John Fairhurst truly epitomises the modern day wandering blues man. Stories of hunger, listlessness, roaming and reckless abandon are just a prelude to John’s story, something that can only be fully understood in the presence of the man. His magnetic raconteur style and guitar skills spurred him on to tour the globe and entertain crowds at illustrious festivals such as SXSW and Glastonbury to name but a few; his enigmatic stories relayed through his trademark howling vocals; think Captain Beefheart meets Tom Waits.
Introduced to Sarod Master K. Sridhar at the age of 5 when he stayed with his family, John’s music has a distinctly eastern feel, with influences from Shridar as well as through his own travels through Asia. With bottle-neck style blues referencing the likes of Son House and Bukka White and traces of the fingerpicking of John Fahey. All mixed with a dash of psychedelic 60’s rock laden with Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and the ever present influence of Sridhar and Indian raga; John’s music is a real melting-pot of diverse musical traditions freely hand picked tunes from the Mississippi to the Ganges.
It’s safe to say that John Fairhurst’s music is making some serious inroads in film soundtracks on productions big and small, the rock blues singer has spent his recent time brushing shoulders with celebrities and performing songs for a future Hollywood Blockbuster film.
Script writer Sebastian Street and film director Martha Pinson (The Departed, Aviator, Wall Street, Shutter Island) have handpicked John’s music to appear in Martin Scorsese’s new production ‘Tomorrow’ which is set for release in 2016. John has even managed to get himself a cameo in the film.
This isn’t the first venture into film for the John, six of his tracks are featured in the recently released film ‘The Beat Beneath My Feet’ which was exhibited at the Raindance Film Festival. Here is one of his songs ‘No Shelter’ from the film’s trailer:
Support on the night will come from local favourite and rising star Jamie Brewer.
The Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open beforehand for delicious food and drinks.