On Tuesday 25th February Boisdale of Bishopsgate launched of the Speakeasy Blues Bar in association with Aberfeldy Malt Whisky & Yamaha Music London.
Notable musicians who attended the launch party included: Glen Matlock formerly of the Sex Pistols, Earl Slick formerly David Bowie’s lead guitarist, Omar, Mica Paris, Dennis Greaves of Nine Below Zero and Tony Momrelle.
The illustrious singer, actor, harmonica player, radio personality and television presenter Paul Jones who has presented The Blues Show on BBC Radio 2 for thirty-two years launched the evening and introduced a handpicked line up of revered musicians including: harmonica wizard from Brixton and three times winner of the British Best Harmonica Player of the Year Blues Awards Errol Linton; gifted New Orleans’s born jazz and blues songstress Acantha Lang; British blues guitar hero Marcus Bonfanti and London blues scene stalwarts Dust Me Down Blues and Blue The Bear.
Taking place at Boisdale of Bishopsgate’s restaurant and music venue, the evening was a feast for the eyes, ears and the palate with invited guests enjoying The Golden Dram Aberfeldy cocktails on arrival followed by a three-course New Orleans inspired dinner and delicious wines, and then more Aberfeldy 12 Single Malt Whisky to finish.
Boisdale of Bishopsgate opened in The City of London in 2002 and since its conception featured live music every night in the traditional Piano Bar on the lower ground floor presented by top British performers influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Dr John, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, BB King, Nina Simone, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Witherspoon to name a few.
The launch of the Speakeasy Blues Bar continues the tradition of live music entertainment at the Boisdale venue and serves an increasingly growing blues audience of East London.
Boisdale managing director Ranald Macdonald said, “The blues has been at the heart of all popular music since the early 20th century and over the last twenty years Boisdale has always been proud to stage the blues across all our venues. Now with the launch of The Speakeasy Blues Bar for the first time we will be focussed on purely curating the best live blues in London every night at Boisdale of Bishopsgate.”