Almost a year ago to the day we welcomed Rodney Brannigan to the Grateful Fred Bijou Sessions and what a performance he gave us! So we are delighted to welcome him back on Wednesday 13th of August and, if you weren't there last year, I urge you to come and join us to see and hear this extraordinary musician. The Texas-born troubadour who learned to play in Austin, perform in Los Angeles, craft songs in Nashville, and put it all together in London, has played all types of music in all types of venues in his storied career. His adventurous, boundary-breaking guitar playing (sometimes two at the same time) earning him the title "The Two Guitar Man" has led to performance invites across America, India, Africa, and Europe.He was personally picked by Sir Michael Eavis to headline the 10,000 people Glasto Extravaganza after only being discovered the day before.Music in the Branigan family dates back to 1950s America; when his great uncle was in the Texas wireless band the KYOB Cowboys; Lefty Frizzell's session band. Later again in the 80s, Rodney's cousin was the worlds biggest selling female artist! When Rodney was 10 his dad introduced him to the guitar and his early childhood influence was Stevie Ray Vaughan. As a restless and creative spirit, Rodney soon found out that any time he got grounded for causing a ruckus, he got to play his guitar without any interruptions. So, he found all sorts of creative ways to get himself grounded and reunited with his guitar. So much so, that music-obsessed Rodney penned a letter to his boyhood girlfriend, letting her know, gently, that he needed more time to practice! Not long after, Rodney was making his way through music venues across Texas, astonishing the crowds with his particular blend of country music. To hone his performance chops Rodney starts a Jimi Hendrix tribute band, and corrals the only flamenco guitarist in town, Moses Morin, to be his partner on another side project. Equally gifted in science and maths, Rodney eschewed the field of engineering and opted to hit the road, touring in his RV with his trusty companion, a German Shepherd named "Asta". While on the road, Rodney was discovered by "Mischa" Hedges, the son of late guitar pioneer Michal Hedges. "Mischa" recognized his father's influence in Rodney's playing and made a video of the talented Texan.Rodney's touring circle expanded, as he started getting more and more invitations to perform in venues like the Whiskey a Go Go and The Cat Club in LA, where he met bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Steve Vai, Sons of Apollo) and the two became friends. This led to Rodney opening for Billy at the NAMM show, where a chance meeting with Yamaha Guitars landed Rodney an endorsement deal with the global music giant. A talented songwriter, Rodney was offered a position at EMI in Nashville, co-writing with Dave Loggins, who penned hit tunes for Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus, Don Williams, Kenny Loggins, and many others.Sooner or later the road started calling Rodney back, he is booked to headline a festival across the pond, at Hampton Court Palace UK...and never left! Besides crisscrossing the island, Rodney is booked on tours in Asia, Africa, and Europe. A short tour of China allows him to perform in the Forbidden City, having fun jamming with artists from Mongolia (that turns into an international record deal opportunity, which Rodney politely declines). Landing in India, Rodney is the first international artist to perform at Naila Bagh Palace in Jaipur, where he collaborates with Rajasthani folk musicians, Kutle Khan (Kutle Khan Project) and Reis Khan (Barmer Boys). In Mumbai, Rodney is invited to perform at various festivals, including an opening slot for Pentagram, India's biggest rock band. Rodney has had many happy returns to India, touring with Mixtape and Krunk, playing the main stage at Sulafest, collaborating with Indian award-winning music producer & guitarist Randolph Correia, and many other experiences. Rodney is ready to recreate as soon as conditions allow. So, India: "Look out he'll be back as soon as he can!" In 2016 Rodney was invited to the most prestigious guitar festival in Europe; 'Les Nuits de la Guitare de Patrimonio' where he opens for legendary French singer and guitarist, Francis Cabrel. The impressed festival director dubs Rodney 'The Discovery of Patrimonio'. In 2018 Rodney catches the attention of Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis who offers Rodney to headline the Glastonbury Extravaganza (the very next day!) at Glastonbury Abbey. It is a double bill alongside Tom Odell. The response is immediate and Rodney lands a spot on the coveted, at the Glastonbury Festival Acoustic Stage. Rodney performs to a seam-splitting and fully crowded tent and the show goes down like a storm. His reputation as an outstanding live performer has led to turns supporting or collaborating with the likes of Jack Johnson, Billy Sheehan, G.Love & Special Sauce, Cross Canadian Rag Weed, Kelly Willis, Dick Dale, Gangsta Grass, Slim Jim Phantom, BoDidley, Bad Finger, Alabama 3, Stereo Phonics, Billy Bragg, Albert Lee, Andy McKee, Preston Reed, Tommy Emmanuel, Tom Robinson, Seth Lakeman, Show of Hands, Nick Harper, Frances Cabrel, Temper Trap, (India) Pentogram, Shaiir 'n' func, Angelique Kidja, Talvin Singh, Nibs Van Der Spuy (SA)Co-written with: Dave Loggins (Nashville) - Nick Reynolds AKA Harpo Strangelove (Alabama 3) - Jon Allen (UK) - Nibs van der Spuy (South Africa) - John Pointer (The House Jacks - Austen, Texas) - Tim Snider (Nahko & Medicine for the People -Reno, Nevada) - Randolph Correia - Pentagram/Shaiir 'n'Func (India's award-winning songwriter/producer/musician) Rodney Branigan is one of the most amazing artists you will ever see. Not simply because he is unique, but rather because he is impossibly talented Music Connection Magazine - USA Tickets are 12 Doors open at 7.00pm Concert starts at 7.30pm