The Latvian Blues Band was formed in 2000 in collaboration with Canadian blues expert Johnny V, followed by an extensive concert tour in Canada. The band has performed in many countries across Europe, North America, and around the world. Their international reputation took off when legendary Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin called them a European blues phenomenon in Blues Revue magazine. The band has also received recognition at the European Blues Awards and was invited to perform at the Chicago Blues Festival, where they were the first European band in the festival’s history.
LBB’s first studio album, “Unreal,” was produced by legendary guitarist Duke Robillard, who has also headlined at Augustibluus. The band has also successfully participated in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The band’s latest live album won the Golden Microphone award in Latvia in the best jazz/blues album category. Additionally, the band has created its own international music festival—the R’n’B Blues Festival—and continues to perform actively throughout Europe.
The LBB Organ Trio was formed during a spontaneous jam session by three members of the Latvian Blues Band. What makes this project unique is the absence of a bass guitar in the lineup; all bass parts are played entirely on the Hammond organ. The band members themselves say that this lineup forces them to step out of their comfort zone, but at the same time gives them greater musical freedom: “A large part of our music is born right on stage, in the moment, which is why the end point of our musical journey is always a surprise—even to us.”
Lineup:
Jānis Bukovskis – guitar, vocals
Artis Ločmelis – Hammond organ
Rolands Saulietis – drums