plus support_ Main Venue _
Leon Atkins, better known as Lil’ Jimmy Reed, is the real deal, as will be attested to by anyone who has been privileged to hear his stinging guitar work, gritty vocals and haunting harmonica.
A tall charismatic figure, Lil’ Jimmy is one of the last of a generation of classic blues artists that influenced everyone from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles. His music embodies a raw Louisiana blues tradition that has its roots in the bayous of the Deep South.
Born in the late nineteen-thirties in a shot-gun shack in Hardwood, LA, a small cotton town on a bend in the Mississippi river, Leon grew up near a nightclub where blues stars Slim Harpo and Lightnin’ Slim were frequent visitors. By day he picked cotton and every night he absorbed the sounds of the blues wafting across the street. At six he had his own guitar, made from a cigar box, and by the time he was a teenager he was proficient on both guitar and harmonica, playing local clubs around Baton Rouge. His big break came when the legendary Jimmy Reed failed to make a date at an upscale blues club in Little Rock, Arkansas and Leon got to take his place in the band. He gave a show stopping performance, the crowd loved him, and when, soon after, Jimmy passed away, Leon became Lil’ Jimmy Reed.
Lil’ Jimmy took a break from music to serve his country in the military, but he’s now back playing better than ever. On his return Lil’ Jimmy shared the stage with B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland, and was awarded the Alabama Blues Treasure Award. He has also been named Blues Harmonica Player of the Year by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame and was recently inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame.
Lil’ Jimmy’s European tours in 2013 – 2015 were hugely successful and he has received wild applause and standing ovations as he strolls through the crowds playing and singing his unique brand of down-home blues. His first CD “School’s Out” was rated “Superb” by CD Review
In Lil’ Jimmy’s band, Bob Hall is an award-winning pianist widely regarded as the UK’s finest blues and boogie woogie exponent, having founded several famous British blues bands and played with many world-class bluesmen – John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry and Little Walter, to name just a few. His partner, diminutive dynamo Hilary Blythe, is an outstanding blues and gospel singer and rock steady bassist.
**NEW CD** “Blues In Paradise” Fast Western 003 now available on Amazon
TICKETS
€15 available online from WAV Tickets or Lo-Call 1890 200 078 (1-8pm M-F, 4-8pm Sat)
– 50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet or creditcard bookings. Final ticket price may be higher from other outlets.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.
AFTER THE GIG
Indie & Alternative Dance Party | Drinks Promos | 11pm til 3am or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue – Free Entry via front door until 10:30pm
Whelanslive.com presents
Leon Atkins, better known as Lil’ Jimmy Reed, is the real deal, as will be attested to by anyone who has been privileged to hear his stinging guitar work, gritty vocals and haunting harmonica.
A tall charismatic figure, Lil’ Jimmy is one of the last of a generation of classic blues artists that influenced everyone from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles. His music embodies a raw Louisiana blues tradition that has its roots in the bayous of the Deep South.
Born in the late nineteen-thirties in a shot-gun shack in Hardwood, LA, a small cotton town on a bend in the Mississippi river, Leon grew up near a nightclub where blues stars Slim Harpo and Lightnin’ Slim were frequent visitors. By day he picked cotton and every night he absorbed the sounds of the blues wafting across the street. At six he had his own guitar, made from a cigar box, and by the time he was a teenager he was proficient on both guitar and harmonica, playing local clubs around Baton Rouge. His big break came when the legendary Jimmy Reed failed to make a date at an upscale blues club in Little Rock, Arkansas and Leon got to take his place in the band. He gave a show stopping performance, the crowd loved him, and when, soon after, Jimmy passed away, Leon became Lil’ Jimmy Reed.
Lil’ Jimmy took a break from music to serve his country in the military, but he’s now back playing better than ever. On his return Lil’ Jimmy shared the stage with B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland, and was awarded the Alabama Blues Treasure Award. He has also been named Blues Harmonica Player of the Year by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame and was recently inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame.
Lil’ Jimmy’s European tours in 2013 – 2015 were hugely successful and he has received wild applause and standing ovations as he strolls through the crowds playing and singing his unique brand of down-home blues. His first CD “School’s Out” was rated “Superb” by CD Review
In Lil’ Jimmy’s band, Bob Hall is an award-winning pianist widely regarded as the UK’s finest blues and boogie woogie exponent, having founded several famous British blues bands and played with many world-class bluesmen – John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry and Little Walter, to name just a few. His partner, diminutive dynamo Hilary Blythe, is an outstanding blues and gospel singer and rock steady bassist.
**NEW CD** “Blues In Paradise” Fast Western 003 now available on Amazon