We heard that the amazing jump-blues and roots guitarist Tommy Harkenrider from California was visiting Scotland, and we got in touch. Through friends recommendations, Tommy had seen our amps online and said he wanted to come and visit our workshop, and we also arranged to provide amps for two gigs in Edinburgh. Both nights were at Whighams Wine Cellars, the first as special guest with Sandy Tweeddale and Rod Kennard from Blues’n’Trouble. Tommy and Sandy played fantastic blues and swing through two of our 18w amps. A few nights later Tommy returned guesting with the Jazz Club’s regular jazz quintet – a new experience for both Tommy and band. They found common ground in pre-war sources like Charlie Christian and Pee Wee Crayton, and a sensational night of swing ensued. In between, we had a nice lunch with Tommy and his family, and the tour of Honeyboy HQ. It was a great thrill to hear such great, imaginative guitar lines being played in our woodshop, and treat to jam along for a while. Later, on his facebook page, Tommy said: “I wish we had them in the States. The cab is pretty special – the oak gives the amp a nice focus. I fell in love with the Bandmaster-style 3×10. Best one I’ve played”. We’re already looking forward to his next visit.  Here are some clips from the woodshed Tommy at Honeyboy HQ

If you want to hear more from Tommy, or if you want the best source on the Web to learn how to play jump-blues guitar, be sure to check out http://www.tommyharkenriderguitar.com