Firebird Smith

The Firebird Smith Blues Band is the result of a musical mix that constitutes 'Blacktop Blues' - an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary blues. The eight piece band is the collaboration of front man William "Firebird" Smith and Andy McColl (keyboards/vocals), who write both the lyrics and musical arrangements for the band.The band specialize in "Blacktop Blues" a mix of jazz, blues, soul and funk, which draws upon the American traditions of artistes such as Lloyd Jones, Tommy Castro and Delbert McClinton. Contemporary artistes such as Gregory Porter and Rag "n" Bone Man could also be easily described as fellow travelers in this genre.

The band have been together since 2010 playing gigs and festivals around north west England. The 2011 release " A Place in my Heart" and the subsequent 2013 single "River of Heartache" (which reached No 1 in the Reverbnation chart) showcase the originality of the music.