Watford Jazz Festival: Errol Linton presents the Blues

A Friday blues night to remember with the legendary Errol Linton Band, performing as part of the Watford Jazz Junction Festival.

Anyone interested in contemporary British blues/roots music will be aware of Errol Linton. The Brixton born, raised and resident singer, harmonica player and songwriter has earned his spurs as leader of the 'most dynamic live band in the UK' – making music that gets audiences dancing and cheering.

With a dynamic, original sound like no other artist, he plays funky stuff blues with a reggae tinge and jazz flavours. This is Black British music with roots in Mississippi and New Orleans, Kingston and London.

Errol started out busking and, for years, played in the London underground for tips. At the same time he led a band that played pubs and clubs, shebeens and parties, winning fans night after night. He won the UK Blues Challenge 2023 and represented the UK Blues Federation both at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA, and the European Blues Challenge in Braga, Portugal. His band regularly play in Belgium, Holland, France, Spain and Poland, having appeared at Glastonbury and Wilderness festivals.

Cerys Matthews, Robert Elms and David Freeman champion Errol on their radio shows, while The Guardian described Linton as 'THE figurehead for contemporary British blues'.

Band line-up: Errol Linton – harmonica, vocals; Gary Williams – drums; Lance Rose – double bass; Petar Zivkovic – piano/keys; Richey Green – guitar