Innes Sibun at Riffs Bar, Greatfield near Hook on May 31 presented by FaBluSis

9:29am Thursday 28th May 2009

By Flicky Harrison

Two Swindon musicians are aiming to entice some top names in the rocky blues world to Swindon.

Neil Willis guitarist and singer, and Darryl James, drummer, host their first gig this Sunday but their official launch of FaBluSis Promotions, is on US independence day July 4.

The promotions company has already signed up such names as Buddy Whittington, guitarist in John Mayall’s Blues Breakers, American bluesman Coco Montoya and an up and coming star on the blues scene Oli Brown from Norwich. Neil said: “Most people are inclined to think of blues music as old and outdated without realising that modern blues/rock bands include such current household names as The White Stripes, The Black Keys, Seasick Steve and John Mayer.”

FaBluSis Promotions is concentrating on three main venues Riffs Bar, Greatfield near Hook, The 12 Bar, Westcott Place, Swindon, and The Vic, Old Town.

Darryl said: “We both think that blues/rock has to be seen live to be fully appreciated and is best experienced in intimate small to medium-sized venues.”

FaBluSis is also the name of Neil and Darryl’s band. The third member is Ian O’Regan on bass. They have supported a number of bands in the last year including Wishbone Ash, the Dutch band The Backbones, The Waboosh Cannonballs from Chicago and Watermelon Slim and The Workers from Texas.

The guys are also the hosts of a monthly blues night at Riffs Bar where anyone is welcome to turn up and play or sing, either with the house band or with their own musicians. Kicking off their first gig as promoters will be Innes Sibun on Sunday at 8pm at Riffs.

Innes played guitar for Robert Plant on his Fate Of Nation tour in America, Europe and South America.

He also recorded with Robert on his Sixty Six To Timbuktu album, made five of his own albums and has supported Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal, Chris Farlowe, Jools Holland, Dr Feelgood, The Levellers and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Innes will be supported by local band Three Legged Dog on Sunday. Tickets are £7 and £6 in advance. Neil and Darryl are also looking for local bands to support some of the acts they are bringing to town.

On July 4 at Riffs the launch of FabluSis Promotions will include Sam Kelly’s Station House, Blue Radio, Fry, Neil and Darryl in Fablusis and Three Legged Dog. Ticket are £6 in advance and £7 on door.