WINCHESTER’S Railway Inn will hear the ‘smoky vocals’ of Bristol-based blues rock and soul singer Elles Bailey early this May.

Elles appeared on Bob Harris’ BBC Radio 2 show last month and will play a live set on Clare Balding’s Radio 2 show in July. Her new single Wildfire has just been added to the rotation lists at Planet Rock radio.

According to music critics, her husky-toned voice sounds like she has a 60-a-day habit, but was actually caused by a serious illness when she was three.

Her two EPs were both produced by Brian Banks, who worked with Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. These EP’s Who I Am To Me which came out in February 2015 and The Elberton Sessions, out last October, were released to critical acclaim. Her debut album is out this year.

Elles and her band have built up a loyal all-age fanbase through relentless touring, throughout both the UK and Europe. She has opened for acts like Wille and The Bandits and shared festival line-ups with Lisa Simone, The Mystery Jets & Wilko Johnson.

by James Wild

Some of her music has an Americana or country influence and in June Elles will be appearing at the Buckle and Boots Country Festival in Manchester.

Her new album features world-renowned country and blues musicians, including Grammy Award winner and a two-time winner of the CMA Musician of the Year Brent Mason on guitar, and pianist Bobby Wood, who has played with such artists as Presley, Wilson Pickett and Tammy Wynette.

and .

She has garnered praise from many reviews. The Rocker magazine wrote: ‘It’s safe to say that Miss Bailey is probably the best new blues prospect in the last decade and this latest set only goes to confirm that’.

Elles plays at The Railway Inn on May 10 the day after appearing at London’s legendary 100 Club. The night is billed as ‘Ladies of The Blues’ for as well as Elles it will feature two other British female blues singers, Gabriella Jones and Amy Khonsari.

For tickets see http://www.railwayinn.pub/show/ladies-of-the-blues. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door.