In common with many (probably) on this side of the Atlantic, my first experience with Seasick Steve came in 2006 on Jools Holland’s New Year show; his Hootenanny. Also in common with many (almost certainly), I was blown away by what I saw.

Here was Steve, this bearded, crazy, red-neck stomping a box for percussion and playing a beat-up, three-stringed shit-box of a guitar.

And it was brilliant.

I was a fan straight away.

I’ve been lucky enough to see him play live a couple of times and that’s when he’s in his element. I was also lucky enough to see him threaten to come down after some loud and obnoxious idiots in the audience who quickly became much more quietly obnoxious. Nobody likes the idea of a pissed-off Seasick Steve coming for them.

Have a listen to the first Seasick Steve I heard. This song is on Dog House Music (Amazon MP3 link) and I heartily recommend you go get yourself a copy.

I hate using terms like lo-fi and old-school (or skool) to describe music – simply put, this is blues. Good, proper, blues. And what’s not to love?