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Saturday 20th July - 8:30pmDoc MacLean
The offspring of a civil rights advocate and a fiddle virtuoso, MacLean was steeped in musicality from the get-go.
By his early teens, he was already harmonising with the pulse of the coffeehouse and festival scenes, wielding his harmonica and washboard with effortless finesse.
His talents soon caught the eye of both radio and television producers, landing him coveted spots on variety shows that showcased his raw talent.
In the electrifying year of 1972, MacLean forged a dynamic duo with none other than Colin Linden, a Grammy-nominated producer and recent guitarist for the legendary Bob Dylan.
Together, they became the go-to openers for heavyweights like Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee, Muddy Waters, and John Hammond, setting stages ablaze with their magnetic performances.
As MacLean traversed the musical landscape, he crossed paths with a pantheon of elder statesmen, forming enduring friendships with luminaries such as Son House, Tampa Red, and 'Sippi Wallace, among others. His journey as an accompanist saw him crisscrossing the nation, sharing stages with icons like Peg Leg Sam, Blind John Davis, and the illustrious Carter Family.
In a defining moment of his career, MacLean unleashed the highly acclaimed "Narrow House" in September 2006.
Helmed by the masterful Colin Linden and anchored by the rhythmic prowess of bassist Larry Taylor and percussionist Stephen Hodges, both esteemed veterans of the Tom Waits band, this album was a tour de force of Delta-infused melodies. Driven by MacLean's soul-stirring vocals and the haunting strum of his National guitar, "Narrow House" carved out a bold new path in the realm of contemporary blues, leaving listeners spellbound with its emotional resonance.
For the past half-decade, Doc's National Steel Tours have been fuelled by the generous support of Long & McQuade, the powerhouse of Canada's music scene.
From east to west, these tours have become epicentres of blues mastery, offering up tantalising masterclasses and workshops in every corner of the country.
With an encyclopaedic knowledge of the blues, Doc has become a fixture in the spotlight, gracing the screen in numerous documentaries and captivating audiences in educational presentations across the board.
His gig card reads like a who's who of the blues elite. From sizzling speakeasys to electrifying concert halls, Doc has shared the stage with luminaries such as Joe Murphy, Guy Davis, and the legendary BB King himself. Whether he's trading licks with icons like Johnny Winter or igniting festivals alongside Downchild and Los Lobos, Doc's relentless touring has painted a bluesy tapestry across the globe.
Teaming up with Juno and Maple Award-winning artists like Big Dave McLean and Michael Pickett, Doc's headline appearances in theatres, concerts, and festivals have left audiences spellbound from coast to coast.
And let's not forget his heart of gold. Following in his father's footsteps, Doc's passion for social justice has led him to perform in the trenches of society—prisons, soup kitchens, picket lines, and hospices—spreading his message of hope and healing wherever he roams.
Catch him live at the American Bar in Belfast for a one-off performance on Saturday, July 20th, from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
This is an event you won't want to miss!
Secure your ticket before they're gone.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The American Bar, 65-65a Dock Street,Belfast, United Kingdom
Tickets
