SARI Schorr, the latest blues sensation from New York, plays Selby Town Hall on Friday, backed by her stellar band The Engine Room.
Gaining prominence throughout the blues world after several years of touring America and Europe with blues legend Joe Louis Walker and fellow guitarist Popa Chubby, Schorr has been inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame.
She has appeared on the Conan O'Brien Show and has toured extensively throughout the States, Europe, Asia and Australia, with her gale-force vocals and emotionally charged performances prompting blues pundits to call her a modern-day hybrid of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.
In a nutshell, Schorr is a "red-hot blues mama who radiates emotional intensity, connects with and inspires her audiences, and leaves a lasting impression that’s larger than life".
Despite years spent building her profile around the globe, only now is Schorr undertaking her first British headline tour to promote her debut album, A Force Of Nature.
Produced by blues legend Mike Vernon, whose credits include Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall’s Blues Breakers, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Christine McVie, Schorr's album delivers hard-driving blues-rock influenced by the late Sixties' British movement, mixing blues, rock and soul with striking melodies and poetic lyrics.
Sari Schorr: playing Selby Town Hall on first UK headline tour. Picture: Amy Kerwin
Schorr's new four-piece band, The Engine Room, features British musician Innes Sibun, formerly guitarist for Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. “The Engine Room truly is a remarkable band,” says Sari. “Something magical happens when we’re on stage together.
"We’re fuelled further by the audience's reaction and everything’s possible. I love touring and enjoy the privilege of meeting so many like-minded people who share our love of the blues.”
Delighted to be presenting Sari And The Engine Room in Selby, Chris Jones, Selby Town Council's arts officer, says: "The reviews from Sari’s first UK shows have been absolutely amazing. Audiences have been completely blown away by the power of her voice, the way she owns the stage and the real sense of drama in her performances."
Tickets are still available for the 8pm gig and Chris urges blues devotees to head to Selby on Friday. "Sari has built up a big following in the US, even being inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame, but this is her first UK tour.
"There’s no doubt that this will be the first and last time she plays such intimate spaces as Selby Town Hall in the UK. Great things have been predicted by everyone who has heard the album and seen her perform live. Come and experience the effortless range of this extraordinary blues whirlwind up close while you still have the chance.”
Tickets cost £13 at selbytownhall.co.uk or on 01757 708449 or £15 on the door.
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