BLUES and Roots music returns to the Willow Tree in Riddlesden on April 8 with the latest gig organised by Ben Blue Waters.

The singer-songwriter will as usual start the evening off at 8pm with footstomping blues and boogie.

The headliners are Chris James and Martin Fletcher, following a set by Leeds singer-songwriter Fran Minney.

Ben said: “Chris is an award-winning songwriter, and an accomplished guitarist.

“His lively, rhythmic songs are embellished by a wall of sound from harmonica player Martin, who plays authentic delta and Chicago styles with a passion.”

Chris and Martin first met when booked to play solo sets of their own music at the same venue.

They liked each other’s music and gradually started working together, notably reaching the final of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues in 2013.

They have recorded and released two independently-made EPs consisting mostly of their own songs, and in 2014 they were invited to write and perform music for a BBC Radio 4 documentary.

Ben said: “Leeds singer-songwriter Fran Minney tells stories, singing of her experiences and the wild forces of emotions and nature.

“Fran is bringing audiences folk-pop with a soulful twist, as well as moments of raw emotion felt through alternative rock influences.”

Fran won the award for Leeds Young Music Video 2015 with the video for her song The Chase, the title track of her debut EP Leaving Our Bodies.

She was awarded single of the month by The Crack magazine.