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This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
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Clare Free is one of the fastest rising stars on the blues circuit. After playing piano for several years she took up guitar at 17. Within 2 years she had recorded her first EP and a year later turned pro. Her first band to see any level of success was ‘Misdemeanor’ where the line up included Matt Schofield, Constance Redgrave and Maurice McElroy, now of The Spikedrivers. (both Matt and The Spikedrivers have both previuosly appeared at Bullfrog Blues Club gigs). After a while, Clare left to set up her own band. She also jammed with Larry Garner at the Lugano Blues Festival in Switzerland, did some trio gigs with Dana Gillespie in India and was the opening act for three weeks at the Mustique Blues Festival. A year later, Clare was asked to join the nine piece band " 99 lbs", but motherhood beckoned, and Clare had enforced lay off for two years. Then she was back on the road. and soon recorded the album ‘Be Who You Are’. Setting about finding the perfect band members for a great blues band, outstanding blues drummer Pete Hedley was an obvious choice (he’d also played on “Be Who You Are”), and their mutual friend, the exceptional rhythm guitarist Matt Allen, was also picked. Pete introduced Clare to bass player Dave Evans, who came from a funk background - an ideal addition to Clare’s funky blues sound - brought the Clare Free Band together. In August 2010, the EP 'How It Is' was recorded and released to massive critical acclaim. It is a reflection of how the band sounds live and has been twice award nominated both for the People’s Music Award and for the British Blues Awards. Also, all four songs on the EP reached the top ten in the blues chart with international distributor CD Baby. The Clare Free Band are working on the material for the next album now, due for release in late 2011. Its' blues all the way, but blues with a twist, its blues for the new generation. You can see THE CLARE FREE BAND at The Bullfrog Blues Club at The N.B.E.C.S.A. Club (a.k.a.The Dockyard Club), Onslow Rd, Southsea, PO5 2NH, on Thursday September 8th. You can see THE CLARE FREE BAND at The Bullfrog Blues Club at The N.B.E.C.S.A. Club (a.k.a.The Dockyard Club), Onslow Rd, Southsea, PO5 2NH, on Thursday September 8th. Doors open at 8 p.m. .Tickets are £10 on the door BUT... advance tickets are just £8 - (no booking fee) available via Paypal on our secure website, www.barkingspider.abelgratis.com, or in person during shop hours from "Saraband", Goldsmith Ave., Southsea (next to the petrol station), The N.B.E.C.S.A. Club is a great 150 + capacity venue, with a proper stage, a well stocked bar at club prices. It’s only two minutes (around 700 yards) from our old venue, South Parade Pier. Using the Pier as a starting point.... Head west on South Parade, and after less than 100 yards take the first right into Clarendon Rd. After a short while you’ll come to a roundabout. Go straight on (Burgoyne Road is on the left, Waverley Rd on the right - there’s a night club on the corner). After about 500 yards Onslow Rd is on the left. The N.B.E.C.S.A. Club is in Onslow Road, about 50 yards on the right.