Jack Blackman

.. .. .. ....Since finding an old Jedson guitar in the loft around 7 years ago, Jack Blackman set about meeting a challenge set by his dad. “Learn ten chords properly and I’ll buy you a decent one!” A few days and ten chords later he was totally hooked, especially to playing the blues. In 2006, Jack passed his grade 8 guitar exam and was successful in auditioning a place as a founder member of Warwickshire’s County Music Service Rock Band, Red Kyte. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- In 2008, Jack successfully applied for a BBC instrumental bursary, and this money paid for his American 1952 Reissue Fender Telecaster guitar. However, Jack’s musical career began when, on March 12 2008 (his 14th birthday), Paul Jones phoned, in response to a letter from Jack’s dad. He invited Jack to do a number sitting in with the Blues Band at Cox’s Yard in Stratford. After a jaw dropping intro towards the end of their first set: “I recorded this song in 1966 with Eric Clapton, so no pressure Jack!” The band launched into the Otis Rush number “I Want to Know”, with Jack as guest. He took a solo and the audience cheered loudly. Jack stayed on for a further 6 numbers. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- Jack has also performed with the Texan Peacocks, Conundrum, Nigel Clark (Dodgy), Mike Roberts (King), Jeff Rich (Status Quo) Paul Jones and the Blues Band, The Delta Blues Band, The Dr Teeth Big Band, The Duke & The Dr Blues Band, Dave Kelly (The Blues Band), Clayton Denwood Band (Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko, Jim Weider), Dig The Pig Blues Band, Kel Elliot, Gwyn Ashton. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- In 2009, Jack’s musical abilities were recognised by the award of an EMI music sound foundation grant. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- He has played at venues including- Cox's Yard Stratford, Crossroads Blues Club Birmingham, Moorings Leamington, Great Western Warwick, The Phoenix Coventry, The Cuckoo Club Alcester, The Yardbird Birmingham, The Picture House Stratford, The Tin Angel Coventry, The Escape Bar Coventry, The Phoenix Coventry, The Lord Nelson Alcester, The Bigge Venue Tardebigge, The Robin 2 Bilston, The Albany Club Coventry, The Sausage Leamington, The Tuns Coventry, The Lamb Malvern, The Millwright Arms Warwick. ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------- Jack has also performed at festivals across the UK- Upton on Severn Blues Festival, Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival, Alcester Folk Festival, the Great Western Americana Festival, The Acoustic festival of Britain, Droitwich Music Festival, Worcester Music Festival and Guilfest 2009. Also performed live recorded appearances on BBC CWR , North Cotswold Community Radio, Stratford upon Avon Community radio and BBC 6 Music. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------- Jack sings and performs finger style solo acoustic blues utilising rack harmonica, and 6 and 12 string guitar to great effect carrying on the styles of Blind Blake, Pink Anderson, Blind Willie Mctell, Paul Geremia, John Jackson, John Cephas and Rev Gary Davis to name but a few. Jacks song writing also follows the roots of the blues but with distinct 21st century slant. He also guests and plays lead guitar with a number of bands whenever the opportunity occurs.----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ -----..Stratford-upon-Avon Herald: 4 June 2009 "Jack's songwriting also follows the roots of the blues. He sings and performs finger style solo acoustic blues.......Jack's performance was faultless"