The Bristol-based band, Little Geneva, formed on the eve before 2019, brought together by a
shared love and appreciation of the British blues boom of the mid-1960s.
Little Geneva was born during a conversation between the Doherty brothers, Dave and Chris.
Having been stalwarts of the UK contemporary blues scene for over a decade, they decided to
get back on stage together, as part of a genuinely exciting live band.
Little Geneva consists of five extremely experienced and seasoned musicians/performers.
Rags Russell, 33, (vocals/harmonica) fronts the youthful and energetic band with his
extremely emotive and soulful vocal style. The rhythm section brings together Zak Ranyard,
27, (bass guitar) and Simon Small, 33, (drums). Zak and Simon deliver a high level of energy
and power that drives shows to spell-binding heights. Chris, 32, and Dave Doherty, 36, are
both very gifted guitarists, who know how to listen, as well as, play their instruments.
As individuals, Little Geneva members have opened shows for Ray Davies (The Kinks), John
Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Mud Morganfield and Lynyrd Skynyrd. They have
also shared stages and festival bills with/as part of The Red Devils, Jimmie Vaughan, DVL,
Hugh Coltman, The Hoax, B.B King, Jon Amor Blues Group and many others.
After the self-release of their debut EP, recorded at their very first rehearsal, they received
excellent reviews and praise. Among their earliest fans was Rolling Stones producer, Chris
Kimsey. Kimsey - who had no reservations in telling the band that he had felt the same
energy, spark and excellence heard in ‘60s recordings from The Who, John Mayall, Eric
Clapton and Blind Faith - asked the band to send CDs to Olympic Studios in London, so he
could share what he had heard with his peers. Keen interest from such a respected producer
has already resulted in Little Geneva being asked to perform at New Music/industry events
in London later in 2019.
Buoyed by the reactions to their EP, Little Geneva decided to record an album. Little
Geneva’s respect for the genre, their love of musical improvisation and ability to
communicate with each other musically, meant they recorded their debut album, Eel Pie, in
just one day. The band have already begun writing original material for a follow-up album
later this year.
Their debut show sold out weeks in advance. Brought to the show by the buzz generated by
the band’s EP and the youthful life they could bring to the scene, promoters offered dates to
Little Geneva as band members signed their CDs.
It is the band's deep respect for and knowledge of what made those early British blues
recordings so energised and exhilarating, coupled with the soulful spirit with which all
members express themselves, which makes Little Geneva one of the new must-see bands of
2019