Aynsley Lister painting the town blue

Blues rock fans have the chance to check out a leading light in the British music scene when guitarist-singer Aynsley Lister performs at two West Midland venues.

When Classic Rock magazine recently put together a list of the top 10 blues rock artists ready to take the genre to the next level there was only one British or European contender - Aynsley Lister.

Leicester-based Lister brings his band to Lichfield Guildhall this Friday, February 20, and to the Robin 2 in Bilston on Wednesday, April 22.

Tickets for Lichfield cost £12 (£11 concessions) and for Bilston are £10 in advance and £12 on the night.

Drawing comparisons with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa, Lister is about to release his sixth studio album, Equilibrium, which covers a broad spectrum from highly melodic rock songs to blues workouts and heartfelt acoustic set pieces, including an acoustic version of Gnarls Barkley's hit Crazy.

Highlighting a performer who brings a modern edge to the blues rock arena, Mojo magazine wrote of Lister: "There is no English guitarist with more vivid musical ideas," while Classic Rock raved: "He's got the chops, the looks and the songs."

Photo by Richard Ecclestone.

More information at the official Aynsley Lister website - www.aynsleylister.co.uk