Billy Branch is a fire-kissed harp-playing protegé of blues greats Willie Dixon and Big Walter Horton. For over 40 years he’s been one of the most sought after harp players of Chicago blues. He brings along his dynamic group “Sons Of Blues”.
Billy Branch, hca & voc
Giles Corey, g & voc
Ariyo, keyb & voc
Ari Seder, b
Dionte Skinner, dr
Exclusive in Switzerland!
Billy Branch isn't from the South. Billy was born in Chicago in 1951 and was raised in Los Angeles. He first picked up a harmonica at the age of ten and at around 18, Billy returned to Chicago and was introduced to the Blues. He learned from such stalwart harmonica players like Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell. He made his first recording for “Barrelhouse Records” and began to work as harp player in “Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All-Stars”. During this time, Billy formed the “Sons Of Blues” (S.O.B.s) featuring musicians who where the sons of famous blues artists. The original “S.O.B.s” consisted of Billy, Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon and Garland Whiteside. They recorded for Alligator Record's Grammy-nominated “Living Chicago Blues” sessions, and Billy has been a regular studio player. Since those early days, Billy has played on over 300 different recordings including 15 albums under his own name. Billy has recorded with Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Keb' Mo, Lou Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Honeyboy Edwards, Syl Johnson, Lurrie Bell, Ronnie Baker Brooks, John Primer, and Taj Mahal, just to name a few. Billy has three Grammy Award nominations. Because Billy's Blues credentials include dozens of years spent working side-by-side with many of Chicago's illustrious Blues musicians of years gone by, he is considered an ambassador of Chicago Blues. Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues (SOBs) celebrated their fortieth anniversary by headlining the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival. The Sons of Blues have made over 250 international tours, sharing the cultural legacy of the Blues around the world.
Concerts
Tue. 31.05. - Sat. 04.06.2022
1st Concert 7:30 p.m.
(Doors 7:00 p.m.)
2nd concert 10:00 p.m.
(Doors 9:30 p.m.)
Venue
Marians Jazzroom
Admission
One Concert CHF 48.-
Both Concerts CHF 72.–