m a massive Stevie fan and you were all a credit to the man and his music. Amazing first class musicianship and Noels vocals were simply stunning. You left me wanting more

Saturday 21st January – Cranleigh Arts Centre starring Billy Branch and John Primer

An incredible package featuring the greatest living examples of the art of Chicago Blues both from the established veterans of the scene and the “Youngblood” talent be prepared for an incredible concert experience. With Blues music award winning special guests Bruce Katz and Giles Robson also featured, this is set to be the knockout blues show of the year!

Billy Branch (Chicago USA)

Blues giant Billy Branch is among today’s greatest harmonica players. With his inventive, deeply rooted playing and gritty, soulful vocals, Branch carries on the Chicago blues tradition that he learned first-hand from icons including Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Carey Bell, Willie Dixon and many others. His famous teachers made it clear to anyone who would listen that Branch was the heir apparent to the Chicago blues harmonica throne. Branch is among the very last living bluesmen to have been tutored and mentored by the original blues giants. The young bluesman was able to absorb the tradition and over the years develop a style and sound all his own. With a huge blues vocabulary and dynamic versatility, Branch brings elements of soul, funk and rock to his playing. His upper register licks and his emotional, melodic ballad playing define his sound even further. He is a gruff and potent vocalist, a groundbreaking solo artist, an in-demand session player and consummate band leader. He is an Emmy Award Winner, three-time Grammy nominee, a three-time Blues Music Award winner, a two-time Keeping The Blues Alive Award winner (for Education) and a two-time Living Blues Critics’ Award winner. Branch has recorded eleven albums under his own name and has appeared on scores of other recordings.

John Primer (Chicago USA)

Lead guitarist of the Muddy Waters Band and preceding that, the Willie Dixon band and then after Muddy’s death an integral part of the Magic Slim Band the Blues Music 2x grammy nominated and Blues Music Award winning Chicago Blues Legend has gone on to become an incredible front man and an internationally renowned solo artist in his own right. Since his debut solo album “The Real Deal” on Atlantic Records his career has Been a nonstop triumph – from great award winning recordings to international touring and unforgettable live performances John has fulfilled and continues to fulfil the dreams of success in music that he had when he made his first guitar attached to the front porch out of a broom wire, two nails and a brick to make it tight at his house on sharecropper land deep in the Mississippi. 

Introducing Robbin “The Soul Shaker” Kapsalis

Robbin is a relatively fresh face on the Blues & Soul scene but making inroads this side of the Atalantic with sold out shows in Czech Republic, Belgium playing to ecstatic audience responses.  Robbin was born on the Southside of Chicago and soaked up the sounds of the legendary blues city before moving to be raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Featuring a powerful and commanding voice that is steeped in the greasy and dirty but still emotionally affecting side of blues, Robbin has all the understanding of the classic phrasing, textures, rhythm and attitude of the music. She adds something fresh and sassy to the mix too – so is very much rooted in our time. And as a charismatic front woman, she is second to none with an energy level that is unrivalled in the blues scene today. Think – a 21st Century Koko Taylor and you might have an idea of the talent level on display here.

Special Guests Bruce Katz (New York USA) and Giles Robson (UK) The legendary keyboardist Bruce Katz and renowned UK harmonica virtuoso Giles Robson first worked together on Alligator/Munich Records Journeys To The Heart Of The Blues which won a Blues Music Music Award and was a Living Blues album of the decade. Collaborating once more on Robson’s “Don’t Give Up On The Blues” the album went on to be named a Mojo Magazine album of the year and Jefferson blues magazine (the world’s oldest in print blues magazine) called it the best blues release of the year.

Andy has cancelled his 2022 tour due to family illness, and we send our thoughts to him and his family. Tickets will be refunded. We look forward to being included in his future tour plans.

Check out this amazing live recording of ‘No Place For Me’ taken from the The Cinelli Brothers‘ latest album ‘No Country for Bluesmen’

The Cinelli Brothers champion a new generation of passionate musicians sharing in the love of Blues, Soul, R&B and the true authentic sounds that have made the blues a cornerstone of music history.
The band have been endlessly nominated as ‘Blues Band of the Year’ at the UK Blues Awards – please don’t miss their upcoming show on Sunday 11th September!

Nicknamed the ‘Empress of the Blues’, Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920’s and 1930’s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era, and was a major influence on other jazz singers.

Ma Bessie and her Blues Troupe perform a narrated show, featuring music from the era, and showcasing many of Bessie’s songs. The show chronicles her life, from a one-room shack in Blue Goose Hollow, to becoming the highest paid black entertainer of that time, to the tragic accident on Route 61 that ended her life, aged just 43 years.

This hugely entertaining show features the irrepressible Julia Titus as Ma Bessie. Her all-star Blues Troupe comprises internationally acclaimed drummer Sam Kelly, with Paul Jobson on piano (MD), Tony Quinta on acoustic guitar, Marianne Windham on upright bass, Clare Hirst on saxophone/clarinet and Kevin Davy on trumpet.

Sunday 19th June 2022 – 8pm (doors open at 7:15pm) 
Godalming Borough Hall

Tickets Seats £20.00 (+ £1.50 booking fee)