FROM FRANCE with the sound of Texas come Big Dez as they headline Keighley Blues Club.

The French band will perform at the club’s regular venue, the Keighley Cougars Hall Of Fame, tomorrow. (Mar 6)

Big Dez, regarded as one of the finest European festival bands, are fronted by guitarist and vocalist Phil Fernandez.

A club spokesman said: “They play a mix of great foot tappin’ original tracks, rock ‘n’ roll numbers and classic blues.

“They’ve recorded albums in Texas and toured extensively in the States and Canada where they are regarded as one of the best Euro Texas-style blues bands, knocking spots off many US counterparts.”

Fernandez’s guitar work pays credit to the time he spent in the US playing with the likes of Luther Allison, Lucky Peterson, WC Clark and Billy Branch.

He has also played alongside Texas legend Uncle John Turner – drummer with Johnny Winter and Lightnin' Hopkins – Fabulous Thunderbirds bassist Preston Hubbard and sax virtuoso Sax Gordon.

The spokesman added: “This smiling, larger than life frontman commands the stage, connecting with and drawing in the audience whilst playing exquisite blues licks, paying homage to Albert Collins and Albert King."

The guest at tomorrow’s concert is Harrogate’s hillbilly blues traditionalist, raw and rootsy Howlin’ Mat Partner.

Legend says that Partner tuned his guitar at the crossroads where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil, then roamed the wilderness for a thousand years playing only to the wind and rain.

Reality suggests that hard-rocking boogie blues guitarist Partner has 20 years’ experience touring the pubs, clubs and festivals of England.

Tickets cost £13 by e-mailing bbj21@btinternet.com or calling 01535 600310. Visit www.keighleybluesclub.net for more details.