WHEN RIVERS MEET

In October 2023, when British husband and wife artists Grace & Aaron Bond released their latest album ‘Aces Are High’, which they had recorded by the river in the depths of Suffolk, little did they know about the hurricane-strength surge of support that would carry them to become the first Independent Rock/Blues Band to have a Top 10 in the UK Official Album Charts.

The last five years have brought both public and critical acclaim. They were named 'Band Of The Year' for three consecutive years, earning them a spot in the UK Blues Hall of Fame, and the title of 'Best New Band' from the UK's largest rock radio station.

When Rivers Meet have developed a powerful live reputation performing sell-out live shows across two continents, with their last live album entering the UK Official Jazz & Blues Album Chart at #1.

Carving out their songwriting and performance artistry through years of touring before releasing their debut single in 2019, the prolific songwriters have since built an impressive catalogue, including three Studio Albums.

When Rivers Meet are proudly Independent, attending the 2024 BRIT Awards leading the new wave of artists to keep control over creative direction, championing a focus on authenticity in the music industry.

Preparing for the next year with their passion burning bright they continue to work on their next studio album, scheduled for release early 2025.

This will be the 4th appearance by WRM at Alfold… and hopefully, many more to come...

JACKIE LYNTON

JACKIE LYNTON is one of the grand old men of Rock’n'Roll, claiming Ritchie Blackmore, Rick Parfitt, Chas Hodges, and Chris Farlowe among his personal friends. As a performer his career spans seven decades! A young silver suited crooner with a quiff cut his teeth in the clubs of Hamburg in the late 1950s before transforming into the vocalist with The Savoy Brown Blues Band in the 1960’s. By the 70’s Jack was writing songs with Rick Parfitt for Status Quo, and in the eighties he was fronting Diesel – a band formed with John Coghlan, Status Quo’s original drummer. In the nineties Jack dabbled in acting – regularly appearing as an “extra” on Eastenders while at the same time he was forming his current band, which features some faces with great music histories of their own. Bass Guitarist Colin Pattenden was a founder member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band; while the two lead guitars are Chris Bryant who played with Arthur Brown and Mike Windus, one of Britain’s best session musicians; the combo is driven by the drumming of Spud Metcalf, of The Nashville Teens. Look forward to an amazing set of Rock’n'Roll, Blues and the occasional rude joke. Oh, and did I mention that Jack also writes poetry and Children’s stories ?? A man of huge talent, and a born entertainer.

Button text

SOHO DUKES

They won't admit it, but SOHO DUKES are having a whale of a time. For a start, they should all probably be in prison. Alarmingly, though, they're still very much at large, and using the same pubs and bus stops as you and me. 

And, no. There's nothing you can do about it. I've checked.

SOHO DUKES actually started life as a nineteenth century drinking club, when - on a lengthy crawl around the taverns of London's West End - Bomber (bass) and JB (vocals n' that) crossed the weaving paths of COL 'THE DUKE' FOSTER (rhythm guitar) and AGE BLACKWELL (drums). 

Sadly, the steady rise of beer prices and the admission of two more worthy members to the club - SI LEACH (lead guitar) and the enigmatic SWERVE (keys) - increased the cost of a round to unsustainable levels. A change was needed. Col threw a guitar strap over his shoulder and the band was born.

And, no. There's still nothing you can do about it. I've checked that too.

The Dukes have recorded two magnificent albums , 'BAR FIGHTS & TUPPENNY UPRIGHTS' in 2021 and, very recently, 'GOLDEN AGE OF THE BARBER'S CHAIR'. 

Glowing reviews of both the albums and the Dukes' boisterous live gigs have drawn comparisons with Rolling Stones, Small Faces, Heavy Metal Kids, Mott The Hoople, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, even the Sex Pistols. Such a varied list suggests there's something truly original going on here. So why not grab yourself an earful and join the fun. What's the worst that can happen?

Don't answer that.

 

Button text

THE TRUE DECEIVERS

Since 2003, the True Deceivers have been developing their own distinctive brand of roots rock and Americana, mixing fiddles, mandolins and guitars with high energy arrangements and tight vocal harmonies, and incorporating a growing catalogue of original songs. Their unique style has been forged from their earlier work with much loved bands such as Eat the Sofa, the Blazing Homesteads and Plenty, and this good-time feel has quickly made the True Deceivers regular favourites at festivals across the UK.

Our ‘A New Day’ festival buddies for many years, we are delighted to welcome them for the very first time to Alfold.

​True Deceivers - a New Chapter…

On 8 March 2022, our dear friend and bandmate Dee Coley passed away after a short illness. Dee had been a hugely important part of the True Deceivers since 2006, and his musical association with Graham, Nick, Jamie and Rupert stretched back over more than 30 years. His unique style, personality and humour will be forever remembered.

After a period of reflection and soul searching, Graham, Nick and Rupert took the decision that it was important for the band to continue. Jamie had signalled some time previously that he was planning to “retire” from playing. Having been an integral part of the band since the start providing a rock solid rhythm section with Dee we hope Jamie will join us from time to time in the future. Replacing Jamie as The True Deceivers’ permanent drummer is the band’s good friend and not infrequent dep Jay Williamson. New bassist Richard “Deck” Miguda is also an old friend of the band, having played with Graham and Jay in Plenty during the 1990s. Deck had been part of the very first incarnation of the True Deceivers in 2003 before stepping back owing to other commitments, so it is a delight to welcome him back!

Following the release in 2019 of the long-awaited third album “My Own Highway”, new songs are now taking shape for future recording and live performance. As always, they will be mixing fiddles, mandolins and guitars with high energy arrangements and tight vocal harmonies and blending their growing catalogue of original songs with a few well-chosen cover versions.

FMOB

A collection of vagabonds, reprobates, scaramouches and ne’er-do-wells, refugees from various other bands that will entertain you with a banging set of rock covers, featuring the superb vocals of Sam Clayton, the coolest pub landlord in the UK. (Malt Shovel, Horsham, if you’re wondering).