LIFE has been something of a beach for Blues star Aynsley Lister in the last few weeks.

The acclaimed Blues man scooped two gongs at the 2014 British Blues Awards – winning the Best Song and Best Songwriter categories.

These prizes were voted by fans and presented at last month’s Colne Rock and Blues Festival.

Aynsley was not there to pick them up in person as he was enjoying his honeymoon on a beach in the Caribbean, with his new wife/manager Steph, but he did post a video via social media to thank everyone who had voted for him.

Now his batteries are recharged, he’s back on tour again and North West fans have the opportunity to catch him live when he performs at the Grand tomorrow.

He said: “I’d just like to thank everyone who nominated for me, and then those who voted for me.

“I was very happy to receive the news of winning two awards.

“I was on the beach so I could go and buy a beer to celebrate.”

He added: “I always enjoy coming to play in Lancashire because the audiences are very knowledgeable.”

Lister will be leaning heavily on his most recent studio album Home.

The 10th album of his career, it provides the title track from his record that earned him the Blues Award, an expansive rock-blues number with guitar-heavy instrumentation and a fine expose of the bluesman’s ability.

Lister performed in a bar blues band from the tender age of 13 and has been performing live for almost a quarter of a century.

He was snapped up by Blues guru Thomas Ruf in 1998 and released seven albums on Ruf Records before signing to Manhaton a decade later.

It was on this label that he brought out the Tower Sessions live album, voted the Best Live Album in the 2011 Blues Matters Winners Poll.

Now running his own label, Straight Talkin, Lister is clearly in control of his destiny and has successfully defined his own voice on the rock-blues circuit.

Lister added: “The one thing in comparison with 20 years ago is that I can’t sit and listen to endless guitar solos, or blues after blues.

“I need more now to keep my interest as an artist and writer who is trying to put out as much variety as I can whilst maintaining an identity.”

Anysley Lister Band, Grand Theatre tomorrow. (Doors 7pm, stage 7.45pm, £12.50 adv). Box office 01200 421599.

l THE Grand’s Lunchtime Live returns tomorrow with a performance from the John Wickham Trio, John on piano, Adam Lynch on bass, and Tom Rice on drums (£5 entry/£4 members, noon to 2pm) l Dervish, Ireland’s traditional folk and roots band, play a special 25th anniversary show at the Grand on Wednesday (7.45pm stage, £15 adv).