John has been playing music since a 'friend' convinced him that just blowing in a jug would bring wine, women and wealth. Sadly, he still harbours secret hopes, although the wine has never seemed the problem. Fully recovered from taking a career too seriously, he spends an unhealthy amount of time on ebay's guitar pages and playing on his instruments. He is a keen supporter of the European Blues Association and researches African American Music (Warning! He could tell you about this at length).

Alan spent his formative years playing clarinet in various amateur orchestras before falling for the popular delusion that playing the guitar was better for picking up girls. After a number of years in the barren wasteland of business he returned to music as a means of solace, if not financial support. He has played a wide variety of musical styles over the years and will turn his hand to anything except Country & Western, which he says leaves a nasty taint on his guitar.

 

Alan and John run the Blue Front Bluesroom acoustic venue in The Forest of Dean

and present The Blue Front Blues show on Forest of Dean Radio

 

The RJO has been playing at festivals, events, parties,

folk and blues clubs, clubs, pubs and bars around Bristol, the Midlands, South Wales, the Welsh borders and their home patch

of Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean since 1999.

 

Recent Festival appearances include: Swanage Blues,

Upton Blues, Two Rivers Folk , Crawley Folk, Leicester City Blues,

Colne Great British R&B, The Big Session Folk, Summer Sundae,

The Musician Bluegrass & Old-Timey and

Gloucester International Rhythm and Blues Festival.

 

The RJO has supported many well-known artists, including;

Bob Brozman, Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan, Guy Davis,

Paul Geremia, Steve James, Dave Kelly, Lazy Lester, Michael Messer, Big Bill Morganfield, Michael Roach and

Philadelphia Gerry Ricks.

 

Alan Draisey ---------- John Anderson

 

John Anderson - vocals, 6 & 12 string and National Trojan guitars, banjo, ukulele, kazoos, jug,

spoons and percussion.

Alan Draisey - vocals, 6 & 12 string guitars, Dobro, mandolin, ukulele, bass, harmonica, kazoo, clarinet, washboard and percussion.