BLUES etc: From Southampton, Hampshire. Chris Collins: guitar, vocals Steve Stares: bass Elrad Matthews: drums Right: Steve Stares at "The Favourite" London, August 14 '98 Photo © Vanja Fridhammar

"BLUES etc are a Southampton based Blues Trio, consisting of Guitar, Electric Bass and Drums. Their style draws mainly on Chicago Blues, but they also diversify to the sounds of Texas and West Coast Blues.

Their repertoire is a combination of covers and self penned material, with one of their recent numbers having been recorded by American "Zydeco King" C.J Chenier on his latest Alligator release "The Big Squeeze".

The band are by no means newcomers, and have been working together for the past 3 years, consistently gigging around the UK, as well as holding down Friday night residencies in their home town of Southampton. For the last 3 years Blues etc have also been Bob Pearce’s chosen backing band and have solidly backed him on his British and European dates.

Members of the band have also had the opportunity to back or support many major American Blues artists including Billy Boy Arnold, Sonny Rhodes, Koko Taylor, Magic Slim and John Primer."