Chickenbone Blues is one of Birmingham’s premier Acoustic Blues and Swing/Jazz outfits. We pride ourselves in a simple, pure approach to this style of music...and we just love to play!

We have an acoustic approach and go for a warm powerful sound. We enjoy playing this timeless music to a wide range of audiences. Our Swing/Jazz numbers have a relaxed, authentic feel and our acoustic Blues set brings the sounds of the Mississippi Delta and Chicago blues clubs to the streets of Birmingham.

Our influences are wide ranging, and we always aim to make music which is accessible, communicating our own enjoyment of playing. Our repertoire of Jazz/Swing numbers leans heavily on classic and well loved songs by composers as diverse as Rogers & Hart and Ray Charles and our typical Blues set lists include numbers by Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Ry Cooder, Tom Waits, T-Bone Walker, Louis Jordan, John Lee Hooker and Eric Bibb.

At the heart of our sound is the amplified acoustic guitar of 'Chickenbone' John Wormald. The sound is big and fat, heavily influenced by the early Lightnin’ Hopkins and John Lee Hooker sound, and he is also widely acknowledged as one of the foremost slide guitar players on the circuit. John also teaches slide guitar and has studied with Kevin Brown and USA slide maestro Catfish Keith.

Dave Smith (ex 7:17 Blues), brings his soulful and sensitive harmonica playing, and with a tone to die for.

Pete Harris on drums brings a wealth of musical experience to the band, and provides a solid and cool drive behind everything we do.

Ken Stratford on double bass adds depth and punch and a jazzy grove to our sound.

We also call on a wide range of skilful guitar and keyboard players to complement our sound and create just the right band for the occasion.