ROCK-blues giant Kenny Wayne Shepherd returns to the UK next month, including a date at Salisbury City Hall on Friday, April 10.

The tour follows last October’s critically acclaimed tour by the five-time Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling blues/rock guitarist.

His special guest is Ben Poole, whose Live at the Albert Hall album went to No.4 in the official Amazon UK blues chart. Poole has been described as Britain’s brightest blues-rock guitar talent.

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band is a veritable who’s who in rock and blues.

The band features long-time vocalist Noah Hunt, plus drummer Chris Layton, a 2014 inductee into the Musicians Hall of Fame as a member of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, ex-Firm bassist Tony Franklin and keyboardist Riley Osbourn (the former keyboardist for Willie Nelson).

Kenny Wayne’s most recent studio album Goin’ Home follows his collaboration with the blues-rock supergroup The Rides, which features Shepherd alongside Stephen Stills (CSN/CSN&Y/ Buffalo Springfield) and Barry Goldberg (Electric Flag).

Their 2013 album Can’t Get Enough was critically acclaimed the world over and appeared in countless ‘Best Of 2013’ album polls.

Kenny’s current album Goin’ Home is an exploration into the music of his biggest influences, and features guest performances by some of his closest friends, including Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Warren Haynes, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Randolph, Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds), Pastor Brady Blade, Sr. and the Rebirth Brass Band.

The album features songs originally recorded by some of Shepherd’s heroes such as BB King, Freddie King, Albert King, Bo Diddley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, Lee Dorsey and many other icons of the Blues.

Kenny Wayne reached deep into their catalogues and chose songs that inspired him when he was learning to play the guitar.

Kenny Wayne said: “The end result is a great recording that I believe pays homage to the spirit of the original music.

“At the same time, it shows our appreciation for the musicians and genre that have inspired us to make music for decades.”

  • The Daily Echo has five pairs of VIP meet and greet packages to be won, with winners also receiving one copy of his latest studio album, Goin’ Home.

Winners are entitled to entry to the soundcheck at 4.30pm, a meet and greet with Kenny, a photo and signing opportunity and a commemorative tour laminate and tour poster. Winners can take their CD to the concert to be signed by Kenny.

Simply send your details to Hilary Porter at the usual Echo address by Friday, March 13, and names will be selected at random.

Tickets for the Salisbury date are available from the box office on 01722 434 434 or from the 24-hour ticket hotline on 0844 478 0898 and online from thegigcartel.com.