ONE of the great showmen of the blues and rock scene returns to Colne after an absence of 12 years and he’s determined to make up for lost time.

“It’s been far too long,” said Eric Sardinas, who rounds off the opening night of the 25th anniversary Rhythm and Blues Festival “But to get back for this landmark event is something special.”

With his distinctive look and equally distinctive sound – achieved through a unique resonator guitar – Eric stunned the audience at the Muni last time he appeared at the festival.

“To have the power of music is a blessing and a gift,” he said. “That’s why I still love travelling and playing live all over the world.

“A live show really is a two-way experience. I suppose I’m really aiming to make the stage disappear and the result is that we are all sharing in the same experience.”

Eric has arrived in the UK fresh from the studio in Los Angeles where he has been recording his latest album, due for release in October.

“I guess my music has been like stepping stones,” he said. “It has evolved and grown with me and each album has been a moment in time.

“Whatever I have done I have always tried to respect the music and I have to say that I am really pleased with the latest album.”

Eric will be returning to the UK later in the year on a tour to promote the album, but the audience in Colne tomorrow night will get a sneak preview.

He said. “We will be playing some songs from it, but there will be a whole range of stuff.

“At the heart of what we do is our love of the music and it’s the same with the audience. That’s why a festival like Colne is so great. For so many people music is a part of their lives which creates such a great atmosphere.”

Eric’s music straddles blues and rock and it’s something he’s proud of.

“Music is an organic thing,” he said. “But I have always respected the traditions of the blues as well as roots music and rock. People like to categorise things, but I prefer to blur the lines between blues and rock.

“When you play live I just want the audience to enjoy the music without worrying about how you might describe it.

“BB King once said that when it comes to music sometimes one note is all you need and I know exactly what he means. It’s that connection.”

l Eric Sardinas plays the international stage at the Muni tomorrow night. Details from the festival box office on 01282 661234.