The ‘Drents Bluespodium’ (an incentive by B.J. Hegen and Martin van der Velde) came into existence with the purpose of bringing young and inexperienced musicians in touch with the blues. In a series of 6 sessions young people were linked to an experienced basis band. The project turned out to be a success and was above all expectations. The basis band was invited to play on the Roots on the Hill Bluesmeeting festival and the recordings are now released under their own control in a limited edition of 300 copies.

The CD ‘In Case You’ve Got The Blues’ was recorded during the Roots on the Hill Bluesmeeting festival in Grolloo. As a special guest Irish singer/guitar player Martin Hutchinson contributed to these recordings. B.J. Hegen started his career in the 60’s, his main influences are Johnny Young and John Little John. Hegen and his band were active in the Netherlands and abroad. He and his band backed artists like Eddie C. Campbell, Eddie Burns and Frank Frost. They even were supporting act for B.B. King in The Hague. In 1988 his first L.P., titled “Door to Door”, appeared. This record still is a very wanted object among blueslovers. And now there is a new live CD, a project of B.J. Hegen in collaboration with the ‘Drents Bluespodium’ basis band. For more information mail to: vtone@live.nl

Translation by: Ton Kok