Well hello, Big Boy!

ONE of the leading lights on the British rhythm'n'blues scene, Big Boy Bloater and the City Shakers produces an energetic blend of blues, boogie and rock'n'roll that has thrilled audiences around the world for 15 years.

And there'll be a rare opportunity to get down and boogie to the Bloater beat when he arrives at Annabel's tonight for a storming show with band, comprising savage guitar, pounding piano, honking saxes and a rhythm section as powerful as a runaway express train.

Bloater himself has a huge shouter blues voice that has been likened to that of Big Joe Turner, Howlin' Wolf, Wyonie Harris and even Fats Domino, while his wild guitar style is heavily influenced by the early sound of Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Mickey Baker and BB King.

As well as touring major cities all over Europe, the Middle East, USA and Canada, Bloater and his band have made numerous TV and radio appearances, including a week as the house band on Channel 4's Big Breakfast.

They have also recorded two sessions for Paul Jones' Radio 2 Rhythm and Blues Show and most recently a live session for Mark Lamarr's God's Jukebox show on BBC Radio 2.

Bloater regularly appears with leading musicians from the current blues and R&B scene and has played in some of the most famous venues in the world including the World Trade Centre in New York, The Jello Bar in Montreal, The Gold Coast Casino in Las Vegas, the Brown Derby in Hollywood and the Forum and Hammersmith Palais in London.

He is also the guitarist of choice for some of the greatest legends of Fifties music that have visited the UK over the years and modern artists such as Mike Sanchez, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Li'l Rachel and he backed the lovely Imelda May on her first ever UK appearance.

Annabel's is delighted to have Big Boy Bloater and the City Shakers appearing at her club tonight especially as this will be one of his very last gigs for the foreseeable future – he will soon be spending time with Mike Sanchez in the studio.

Doors open at 8.30pm, the show starts at 10pm and there's dancing upstairs until 3am, all for just £5. Call 01752 260555 to reserve a table.