Redfish Blues Band

Redfish are a blistering UK based blues band, starting a new chapter in 2021, headed by the talented and highly-acclaimed singer/ guitarist Christian Sharpe.

With influences such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Dr John, Albert, Freddie and B.B. King, the band have developed a delicious, bubbling gumbo of blues, soul, and funk with live performances defined by a swirling dynamic energy (and restraint) and the visibly obvious delight of personal interaction, in the moment, between five performers at the top of their game.

Christian Sharpe, formerly of The Rhythm Doctors, the King Bees and The Deluxe heads Redfish Blues Band, he is the consummate master of improvisation and dynamics. He can turn the simplest of songs into masterpieces of the art form, facilitating every musician in the moment’s performance for an audience’s delight. In his own words, and this is vital, “we serve the genre”.

The Redfish Blues Band was formed, like the very best often are, by old friends.

Border-based Rod Mackay (bass) originally brought together his fellow ex-“The Deluxe” Cumbrian guitar virtuoso Martin McDonald with Dumfries and Galloway local hero Sandy Sweetman (drums), the mesmerisingly unique Fraser Clark (keys) and highly-respected Scots lyricist/ singer Stumblin’ Harris. ​

Blues Matters Magazine observed “The chemistry in this band is like no other.”

Specifically, the “Blues Jam at The Old Fire Station” was co-conceived by the Redfish BB in late 2017, and has continued as a sustainable and massively popular performing arts event ever since. A Carlisle-based live showcase for emerging talent, backed by the band,  in the finest regional venue. An entire community of friends has formed around it, in the best tradition of the genre. “Songs From The Fire Station” (2021) captures the essence of the electric and infectious atmosphere.

Together with their EP releases, the original iteration of the band is essentially distinguished by its all-originals full album “Souls” of 2019. A musically diverse work, described, fittingly, as “beautifully arranged, glorious, genre-busting” by Blues In Britain Magazine. “A breath-taking musical extravaganza.”

But blues, at the end of the day, is essentially about the ride of life, and life throws you curve balls. Due to his failing health, Stumblin’ took early retirement in 2021. Though sadly missed, and leaving a fine musical legacy, Stumblin’ had to step down, and the Redfish BB looked to another old friend.

The dually-talented and highly-acclaimed singer/ guitarist Christian Sharpe, formerly of The Rhythm Doctors, the King Bees and The Deluxe (playing with McDonald and Mackay, of course) stepped straight up to the footplate of this hissing and sparking music leviathan, delivering no fewer than three blistering performances over the course of a weekend only a few days later.

Sharpe is the consummate master of improvisation and dynamics. He can turn the simplest of songs into masterpieces of the art form, facilitating every musician in the moment’s performance for an audience’s delight. In his own words, and this is vital, “we serve the genre”. Within another few weeks, Sharpe had led the band to new triumphs with a series of prestigious U.K. venue and festival appearances. A new chapter had begun. What an adventure!

Onward, Christian’s soldiers.

Another fantastic afternoon of free live music at The Tyne Bar!