One of the island’s well-known blues guitarists is to release a new recording before heading out on tour with a world-renown American blues maestro.

John Gregory, who plays under the stage name of ’Blue John’, is set unveil a new 8-track album before embarking on a 12-date UK tour, opening up for the finger-picking bluesman Toby Walker, who is touring the UK for the first time in several years.

The tour will begin with a date at the wonderfully-named Bullfrog Blues Club in Southsea before coming to the island for two dates, playing at the Laxey Institute on Saturday, September 14, and the Erin Arts Centre, in Port Erin, on Sunday, September 15.

The tour will then take John, an aficionado of the delta blues, across the UK with shows in England and Wales, culminating with a date at the Colour House Theatre in London on Thursday, September 26.

This will be John’s third UK support tour in as many years, following spells on the UK blues scene playing with fellow finger picker Ari Eisinger, in 2017, and playing alongside the Erin Harpe Country Blues duo, from Boston, USA, last year.

’I am delighted to be going on tour with Toby,’ said John.

’He is well known for his incredible guitar playing, amazing live performances and storytelling.

’This will be my third British Isles tour and I find being on the road hugely enjoyable.

’But what I also enjoy is bringing all these international artists to the Isle of Man.

’They are always impressed by our great small venues and enthusiastic audiences.’

John will also release his latest album in time for the tour.

The collection of traditional blues and folk songs is titled ’Ballablues’, and was recorded by producer Gypo Buggane at the Ballagroove studios in Ballasalla.

The album will be released later in they year, and will be released on the UK blues label Southern Summer records, alongside legendary bluesman Duck Baker.

Tickets for Toby Walker’s Isle of Man shows are £15 each, with £2 for under 18s for the Erin Arts Centre show and are available from etickets.im/bjm

Both shows start at 7.30pm.

Toby is also holding a guitar workshop in Douglas on September, 15.

More details are available by emailing [email protected]