Blues guitar legend Ray Beadle grew up listening to country music,- his father was a country musician and Ray learnt to play guitar cutting his teeth on his dad's music from the age of about 10 to 13 before getting a serious interest in the Blues. Following the normal course of going in a different direction to that of an influential parent, Ray went on to have a legendary career playing blues guitar, but Western Swing is a style he's had a connection to and always wanted to try, and now feels it's time to complete the circle.

In putting together this project Ray wanted to join up with long time friend and violinist George Washingmachine, with whom he'd played early in his career in the Dead Wringers.
He also wanted the sound of Pedal Steel guitar, so called on Oliver Thorpe who's been busy making a name for himself playing with the likes of Tim Freedman and Ian Moss. Another component required for this band is three part harmony, something all three can do with ease. To quote Ray:
'I wanted to hear the combination of violin and pedal steel guitar, country music and jazz. It's always been something I've wanted to try and never have.'

The last pieces of Ray's musical jigsaw puzzle were double bass and drums, and so he called on Jonathan Zwartz and Miles Thomas respectively, and the Westerlies were born.

The Westerlies' repertoire draws on material from Western Swing luminaries Bob Wills, Leon McCauliffe and Buddy Ammons through to similar period jazz greats like Charlie Christian and Lester Young, with some original songs added to the mix.

So come and see Ray and the Westerlies play at this intimate venue, upstairs at Church St Studios.

Numbers are strictly limited so make sure you get your ticket now!

Ray Beadle - guitar and vocals

George Washingmachine - violin and vocals

Oliver Thorpe - pedal steel guitar and vocals

Jonathan Zwartz - double bass

Miles Thomas - drums

Doors 7pm with music from 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Upstairs at Church St Studios, entry from Red Door on Briggs St