Little Geneva at Old Market Assembly

The Bristol-based band, Little Geneva, formed on the eve before 2019, brought together by a shared love and appreciation of the British blues boom of the mid-1960s.
Little Geneva was born out of a conversation between the Doherty brothers, Dave and Chris. Having been stalwarts of the UK contemporary blues scene for over a decade, they decided to get back on stage together, as part of a genuinely exciting live band.
Little Geneva consists of five extremely experienced and seasoned musicians/performers. Rags Russell, 32, (vocals/harmonica) fronts the youthfully energetic band with his highly emotive and soulful vocal style. The rhythm section brings together Zak Ranyard, 27, (bass guitar) and Simon Small, 33, (drums). Zak and Simon deliver a high level of energy and power that drives shows to spell-binding heights. Chris, 32, and Dave Doherty, 36, are both very gifted guitarists, who know how to listen, as well as, play their instruments.
As individuals, Little Geneva members have opened shows for Ray Davies (The Kinks), John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Mud Morganfield and Lynyrd Skynyrd. They have also shared stages and festival bills with/as part of The Red Devils, Jimmie Vaughan, DVL, Hugh Coltman, The Hoax, B.B King, Jon Amor Blues Group and many others.
After the self-release of their debut EP, recorded at their very first rehearsal, they received excellent reviews and praise. Among their earliest fans was Rolling Stones producer, Chris Kimsey. Kimsey asked the band to send CDs to Olympic Studios in London, so he could share what he had heard with his peers. Keen interest from such a respected producer has already resulted in Little Geneva being asked to perform at New Music/industry events in London later in 2019.
Buoyed by the reactions to their EP, Little Geneva decided to record an album. Little Geneva’s respect for the genre, their love of musical improvisation and ability to communicate with each other musically, meant they recorded their debut album, Eel Pie, in just one day.
Their debut show sold out weeks in advance. Brought to the show by the excitement around the band’s EP and the fresh energy they bring to the scene, promoters offered gigs to Little Geneva as the band signed their CDs. Their short follow-up Spring tour impressed even more music lovers and led to club owners and festival bookers offering shows to the group for this summer.
It is the band's deep respect for and knowledge of what made those early British blues recordings so energised, and exhilarating, coupled with the soulful spirit with which all members express themselves, that make Little Geneva one of the new must-see bands of 2019.