Ben Poole To Kick Off UK Tour In Support Of 'Anytime You Need Me'

by Cameron Arndt
in Latest

Internationally known UK blues/rock/soul singer and guitarist Ben Poole will kick off a British tour on Wednesday 21st November. The 14 date trek will begin in Brighton and take in dates across the country including stops at Glasgow's Oran Mor (Nov 29), the Half Moon, Putney in London (12 Dec) and The Musician in Leicester (13 Dec).

The shows are in support of his best-received album yet - following his 2016 studio debut, Time Has Come, and 2014's Live At The Royal Albert Hall which was recorded by the BBC. Anytime You Need Me was released in September via Manhaton records to universal acclaim. The record was crafted in collaboration with songwriter Steve Wright and drummer/producer Wayne Proctor (King King, Aynsley Lister) and the process resulted in a startling, cohesive set of universally strong songs which showcase Poole's excellent guitar work while also throwing the spotlight on his soulful vocals more than ever before.

“We basically locked ourselves away regularly over a period of around six months at a studio in the hills of North Wales writing and demoing the majority of the tunes on this album from scratch”, says Ben. “It’s the first time I’ve worked in this way and, though it was challenging to force myself to conjure a creative mind-set on cue when in a room with two other songwriters whom I’d never written with before, I think the results are really rewarding. I’m extremely proud of this album. This is who I am.”

The album was preceded by Poole's version of the Don Henley classic Dirty Laundry. His faithful take on the track amps up the underlying blues/rock vibe and sees Poole laying down fizzing guitar solos on a song which originally featured legends like Steve Lukather and Joe Walsh. The single was accompanied by a fun, tongue in cheek video which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-iSZhCSDwI

Poole has received praise from top musicians like Jeff Beck, Beth Hart and Kenny Wayne Shepherd while Classic Rock Magazine called him 'Truly astonishing' and Guitar Techniques said he '"Exudes class & prowess." The new tour, featuring many of the excellent new songs which make up the new record, will be a must see.

Here are the full UK Tour Dates:
Latest Music Bar, Brighton
Wednesday 21 November

The Stables, Milton Keynes
Thursday 22 November

Old Schoolhouse, Barnsley
Friday 23 November

The Meeting Room, Elland
Saturday 24 November

The Beaverwood Club, Chislehurst
Wednesday 28 November

Oran Mor, Glasgow
Thursday 29 November

Cafe Drummonds, Aberdeen
Friday 30 November

The Green Hotel, Kinross
Saturday 1 December

Früit, Hull
Wednesday 5 December

Real Time Live, Chesterfield
Thursday 6 December

The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber
Friday 7 December

Half Moon Putney, London
Wednesday 12 December

The Musician, Leicester
Thursday 13 December

The Railway, Winchester
Saturday 15 December

For tickets and info go here: http://benpooleband.com/live

Cameron Arndt
Author: Cameron Arndt
Cameron Arndt is a musician and freelance writer from Glasgow, Scotland. He writes for his own music review website (www.rockandrolltraffic.com) and also contributes to Music Talkers.