Summary: Special hosts this week are Michael Buffalo Smith and Miss Vivienne Vermuth! Ruben Dobbs of Swamp Candy grew up on a farm in Maryland where he was exposed to blues, country and classic rock by his uncles and grandfather. He's been writing his own music since age 15 and has played in and/or fronted several original bands that have performed genres including progg rock/metal, reggae, old time, and a comedic skit rock band that went so far as to produce a full blown rock opera. After a brief stint in a pop new metal band, that left a bad taste in his mouth, he came to the realization that the forms of music he first came to know best complimented his creative ability; however the vast pallet he has acquired from delving into so many styles give his more current songs a unique edge that makes them memorable, thoughtful, and free from the cookie cutter sound of an artist strictly tied to one genre. Late 2002 saw Oli Brown pick up a guitar for the first time and just 2 ½ years later, at 15, he was invited to America, as the guest of American Blues band Blinddog Smokin’, this first trip saw Oli play for Buddy Guy and Taj Mahal. 2008 and Oli was signed to the German Blues label, Ruf Records, Thomas Ruf actually flew into the UK to see Oli perform and signed him there and then. Oli Brown's debut album, OPEN ROAD, was recorded and released in 2008 and received great reviews from both the UK and Europe and was voted the Number 2 Blues album of 2008, by readers of Blues Matters! magazine and, two years on, is still high in the Blues Charts.
