Help The Errol Linton Band Go to Memphis

Aim

Help The Errol Linton Band Go to Memphis (and Beyond)

Dear Music Lovers,

THANK YOU for being here, right now, reading this. 

Thank you to every person who has paid to see the band play, everyone who has clicked on a video of the band, those who has purchased an album, streamed a song, and told a friend about Errol Linton … 

… Errol and his band are supremely grateful for every bit of support that has brought his music to this point. 

Errol’s Story:

Errol started busking as a solo harmonica player during his  teenaged years. Errol’s modest aspirations were to “become a back up, a rhythm harmonica player”.  However, he was destined to become much more than that.  

In 1993 legendary BBC producer John Walters spotted Errol busking in Oxford Circus Tube London and recognised his already wonderful ability, talent and potential.  Walters proceeded to make a documentary about the young busker Errol Linton, which was screened on BBCs flagship TV documentary show ‘ARENA’

Young Errol on the BBC

Today Errol is recognised for his kindness, and his humility. For example, his dedication to bringing music to his local community: from free performances for the children at the school at the end of his road, to a free entry weekly Wednesday night residency at the legendary Effra Hall Tavern in Brixton.  

For over 30 years he has busked and gigged tirelessly. Currently, he plays 200+ electrifying gigs a year, across the UK and Europe.  Every ‘day off’ is spent working on his developing his music, administration for his band, and creating magical artwork (Errol is also known for tremendous, emotive painting style).

Indeed, The Errol Linton Band are commonly referred to as ‘The Hardest Working Band in Britain’.

He is recognised by musical elite.  Cerys Matthews is a huge fan and recently told an audience,“these are some of the musicians you’ll get to see in the world … at the moment”.  Piano maestros Jools Holland and Hugh Laurie have been audience members and rate him highly. 

Audiences routinely describe Errol’s band as ‘the best they have ever seen’ … and for good reason. 

Cerys Matthews Praises Errol Linton

Errol is the pioneer of a style of Blues that pays authentic respect to the classic Chicago sound which seamlessly intersects with soulful flavours, reggae and dub.

Every show is played with 100% emotional commitment. 

Every show is truly improvisational and unique.  

His band has a ruthless commitment to musically evolving, and improving.  Most importantly:  the band love doing what they do. Watching them perform with joy is worth the price of admission alone. 

Their capacity to evoke joy, to induce tears of sheer emotion, and bring people to spontaneous dance, is legendary … at least, amongst ‘those who know’. 

Errol has been featured in The Guardian newspaper, had consecutive songs played on Iggy Pop’s BBC radio show, Cerys Matthews and Dave Freeman both regularly play Errol on their radio shows (BBC Blues show and Jazz FM).

He has jammed, performed or recorded with legendary musicians such as: Bo Diddly, Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown, Doctor John, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ernest Ranglin, Joe Bonamassa, Billy Nelson, Howard Tate, Abram Wilson and Henry Gray.

Recently, he kept Mick Jagger in ecstatic dance for an hour and a half at a private party.  Jagger could be heard asking a party host, “wow! … amazing! … where did you get these Cats from?”

Yet … Errol simultaneously remains the UK’s best kept musical secret. 

Errol’s drummer Gary 'Rhythm' Williams and Mick

2024 - A Crucial Year for The Errol Linton Band

2023 was already a big year, with Errol commencing production of his new album.  Then something amazing happened which took things to a different level: he was honoured with the invite to take part in the UK Blues Federation Blues Challenge.  

Every band in the competition was excellent. Errol and his band were delighted and blown away to win the competition.  Having been crowned The UK’s Best Blues band of 2023, the band have been entered in the Memphis International Blues Challenge (January 2024), and the European Blues Challenge in Portugal (April 2024).  This represents an important opportunity to bring Errol and his music beyond, ‘those who know …’ and to the awareness of music fans around the world.

The band are extremely proud and elated to be representing the UK (Blues Federation) in these competitions in conjunction to releasing the exciting new album. 

Both competitions are unpaid opportunities, and it rests with the band to come up with necessary funds for flights, accommodation, living costs, stage outfits, instrument hire etc.

… at time writing, going to see Errol play represents unrivalled value in terms of bang for buck quality of entertainment.  Which means the band needs YOUR help with the costs of participating in these competitions, with the costs of releasing the new exciting album.  

We believe  that the alchemy of combining the competitions, the releasing a new album, and sharing the experience you all via social media, will bring Errol to the awareness of not just ‘those who know’, but the next level toward bringing him to every fan of the Blues and soulful music around the world.

Fundraising Targets:

1) Primary Target - Get Errol to The International Blues Challenge in Memphis

Travel, Accommodation and other Costs for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis: £11000

2) Secondary Target - Get Errol to The European Blues Challenge in Portugal

Travel, Accommodation and other Costs for the European blues challenge in Portugal: £6300

3) Stretch Target - Album Costs 

These include, recording, mixing and mastering costs, physical production costs for vinyl and CDs, costs for promotional content (inclusive of social media and traditional media).  Currently, any band can expect these costs to reach between £10000 - £20000 for a album release.

We have already tracked most of the album at famous Toe Rag Studios (and the band are looking to raise: £9500

In Summary:

International Blues Challenge:£11000

European Blues Challenge: £6300

New Album Costs: £9500

Total: £26800

Thank you for taking time to read this.  If it is not obvious already: Errol is long overdue the appropriate international acclaim and recognition … now is the time to push to the next level. 

More important to that, is to recognise that live in times when so many people are suffering, Errol’s music helps many people by bringing joy, giving solace, and promoting a sense of kindness and togetherness.  His music is more than simply ‘the blues’ … the truth is that his music crosses boundaries, brings people of different ages and social worlds together, and is a spiritual and healing force in this troubled world.  

Now is the time to give everyone and people around the world the opportunity to hear his unique and stunning band play, to feel the healing, and to experience the joy.

Please review the list of benefits, see what suits you and go for it!  Perhaps you just want to donate as generously as is appropriate for your circumstance? … that’s cool too.

If you can’t give money, please share this link, please share Errol’s posts on social media, like, subscribe, tell people friends, family, colleagues and shout from the rooftops.  

Together we can do this … together we can make it happen.

This project successfully funded on 3rd January 2024