Ian Siegal – Swagger

This 2007 album continues in the vein of Siegal's critically acclaimed 2005 release "Meat & Potatoes" confirming him as the UK's most charismatic and imaginative Bluesman, and a world-class singer/songwriter. Produced by Matt Schofield, Swagger is a captivating collection of original numbers together with Siegal’esque re-interpretations of songs popularised by John Lee Hooker and Little Richard.

Here's what Ian has to say about the album:

I wanted to put some new songs out there, and also to pay tribute to some of the people who have influenced me over the years. For a long time I have toyed with the idea of covering the Don Covay song I Don't Know What You Got, that was a hit for Little Richard. Thanks to the band's talents it sounded so good While we were recording, that I thought it would be fun to try out Richard's I Can't Believe You Wanna Leave, an out-and-out New Orleans-style R'n'B classic that I've always loved but never had the balls to attempt. It wasn't really meant to end up on the finished album but I just love it too much to leave it out! The Hooker song Groundhog Blues grew out of a groove that Andy and Nik started while we were sound checking for a festival one time, just messing about. I started singing Groundhog Blues. It worked and it has stayed in our set ever since.

I also wanted to record songs by friends who I admire greatly as songwriters and musicians. Horse Dream by Ripoff Raskolnikov grabbed my attention from the first moment I heard the home recording he'd made at his beautiful homestead in the Hungarian countryside. He has an amazing turn of phrase and a unique approach to writing that deserves a much wider audience.

Then there's Let My Love by the fantastic Glaswegian, Big George Ross Watt. Sadly, I've not seen George for many years but his influence stays with me even now, hopefully always will. He's one of the most charismatic frontmen and greatest singers I've ever seen, a true one-off, and a fine songwriter. Come back George and save the UK Blues scene!

Ian Siegal: vocals, guitars, banjo, 'fughazi' mandolin, percussion
Nik Bjerre: drums and percussion
Andy Graham: bass
plus
Jonny Henderson: Hammond organ, Wurlitzer (trks 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Matt Schofield: Guitar (trks 6, 9, 10, 11), Banjo (trk 12)
Martin Lewis: Saxophone (trks 9, 11)
"Big" Pete Van Der Pluym: Harmonica (trk 6)

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