SINGER and guitarist Sunjay is playing the Drax Folk Club in Bere Regis on Tuesday, June 18.

He will perform songs from his new album The Devil Came Calling, his first to include original material in four years.

Recorded near his hometown, Stourbridge in the West Midlands, it features long time producer and multi instrumentalist Eddy Morton, drummer Darren Barnes, bassist Ian Jennings (Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck), Katriona Gilmore, and special guest Dan Walsh.

The new record showcases Sunjay’s trademark blues with a modern-day twist - tinged with elements of folk and country.

Sunjay is pretty much the antithesis of your typical denim clad disheveled folk and blues musician. From his perfectly groomed hair to his spotlessly shining winkle picker boots he walks onto the stage every inch the "city slicker". When Sunjay starts to sing and play the guitar however, you are transported to a world where blues and country music meld seamlessly amidst humid mangrove swamps and red neck barbecues.

Drawing from a rich, musical and cultural background it is hardly surprising that Sunjay has quickly become recognised as one of the UK’s rising stars. His performances have been described as “mature & confident”, while his guitar playing has been hailed as “superb, brilliant, experienced, intricate & faultless”. Sunjay’s style has that natural drift between folk and blues and both camps have recognised his obvious flair. There have been a clutch of award nominations, including winning the Wath Festival Young Performers Award. He also made the final selection for the BBC’s Young Folk Award in 2012, had three nominations at the Exposure Music Awards 2014 and was also recognised by the 2014 British Blues Awards.

An evening with Sunjay is an evening of exquisite blues, country and folk music combined with a master class in guitar playing interspersed with hilarious anecdotes.

*Sunjay, Drax Folk Club, Stable Bar, Drax Arms, West Street, Bere Regis. Tuesday June 18. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £5 in advance and £7 on the door. Contact pipthebasss@btinternet.com to get tickets in advance.

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