Early in 2000, the Canadian blues expert Johnny V recorded an album in Riga together with the Latvian Blues Band, and that was followed by a major concert tour of Canada that stretched from Toronto all the way to Calgary. This is seen as the beginning of the band’s career.

The Latvian Blues Band has appeared in Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Croatia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Russia, Belarus, the United States, Canada, Egypt and many places more. It has taken part in major European blues festivals such as Euro Jazz in Athens, Sierre Blues in Switzerland, Narcao Blues in Sardinia, and countless other ones.

When you combine B.B. and the Blues Shacks, one of Europe’s most respected blues bands, with Bonita Niessen, one of South Africa’s most soulful singers, you get one of the most stunning records of the year.

The musical craftsmanship of the Arlt brothers, Andreas on guitar and Michael on vocals and harmonica, brings a deepseated love and respect of American blues and soul. By adding the world-class vocals of Bonita Niessen, they found the perfect voice to explore the connections between blues and soul that existed in the 1950s.

Since its inception dated back to 2002 they visited almost all countries in Europe and some on other continents. In their achievements they have already three studio albums and the concerts they play are great success wherever they go.

They toured alongside many stars (as a support or back-up band) such as: Shakin’ Stevens, Ray Manzarek (The Doors), Eric Burdon (The Animals), Chris Barber, Phil Guy, Studebaker John, James Harman, Rod Piazza, Big Bill Morgenfield, John Clifton, Mike Sanchez, Ana Popovic and many more.

Grey & The BlueSpand er for alvor ved at bide sig fast hos musikelskere med hang til groovy og funky blues. Senest er bandet gået viralt på Facebook med live-videoen ”Grab’em by the elbow”. Langt over en halv million views er det allerede blevet til, og det strømmer til med fans fra ind- og udland. Fusionen af blues, soul, funk, r´n´b etc. giver bandet deres sound og et afvekslende udtryk. Det unikke og kreative sammenspil har ført til CD udgivelsen ”Lotta Love”, der allerede har skabt stor opmærksomhed blandt branchefolk og radiostationer i USA, Europa, Canada og Australien mm. Bandet har stor live-erfaring fra både Danmark og Tyskland, hvor de har flere tournéer bag sig. Sidste år var et af trækplastrene på Eutin Bluesfest Chris Grey & The BlueSpand.

Chris Grey – Lead vokal/guitar, Kasper Lauersen – Bas/vokal, Lars Frimodt-Møller – Trommer/vokal

The rockabilly band from Latvia - The Swamp Shakers

Vocal, Drums - Kārlis Paukšte (Mr. Splash) Bass, Back Vocal - Anna Andersone (Hurricane Annie) Guitar, Backvocal - Mārcis Liepiņš (Magic Marc)