Lee’s Blues takes as it’s starting point from the playing and performing style of the mid-century American folk blues artists with particular reference to Big Bill Broonzy, a long admired and influential performer for Oliver Darling.

Oliver has been performing solo acoustic shows for years up and down the UK, plus many as a Trio, often in the company of drummer Dean Beresford and upright bass player Al Gare. Sets comprising classic delta blues, upbeat fingerpicking folk blues and their successors rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. Now Darling has poured all that experience into eleven new recordings creating a debut solo album, eight of which are self penned.

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Recorded by Oliver using a process which bounced all tracks via analogue tape has bestowed upon the album a genuine warmth suiting the material, and what results is a set of vintage styled songs with a strong contemporary energy and sonic aura.

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Old cohorts Beresford and Gare guest on one number, as do violinist Bob Loveday and pianist Joe Glossop, with additional space given to new trio members Rollo Markee on harmonica/vocals and drummer Rob Pokorny. Oliver himself let’s loose on Dobro and his Gibson ES120 whilst providing the main backing on his trusted and gig-worn 1973 Martin 000-28 acoustic.