Playlouder - Music is the Network

Premium Whiskey brand Bulleit Bourbon® is bringing a series of live music events to Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Bulleit Sessions will feature an exciting array of acts from original Blues pioneers to ‘Distorted Rock’ collectives. The first of these sessions in Glasgow demonstrates how much of the music we listen to today is inspired by traditional and electric Blues, a genre whose early pioneers have inspired and had a profound influence on many of today’s modern artists.

The first Bulleit Sessions event, a night showcasing an audible journey from Electric Blues to Psychedelic Rock will take place on 10th April 2008, at Glasgow gig venue Maggie Mays. The evening will feature performances from cutting-edge band The Aliens and home-grown favourites FOUND, alongside Guitar Shorty, one of the pioneering legends of a genre that has stamped its authority on popular music.

The Electric Blues first emerged as a fully-fledged scene in the mid-1940s, with the initial wave of U.S. Electric Blues musicians influencing the likes of Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac, as well as inspiring the music and performance of rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones.

In the true spirit of Bulleit Bourbon, we have invited one of the original US Electric Blues pioneers, guitarist/vocalist and blues legend Guitar Shorty, to illustrate the links between modern popular music and Electric Blues. A man of the people and a successful recording artist in the Blues world, Guitar Shorty has the ability to pack clubs and festivals as one of the most celebrated live performers in LA. Credited with influencing both Jimi Hendrix (he married Jimi’s sister) and Buddy Guy, Shorty has been electrifying audiences for five decades with his supercharged live shows and his explosive recordings. With session credentials including work with Ray Charles, BB King and Little Richard, he remains in constant demand all over the world.

Also on the bill at the first Bulleit Sessions event are Hendrix-inspired trio The Aliens, made up of Gordon Anderson, Robin Jones and John McLean. For a period in the 1990’s the members of The Aliens could claim to have been amongst Britain’s most significant musicians. In 1998, The Alien’s previous incarnation, The Beta Band, appeared to have the two biggest bands in the country under their spell (Noel Gallagher and Radiohead claimed to have been inspired by the Beta Band's first three EPs). Now armed with a bottomless bag of acid-dipped electronics and warped rock, The Aliens bring a freedom of spirit and a certainty of intent that immediately sets them out from the current crop of rock stereotypes, referencing the past whilst belonging resolutely to the future.

To complete the line-up, Bulleit Sessions will also host a performance from FOUND, the beloved natives from micro-indie music label, Fence Records, producing self-proclaimed ‘thought-provoking-music-you-can-move-to.’

Whilst enjoying the night at Maggie Mays, guests will have the chance to sample a glass of smoky-smooth Bulleit Bourbon served over ice, with cola or ginger ale.

Two days after the first event, Guitar Shorty will be inviting Glasgow musicians to bring their guitar to take part in a ‘jam-along’ with him. A rare opportunity for guitar aficionados to join musical forces with a renowned artist, Bulleit Jamming looks set to be one of the largest live group musical events Glasgow has ever seen. It takes place on Saturday 12th April at 3pm, Merchant Square, Glasgow. (Please note that participants must be 18 years old or above).

Look out for Bulleit Sessions at locations throughout Glasgow and Edinburgh during April/May/June. Full details on venues, dates and line-up TBC.

Name: BULLEIT SESSIONS
Date: 10TH APRIL 2008
Box Office: Details to follow
Price: £5
Venue: MAGGIE MAYS, 60 TRONGATE, GLASGOW
Doors: 8:30pm
Ends: 3:00am
Live Bands: THE ALIENS, GUITAR SHORTY, FOUND,
DJ: RADIO MAGNETIC / FENCE DJ’S