“Another artist seeking to win UK Blues Federation 2025 Young Blues Artist Of The Year is Tom Davies together with the Emerging Act Of The Year Award - Tom Davies & The Bluebirds. Tom formed the band in 2019 and has been playing the circuit and raising his profile along the way.

I have to say this guy blew me away with a stunning performance. There are some great young developing artists on the blues circuit, most notably Zac Schulze and Tom Davies is right up there.

What sets this young man apart from his contenders is his songwriting credentials. Five of the ten songs performed tonight were self-penned, four of which yet to be recorded or released. Most notably, an instrumental Blues For Greeny as homage to the master Peter Green. Tom released the Devil's Highwater EP in 2024 and I feel an album will be forthcoming in the not too distant future.

Tom slipped in a few covers including an excellent interpretation of Cream's She Walks Like A Bearded Rainbow (SWLABR). I don't recall ever catching anyone covering this. Tom's Bluebirds also excelled all night, the formidable rhythm partnership of Gary Lyons (Drums) and Si Davis (Bass)

Tom was never going to be allowed out of the theatre without an encore and Voodoo Child followed and just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Jack-Austin Despy was invited back on stage and the two talented young men traded solos with B.B. King's The Thrill Is Gone. Approaching my 68th birthday I can honestly say the thrill of experiencing live music certainly hasn't left me and when you have the pleasure of witnessing young artists keeping the blues alive.', it's no wonder”

“They (Tom Davies & The Bluebirds) recently played my Bullfrog Blues Club in Portsmouth, U.K.  and sold it out purely on the strength of their reputation - I've booked them again, obviously!” 

John Roberts Promotor Barking Spider Promotions (UK & Eire)

“I caught a mind blowing performance of Tom Davies & The Bluebirds playing kick-ass blues guitar, just seemingly warming up as they launched into their self written songs that met the quality of any Peter Green, Gary Moore or Stevie Ray Vaughan fans…….”

www.InCommon.co.uk

“Tom is an incredible blues guitarist and singer. The Bluebirds are so damn cool. All together they make an amazingly cool band……..”

Mark Stones, Photographer, Snapagig.

“Just fantastic! Energy and skills playing original music plus cover songs that you know and love. One of the best blues band I’ve seen..”

James Wellham

“What a night to end this year’s festival with everyone up enjoying an up and coming band……”

Wickham Festival 2022 (Ed Coppock).

“I was lucky enough to catch this band in Farnham. I have to say I had no idea what to expect and was totally amazed by their tight performance…… “

Mandy Mander