Chris Beard (CD Release Party) & James Oliver (UK Guitar Phenom)

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Chris Beard (CD Release Party) & James Oliver (UK Guitar Phenom)

Friday, September 15

Show: 8p | Doors: 7p

Tickets: $20

'Pass It On Down' slated for worldwide release on September 15, 2023

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - eMusicWire -- Blue Heart Records is pleased to announce the signing of second generation bluesman, Chris Beard. Raised in the company of veteran bluesmen including Buddy Guy and the late Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Beard bridges the generations with his approach to the blues. Pass It on Down, Beard's sixth career album and Blue Heart Records debut, features his father, Rochester Music Hall of Famer, Joe Beard.

Chris Beard was born in Rochester, New York in 1957, where he literally grew up in the "house of blues." By age 6, Beard could pick "Green Onions" on the guitar. By age 15, he was playing regularly with his father's band and other local R&B groups. Connecting feelings to his music was ingrained in Chris at a young age and has yielded the intense emotional expression he shares in both recorded and live performances. As a second-generation artist, Beard understands his role in shaping a fresh sound that appeals to the younger audiences of today. Never straying too far from the traditional I-IV-V progressions, he speaks musically through his own unique and contemporary style.

"It's been quite some time since I last worked with Chris, when he was on NorthernBlues Music back in the early 2000's," says Betsie Brown, Blue Heart Records partner. "I am delighted Sallie and I get the opportunity to present his latest offering featuring father and son."

"I'm thrilled to join the Blue Heart Records family, which has enabled me to share Pass It On Down with all the blues fans that expect the very best from 'The Prince of the Blues,' says Beard. "I am eternally grateful to God, my dad and family, my bandmates and everyone that made this recording possible. Pass It On Down is undoubtedly my strongest recording to date as I hit my stride as a second generation bluesman."

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UK Guitar Phenom, James Oliver, will be making a stop at the Legendary Knickerbocker Music Center during his second US tour on Friday, September 15th. Oliver plays a raucous and high-energy blend of Blues, Rockabilly and Rock n Roll. He was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2020 UK Blues Awards and tours all corners of the world, playing 305 shows last year in Ireland, France, Belgium, Scotland, England, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Wales and the USA.

James Oliver's YouTube channel has nearly 20,000 subscribers with over 10 million views. He's been features in dozens of music publications worldwide and has been called "The best guitarist in the UK" by legendary studio producer John Leckie (Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Sammy Hagar, etc)

Below are links to his website, live videos, as well as his "Live in the USA" album, which was recorded at his American debut concert on 9/4/22 in front of 300+ fans at Carter Farm in Marlborough, CT.