Two music legends to play Liverpool Summer Pops Fringe

Jun 23 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

THE Liverpool Empire Theatre will welcome two music legends as part of the 2008 Summer Pops Fringe programme.

Singer/songwriter Joan Armatrading and Grammy award-winning blues artist Robert Cray both perform at the theatre in the next month.

Armatrading, dubbed ‘Britain’s first lady of song’, has a unique voice which has deservedly built her a huge fan following.

Joan's strong rhythmic acoustic guitar playing and her melodic electric solos help to make her the consummate musician, with songs like ‘Love and Affection’, ‘Willow’, ‘Drop the Pilot’ and ‘Lovers Speak’ standing the test of time.

Her latest release ‘Into the Blues’ has been nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Contemporary Blues.

For 30-plus years Robert Cray has laid down track after track of good-time, uptown, low-down blues. He's won five Grammys and been nominated for 11 more.

From classic titles 'Phone Booth', to highlights from his more recent releases 'Poor Johnny', whether addressing timeless themes of heartache and romance 'The Things You Do To Me' or this morning's headlines 'Twenty', Cray continues to impress fans old and new.

Cray's virtuosity has led to collaborations with luminaries such as Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, BB King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry and Bonnie Raitt.

Robert Cray will play live at the Liverpool Empire on Sunday, July 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets £27.50.

Joan Armatrading is the Empire on Sunday, July 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets £24.50.

Ring the box office on 0844 847 2525 or visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk.