One of the island’s best-known blues guitarists is picking up the fight to save blues and country folk with his new album.

John Gregory, who performs under the name ’Blue John’ is to release his second mid-length album, ’Country Blues Crusader’, this week.

Released on the Southern Summer record label, ’Country Blues Crusader’ is a seven-track album, filled with John’s version of country blues classic tunes by legendary songwriters such as Mississippi John Hurt, Elizabeth Cotten, Rev Gary Davis and Big Bill Broonzy.

’The music of these musical pioneers has had such a wonderful and profound impact on my life,’ said John.

’I love the beauty of the finger-picking guitar style this music features, plus the poetic lyrics and the great stories they tell.’

The album also features liner notes written by Blues historian Dr Phil Radcliffe

’I am thrilled that my dear friend Dr Phil has written the notes for the album,’ he said.

’The title of the album is inspired by Phil’s notes, where he stated that "John has influenced a new generation of his guitar students and his audiences by introducing them to this wonderful music. Long may he continue his crusade".’

’Country Blues Crusader’ was recorded at Ballagroove studios, as was his first release, ’Ballablues’, which came out last year.

by Mike Wade

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