IN a rarity for the Deep Blues Club, Tuesday's gig at the Post Office Club, Marygate, York, is a double bill.

"We have not one but two of the very best acts to have emerged in recent years from that hotbed of British blues, Newcastle, and the line-up will please fans of acoustic and electric blues alike," says co-organiser Pete Simmons.

Harmonica and guitar duo Billy Newton and Lee Bates represent the acoustic branch of the blues, playing in the tradition of the great Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

As a teenager, harmonica-playing Billy would follow Sonny and Brownie around to soak up the sounds and learn from the master. His own career spans more than 30 years, performing in such bands as Acme Blues Co. Slide guitarist Lee is steeped in the music of Son House, Bukka White and Fred McDowell and he made his debut appearance at 18 with Brian Cookman.

"Lee and Billy couple classic songs with their own authentic compositions and a healthy dose of irreverent humour that makes them crowd pleasers wherever they perform," says Pete.

On the electric front, the Lyndon Anderson Band return to the Deep Blues Club for the first time since January 2001.

Lyndon, who first visited the club as part of The Smokehouse Boys, is at the cutting edge of harmonica playing.

"He employs a vast array of tonal inflections and techniques," Pete says. "His emotional and intense playing is one of a kind and he's considered by many to be one of the top players on the scene."

Lyndon will be joined by Davey Duke Dormand on guitar, Christine Wilson on bass and Richard Silky' Ishida on drums.

Doors open at 8pm; entry is £7 or £6 for concessions and CIU members.