About BEN POOLE (UK) (Official website: www.benpooleband.com ) Inspired by the Blues, infused with a hard hitting, “in-yer-face” rock approach and topped-off by virtuoso musicianship, Ben Poole is being talked of as “the” new up-and-coming UK Blues guitarist; one of the finest to have emerged in Europe for years. Having already played with, and received critical acclaim from some of his heroes; legendary blues artists including Jeff Beck, Gary Moore and John Mayall, at just 22 years of age it appears that there is no stopping this young and incredibly gifted musician. His latest recordings reinforce this and make it blatantly clear that Ben is destined for a great future on the European Blues/Rock scene. Source: Official website: www.benpooleband.com The past year has been an extremely exciting one for Ben, seeing his name crop up regularly in Europe’s biggest selling guitar magazine ‘Total Guitar’ who recently named Ben as “the guitarist to watch out for in 2010”. Ben has realised a life long dream to play with one of his favourite living musicians – US guitarist/singer/songwriter Richie Kotzen, touring with him on Richie’s October 2009 UK tour. On the back of the success of this tour Ben will be the sole support act for Richie Kotzen when he returns to play the 02 Academy Islington (formerly The Carling Academy) in London in June. In the past year Ben has also had the privilege of jamming on stage with two of his other heroes; Jeff Beck and Gary Moore. Besides Ben’s own solo career, he also makes time to tour extensively around the UK as lead guitarist with ‘Ruf Records’ blues artist Dani Wilde. In the past 9 months alone the group have toured in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, France, The Canary Islands and Germany as well as extensively around the UK, making appearances at festivals such as Maryport Blues Festival in Cumbria (supporting John Mayall and The Blues Band), Fricktaler Blues Festival in Switzerland, Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales and Rhythm Festival in Milton Keynes. 2010 will see Ben Poole and his band playing regularly across the UK and playing some of the biggest festivals in Europe. Ben will be the only unsigned blues roots artist to ever play at the ‘Download’ festival in Donnington Park in June, playing alongside artists including Aerosmith, AC-DC and Rage Against The Machine. Ben has recently been recording with Dani Wilde on her highly anticipated second album, working with legendary British blues producer Mike Vernon (Eric Clapton/Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac/John Mayall/Buddy Guy). QUOTES: “F***ing amazing! I loved his playing…I really loved his playing!” -Jeff Beck “A Really great player!” -Gary Moore “ Unbelievable! It’s very refreshing to hear someone in today’s time who reminds me of the guys who inspired me when I was young. He’ll be a household name someday for sure…Amazing!” -Richie Kotzen “Ben really brings the fire with his licks. He’s got neck-snapping vibrato where he catches a bunch of strings at once and grinds the shit out of them. By the way he hits the guitar, we can only assume it’s been saying rude things about his mother! Ben impressed with his tone, touch and stage presence. Ben Poole: the next Joe Bonamassa?” -’Total Guitar’ magazine “A fleet fingered and talented newcomer to the British blues scene. His playing may be ferocious but he rarely sacrifices precision for it. His phrasing belies his years. Definitely one to watch.” -’Guitarist’ Magazine “This is a young man to look out for as he is no doubt a rising talent and should be supported when he comes to a local venue.” -’Blues Matters’ Magazine “Very good. A really fresh sound and style!” -Paul Jones (BBC Radio 2) “Great tracks, great guitar and vocal live…one great special player!” -Bernie Torme (Ozzy Osbourne, Ian Gillan/Deep Purple) “Blues Extravaganza! The guitar sounds were impeccable, the timing was beyond reproach and there was evidence of dynamic awareness throughout…This was no “lazy” blues offering – Ben managed to sneak in everything from country licks to Satriani-style legato widdling, yet this was never to the detriment of the overall musicality of the performance. Nice!” -Guthrie Govan Source: Official website: www.benpooleband.com