Mumbles Mostly Blues and Jazz Festival

Earl Thomas & The Kings of Rhythm

Singer Earl Thomas grew up in rural Tennessee and was a British rock’n’roll fan. “I’ve always thought of the blues as a collaborative art form,” says Thomas, whose lineage is rooted in the blues and gospel traditions of the American South.

Where: Festival Pavilion
When: Saturday 1st May
Time: 7.30–9.15pm (followed by the Ana Popovic Band, 9.45–11.30pm)

Earl Thomas had never picked up a microphone in his life until he was nearly killed falling into a broken glass-filled ravine. When he regained consciousness, he reflected on his disappointment at not having pursued his dream of becoming a singer, and resolved to do just that if he survived.

He’s been doing just that for two decades, tapping into the spirit that created the classic R&B/soul sound. His voice is smooth and gutsy, backed invariably by crisp, tight musicians. The real indication of his talent is the power of his voice and the way his best songs, such as ‘Nothing Left to Lose’ and ‘The Way She Shakes That Thang’, show his knack for crafting memorable contemporary blues songs.

The last major outing of his band, the Kings of Rhythm, was backing the late, great Ike Turner. If you've heard about Ike and his little ways, then trust us – these guys can definitely play their instruments!