BASS PLAYER urgently required by top gigging Blues band! Mid-Essex

Thursday 30 Apr 2026, 9:36pm

THE SONS OF ILLINOIS are looking to urgently adopt a new Son into the family on bass guitar (preferably, someone who also plays an upright). Due to work and health issues, our current bassist is sadly exiting the band when his replacement has been found.

As a 5-piece band, we breathe life into authentic and diverse Chicago blues-not the overplayed jam night standards, but choice cuts from the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Little Walter, Jimmy Reed, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester et al.....the real deal originals rather than the later "blues revival" bands!

What we need is a bassist
. with proven experience and a genuine interest in the blues
. committed to just a short run of weekly rehearsals, at a great studio in Chelmsford (CM1 3RL), to obviously get familiar with our material; we do also have a good set of reference recordings to help the remote learning experience
. with some clips or recordings that demonstrate their instrumental prowess
. who is available and flexible, up to gig at booked festivals and great venues throughout this year
. ideally within the 35-60 age bracket, to blend with the rest of the band
. who will be a reliable bandmate and not a fill-in, as this definitely isn't a side hustle!

We need a bassist with a real feel for the blues, who plays for the tune and digs the importance of dynamics.

If you want to see and hear what we sound like LIVE, search for 'The Sons Of Illinois' on Facebook where we have more than 3,000 followers!

Based in Essex/Chelmsford area
Line-up: Vocals/Harmonica | Guitar x2 | Bass Guitar/Upright Bass | Drums/Percussion

THE SONS OF ILLINOIS - Real Blues with No Compromise