EXCITING young musician Laurence Jones will play a guitar-fuelled finale at this year’s Lyme Regis Jazz & Blues Weekend.

Blues guitar-slinger and multi award-winner Laurence, who has been taking the British blues scene by storm, is interrupting his European tour especially to play the Lyme Regis festival, which runs from May 27 to 30.

He was voted Best European Guitarist 2015 at the European Blues Awards and Young Artist Of The Year 2014 and 2015 at the British Blues Awards.

Dubbed as the natural successor to Hendrix and Clapton, Laurence Jones brings a fresh and innovative style of playing the blues not seen since the likes of Rory Gallagher or John Mayall.

His powerful, percussive and pulsating performances are exciting audiences around the UK and Europe in a relentless touring schedule.

Having served his apprenticeship by supporting the legendary Walter Trout last year, Laurence is now consolidating his position as the most important young blues star to emerge in Britain for decades.

With three acclaimed albums already under his belt, his fourth album, recorded with producer, Mike Vernon, the man behind the desk with John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Peter Green and David Bowie is soon to be released.

In between touring, Laurence helps to raise awareness and funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when 18.

Festival-goers are being encouraged to make donations to the charity when buying tickets.

Festival organiser Julie Sheppard said: “With his clutch of awards, acclaimed recordings and extensive schedule of performances, Laurence Jones is now claiming his rightful status as the “one to watch” in blues rock.

“This is a chance to see Laurence in an intimate venue before he starts playing those large stadia which are surely beckoning. His shows are explosive, exhilarating and full of energy. I can’t think of a more fitting finale for our festival.”

n Laurence will be performing at the Marine Theatre on Sunday May 29 from 7.30pm. See lymeregisfazzfestival.co.uk