Up until 2002, Oli Brown had never picked up a guitar, yet by 2006 (at just 16) he had toured in America, TWICE, supported Blues royalty such as Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Taj Mahal, shared the stage with Walter Trout, Paul Jones and even the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers. Such hallowed connections only serve to reaffirm the belief, that for many, Oli is the most promising Blues man to emerge from Britain in a long time. Not only a guitar prodigy but also a singer, songwriter and consummate performer. This is a young man who shows total dedication to the genre he loves. In late 2006, whilst playing at jam sessions, Oli met Simon Dring, a superb drummer and Fred Hollis, a highly talented bass player. It was during these sessions, finding that not only did they get on well musically, but also as friends, that Oli asked both Fred and Simon to join him as The Oli Brown Band. Paul Jones saw and heard the potential and invited The Oli Brown Band, to do a live session for his BBC Radio 2 show. The session was aired May 14 and received rave reviews. Oli went back to the States in July and August of 2007 (guesting with the American Blues band, Blinddog Smokin’) there he hit the Mid West with his young British Blues and added yet more fans to his growing list. Ecstatic reviews, both here and in America, only go to show that this young British Blues boy has the potential for a great future. The Oli Brown Band was selected by Blues in Britain to perform at the 24th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Oli and his band were the ONLY UK act to be chosen to represent Britain at this prestigious event !! Whilst in Memphis, in January 2008, Oli was invited to record at Ardent Studios by John Fry, the founder of Ardent, not only to cut a couple of tracks, but also to record a live session for their “Ardent Session”. An honour indeed and not taken for granted by Oli. The Oli Brown Band session attracted 1.4 million (yes, 1.4 MILLION) “hits” in three weeks ! Oli signed to the major Blues label, Ruf Records, in January 2008 and has been in the studio, with Fred and Simon, putting down the tracks for his first official album, which has a release date being suggested as May 2008. More UK gigs, including supporting artists such as Johnny Winter, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and Buddy Whittington, a European tour and a return to the States beckon during 2008, The Oli Brown Band has a busy time ahead ! At an Oli Brown Band gig you get a powerful collection of original tracks, interspersed with a number of fine classic Blues numbers interpreted the Oli Brown Band way. Haven’t seen Oli perform ? Here are some comments from people that have, “a great talent” John Mayall “Oli is MY hero” Walter Trout “East Anglian whiz kid not to be missed” Paul Jones (Manfred Mann, The Blues Band, BBC Radio 2 ) “Oli is the most promising Blues man to emerge from Britain for a long time” Blues Matters magazine “a lot of fire and passion” Aynsley Lister “he PLAYS the Blues” Otis Grand “more soulful and rhythmically creative than a Zulu war drummer !” Elmore (American music magazine.) “a great band, the BEST we have worked with” Devon Allman (son of Greg Allman) “the real deal” Blues in Britain magazine Oli is encouraging ALL ages to come to his gigs, none go away unhappy, but all want more ! Oli’s website, HYPERLINK "www.olibrownband.co.uk"www.olibrownband.co.uk has some great video coverage of his performances with his own band, Walter Trout, Aynsley Lister and, of course, with the Godfather himself, John Mayall ! The site will also tell you about his forthcoming gigs and other updates on this rising star. Oli, Fred and Simon are really looking forward to returning to Tenby for the Blues Festival, and hope that you can make it too.