Hans Theessink & Gerry Lockran

We've already had an American in Paris, but a Dutchman in Vienna? And one who has dedicated himself, body and soul, to American blues and roots music? Okay, Hans Theessink (pronounced Tay-sink) did not pick the easiest way to do this, but he has done so with a certain degree of single-mindedness.

Like others of his generation, in the early 1960‘s a love of the Blues took hold of the man whom Bo Diddley described as "one helluva guitar player", and it has not let go since. Above all, the country blues with its earthy and heartfelt sound impressed Hans Theessink and played a major role in his development as a musician. His roots are unmistakenly in the blues, but has also been influenced by countless other aspects of roots music. This musical variety has become a trademark of Hans Theessink, who as a songwriter has succeeded in building bridges to the present in addressing issues which reflect the reality of the here and now.

Hans is probably Europe's bluesexport Nr.1 - one of the top blues and roots musicians worldwide who has entertained audiences around the globe during a musical career that spans over more than 35 years. The world's leading bluespaper - US magazine Blues Revue wrote: "Hans Theessink is an international blues treasure. He is one of the world's pre-eminent country pickers and his warm baritone expresses blues".

Theessink's first recording was an EP in 1970. Since then his music has continually developed and so far Hans has released 20 albums, a songbook, a blues-guitar instruction video and a DVD. His CDs are guaranteed award winners. "Banjoman", the tribute project to Derroll Adams, that Hans produced with Arlo Guthrie, was recently nominated for a Grammy.

In 2004 Hans got the Austrian Amadeus award for "Songs from the Southland", a tribute to the music of the American South - a constant source of inspiration and companion on his musical journey. A Danish Music Award for best blues album followed in 2005. His most recent CD "Bridges" - a recording with the new Hans Theessink Band, is again nominated for the Amadeus in the category best Blues-, Jazz-, Roots-, Folk-album. Hans' latest work is a DVD "Live in Concert" - "A Blues & Roots Revue" - it shows the Hans Theessink Band in action + lots of other special features. Hans' productions are known for their excellent sound quality and are also in big demand in HiFi circles.

Through his unmistakable guitarwork, sonorous baritone voice and stage presence, Hans has attained a status which is unique for a European. He has performed at many of the most prominent North American music festivals such as the "New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival", the "Chicago Blues Festival", the "Kerville Folk Festival", the "Toronto Soul & Blues Festival", the "Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival", the "Edmonton Folk Festival", the "St.Louis Blues & Heritage Festival", the "King Biscuit Blues Festival", the "Woody Guthrie Festival" and the "Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Cruise" to name a few.

Hans Theessink has become one of the most sought-after artists of the international blues scene. He is more or less constantly "on tour" and plays an average of 200 concerts a year - a modern day troubadour and entertainer who keeps on spellbinding audiences all over the world with his rich and emotional sounds.

Official Website: Hans Theessink

Gerry's Biography

Gerald Cranston Frederick Loughran aka (Gerry Lockran) was born on the 19th July 1942 in the Yeotmal province of the central plains of India. He was the youngest of eight children, having three brothers and four sisters.

Gerry's forefathers emigrated from Ireland to India around 1800. Gerry's father's lineage included English and Indian as well as Irish, while his mother was born of a Scottish father and Indian mother.

Gerry spent the earliest years of his life growing up on the family farm, however, was also sent away to board at the Wynberg Allen Memorial School in Mussoorie, a small village in the Himalayas. Music was an important part of Gerry's early life - his father played violin and his brother David played the guitar.

However, after the death of his father, Gerry's family emigrated to England. Running the farm, as well as continuing to bring up a young family proved to be extremely difficult for Gerry's mother, especially in the face of the rapidly changing political climate in India.

The Loughran family arrived in London, England in 1953 and established themselves in the South London areas of Brixton, Tooting and Colliers Wood.

The 1950s in London were alive with the various scenes of folk, blues, rhythm & blues and rock n roll. The young Gerry Loughran was open to many influences. During 1955, after his brother David gave him his first guitar (with the intention of keeping his younger brother off the streets and out of trouble), the thirteen year old Gerry first turned to playing music.

As well as the emerging rock & roll scene Gerry was also listening to incomparable artistes such as Hank Williams, Tex Ritter and Ella Fitzgerald.

Gerry was soon playing in a skiffle group called The Hornets. He spent three years with them playing such venues as the Skiffle Cellar (later known as the Les Cousins club). Gerry also appeared at the Finsbury Park Empire with Wally Whyton and The Vipers.

However, a huge musical influence was about to exert itself on the teenage Gerry Loughran. The black American blues was an unadulterated and powerful music which had been evolving since the 19th century. Its influence on other musical forms including jazz, ragtime, country and, of course, rock n roll, ensured it would reach an incredible number of musicians during the 20th century. The first blues greats that Gerry discovered for himself were Josh White, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Leadbelly, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and his biggest influence of all Big Bill Broonzy.

It was now that Gerry knew which musical direction he wanted to pursue.

Towards the end of the 1950s, Gerry met and become life-long friends with two other young blues musicians: Cliff Aungier and Royd Rivers. Cliff Aungier, a fine singer and gifted guitarist, was also inspired by the black American blues and continues to perform live and make recordings into the new millennium. Royd Rivers played blues harmonica and a custom built 12 -string guitar being greatly inspired by Leadbelly. Together, they later made a lasting contribution to the London music scene with the opening of a folk and blues club at the Half Moon pub in Putney, South West London.

And in 1959, Gerry met his future wife, Bobbi, in Kingston, Surre

Read more about Gerry Lockran, his life into the 60's, 70's, 80's and more here: Keeping Gerry Lockran's Blues Legacy Alive