Oli has played guitar since the age of 13. The first guitarist to influence him was, of course, Jimi Hendrix.
The Blues initially was a genre of music for him to solo over and he didn’t take the time to really understand its meaning, but, in 2005, when invited to the States to guest with American Blues band Blinddog Smokin’, that all changed.
Carl Gustafson (who initially invited him to the States) and the rest of Blinddog, took time out of their busy touring schedule to explain some of the history and meaning of the Blues. Whilst with this American band Oli also learnt more about stage performance, soloing , timing. Oli has been back to the States on numerous occasions to be with Carl and the band and all these trips have helped develop Oli's writing, singing and playing to produce a consummate performer.
The America tours each summer with Blinddog Smokin' has seen Oli open for artists such as Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton, Koko Taylor, Eric Sardinas and many others.
Oli has had the pleasure of playing alongside Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout, Robben Ford, Devon Allman and many other great artists, including the legendary Godfather of British Blues John Mayall !
Oli has a number of guitarists that have influenced his
playing, far too many to name them all, but they include Chris Cain,
Albert Collins, Freddie King, B.B. King, Albert King, Hollywood Fats,
Hendrix, Stevie Ray etc the list goes on. Oli's other musical influences
include Tom Waits, Jon Cleary, Jonny Lang, The Big Pill and Psychedelic
Zombies.
This is a full-time career for Oli and his education now comes from life on the road and the people he meets along the way.
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