After a 12 year crusade to become a lead guitar legend Jo Bywater broadened her pathway to incorporate and unleash a new brand of original tunes. 2005 brought the awakening she couldnt ignore to deliver words of wisdom, inspiration and tortured souls on the ears of the public. She takes the form of an innovative and inspired musical force and joins the uprising of independent songwriters in the industry. Stripped of electric guitar she walks solo and acoustic. Jos tunes are an infection of tasty riffs and blues rawness, a melting pot of styles and influence, laced with funk and injected with the rusty edge of vocal honesty.As a lead guitarist Jos accolades have included gigs, recordings and tours with various artists including summer festivals across Canada and the USA in 2005. Selected highlights are MTV reality pilot show and album recordings, Liverpool Music Week 2003/4/5, performances at Ladyfest Manchester and International Pop Overthrow 2003, Burnley Blues Festival and The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival 2003, International Guitar Festival of Great Britain and tour of Spain 2002.As a songwriter Jo has guested at gig nights such as Cheap Thrills, Northern Lights, Acoustica and Mellowtone in Liverpool and was included in Liverpool Music Week 2005 & 6. Liverpool venues she has performed at include The Cavern Club, Zanzibar, Barfly, Stamps, Magnet and 3345 Parr st. Further afield are Yorkshire House in Lancaster(L*A*W*M) and Lancaster University. Manchester in 2006 has seen Jo appear in Night and Day, Dry Bar and a support slot opening for Cambridge songwriter Al Start. Jo also performed in London at the Hard Rock Cafe and as part of a WIMN 'special' evening in Blush Bar. Festivals in 2006/7 include Brighton and Manchester Pride Womens space, London Vegan Festival, Wimfest Liverpool, Coniston 'music with a view', Cambridge Pink Festival and Veggie Camp(Lake District). Jo also debuted her material on Radio Merseyside in July 2006. In the USA she performed at The Stage Door in New Hampshire. Jo also co-organised an acoustic night based in Liverpool called Flytrap (www.myspace.com/flytrapmusicuk) with songwriter Sam Kearney.Her guitar influences range from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Blind Melon, Pearl Jam, Nuno Bettencourt and Red Hot Chili Peppers to more recent song writing appreciation in Neil Young, Fiona Apple and Ani DiFranco2007 was highly eventful in terms of music, travel and performance. This year intends to be much the same including plans to record an EP. Check out the new website at www.jobywater.com. enjoy!
