One of the North West’s hardest working bands, The Stumble, join the likes of Booker T, Joan Armatrading and The Blues Band at this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Band in Colne over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. Drummer Boyd Tonner answered a few questions. . . 

Can you introduce the band to us and perhaps sum up each member in a sentence?

The band are dedicated to live music in the vein of some of the classic blues and soul bands of old. There are hundreds of influences; but you give you a flavour, I would cite B.B. King, Peter Green, Maceo Parker, Little Walter and lots of artists from the Chess and Sun label fraternity.

Being based around Preston, it must be good to play a local festival This festival is special for us. We have played Colne many times over the years, building up a following through the roadhouse venues to start with, then on to the bigger British stage and finally to the International Stage at the Muni. We have the fans to thank for this and we are looking forward to showcasing our new album, Lie To Me.

For those not seen the band live, what can they look forward to?

Hopefully, a show where our genuine enthusiasm and love of performance shines through and connects with the audience. People have told me on many occasions that they could tell we were enjoying ourselves up on stage and I think that is infectious. Contrary to what many people might think about the blues, the genre is hotwired to provide good time music that makes you want to move and also makes you think.

Do you have a different set for a festival? Do you throw in a few unusual covers?

We are lucky to have quite a large repertoire now and we can pick and choose both original numbers and selected covers to offer the audience something different each time. Having said this, there are one or two numbers that many of our fans would be disappointed if we didn’t play them, so it’s important to keep a balance.

You’re on the main stage immediately before Booker T. How good a gig is that?

Booker T is a legend and certainly in that category of major band influences. I think one or two of us might be taking the odd LP or CD cover for him to sign as a memento. I’m looking forward to the buzz backstage and the challenge of sharing a stage with some of the greats. We also follow Courtney Pine, so no pressure there then!

After Colne what does the rest of the year hold for the band?

We are at Band on the Wall, Manchester in early September, The Gregson, Lancaster in late September and then the Bury Met in early November. To check our full gig list go to www.thestumble.com

Playing fantasy festivals, which three bands/artists (dead or alive) would you love to share a bill with?

That question would get a different answer from each band member as we have a wide range of influences. How about the Funk Brothers with Otis Span on piano, Maceo Parker on sax and then invite a whole host of fronting musicians like Freddy King to join the party. Sounds good to me.

  • The Stumble play the festival at 7.30pm on Sunday, August 26. Full details from 01282 661234 or www.thebluesfestival.co.uk