Big Dez

International guitarist Big Dez returns to the UK on a short exclusive tour following his appearances in the US this year which included playing the renowned Texas music capital in Austin and in Chicago at Buddy Guy's Legends Club.

Big Dez (Phil Fernandez) has been treading the boards for over 25 years across Europe and subsequently North America, mixing soulful, funky blues with traditional foot tappin’ blues grooves and rock ‘n’ roll. He took several trips to the USA which helped him to create an electric blues style few this side of the Atlantic can match.  He plays Albert Collins-esque icy guitar licks and has a striking, powerful personality and voice, often likened to Omar Kent Dykes. Big Dez learned how to play the blues during a multitude of jam sessions and playing jobs in Chicago and Texas with the likes of Luther Allison, WC Clark, Billy Branch, Chicago guitarist ‘Killer’ Ray Allison, Mike Cross, Tracy Conover, Alan Haynes and harmonica player Paul Orta.  He has also played alongside Texas legend Uncle John Turner (drummer with Johnny Winter & Lightnin’ Hopkins), Lucky Peterson and recorded with the Fabulous Thunderbirds bassist Preston Hubbard and sax virtuoso Sax Gordon.

“Fernandez is heavily influenced by Albert Collins and Chicago blues; Fernandez’s slashing guitar combines Albert Collins’ icy tension with Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson¹s metallic crunch, and vocals like Omar Kent Dykes”   Blues Revue magazine USA

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