Basement Blues is an intimate live-music venue hosted in the cellar of The Mall Tavern in Notting Hill, West London. Every Thursday and Sunday night, we showcase the very best of the UK and international blues scene.
Our ethos is simple: real musicians, real room, real connection. We believe in creating a space where audiences experience the raw spirit of live blues — up close, unfiltered, and full of heart.
Most shows are free entry to keep the music accessible and community-driven. What started as a weekly experiment has grown into a local institution, drawing regulars, musicians, and first-timers alike.
Basement Blues exists to keep authentic blues alive in London — not as nostalgia, but as living, breathing music that still moves people every week.
BASEMENT BLUES LISTINGS
ASH LAMB AND THE 32 20'S
Get ready for a high-energy night of authentic blues with Ash Lamb & The 32 20’s, one of the UK’s most exciting modern blues outfits. Gritty vocals, smoking guitar lines, and a rhythm section that hits like a freight train — this is raw, soulful blues played the way it’s meant to be. Expect a mix of Chicago grit, Delta drive, and a few surprises along the way.
BIG JOE LOUIS AND FRIENDS LEWIS FILEDING AND PETE GREATOREX
A powerhouse trio of British blues talent — Big Joe Louis, the legendary frontman of London’s blues scene, joins forces with Lewis Fielding on guitar and Pete Greatorex on drums for a night of deep, driving rhythm and soulful groove. Expect raw blues, razor-sharp playing, and that unmistakable Basement Blues energy that fills the room every Sunday night.
ROLLO MARKEE TRIO
Harp in hand and groove in his soul — Rollo Markee brings his trio to the Basement for a night of electrifying Chicago-style blues. Expect fiery harmonica, slick guitar work, and that unmistakable swing that keeps the room moving all night. Authentic, joyful, and full of grit — this is live blues at its best.
BIG JOE LOUIS AND FRIENDS DANA GILLESPIE & DINO BAPTISTE
A rare and unmissable night of world-class blues. Big Joe Louis returns to the Basement with two icons of the British blues scene — the incomparable Dana Gillespie, bringing her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence, and the brilliant Dino Baptiste on piano, known for his infectious boogie-woogie flair. Expect deep grooves, soulful stories, and a packed house for this one.
JIM HAMMOND BAND
The Jim Hammond Band brings a powerhouse blend of roots, rock ’n’ roll, and down-home blues to the Basement. Expect blistering ridiculous piano skills, great guitar work, soulful vocals, and a rhythm section that swings hard — authentic, high-energy blues from one of the UK’s finest.
BIG JOE LOUIS WITH FRIENDS NATHAN JAMES (FROM USA) AND FRANCA SHAW
Blues royalty returns to the Basement. Big Joe Louis is joined by special guest Nathan James — flying in from the USA with his trademark fingerstyle guitar and West Coast groove — alongside the soulful Franca Shaw on Bass. Expect an unforgettable night of world-class blues, raw energy, and that signature Mall Tavern magic.
LEE SANKEY BIG BAND
The Lee Sankey Big Band takes over the Basement for a night of powerhouse blues and groove. Expect rich brass, killer rhythm, and Lee’s unmistakable harmonica front and centre. A full-tilt, foot-stomping show packed with energy, swing, and serious musical firepower — this one’s going to blow the roof off, which is good, as its our last Thursday night blues before Christmas!
BIG JOE LOUIS AND FRIENDS THOMAS LUCAS & LORIS PEVERANI
Blues legend Big Joe Louis returns to the Basement with an all-star crew — Thomas Lucas on piano and Loris Peverani on drums. Expect raw Chicago grooves, razor-sharp rhythm, and that deep, soulful swing that makes every Big Joe night a Mall Tavern favourite. Authentic, unfiltered, and straight from the heart.
BIG JOE LOUIS AND FRIENDS REMI BANKLYN & THOMAS LUCAS
London’s undisputed king of blues, Big Joe Louis, returns to Below The Mall with his powerhouse band — joined by Remi Banklyn and the brilliant Thomas Lucas on keys. Expect raw, soulful blues, Chicago grooves, and a night of pure rhythm and feeling.
BIG JOE LOUIS AND FRIENDS LEWIS FILEDING AND PETE GREATOREX
A powerhouse trio of British blues talent — Big Joe Louis, the legendary frontman of London’s blues scene, joins forces with Lewis Fielding on guitar and Pete Greatorex on drums for a night of deep, driving rhythm and soulful groove. Expect raw blues, razor-sharp playing, and that unmistakable Basement Blues energy that fills the room every Sunday night.
BIG JOE AND FRIENDS PAUL LAMB & FRANCA SHAW
This Sunday at The Mall, legendary harmonica ace Paul Lamb takes the stage with a special guest lineup featuring the soulful Francesca Shaw on double bass. Expect masterful blues, swinging grooves, and that unmistakable Lamb energy that’s lit up stages from London to Memphis.
Big Joe Louis and Friends - Dexter and Francesca Shaw
Joining Big Joe this week🎶 Dexter Shaw (vocals/guitar) & Francesca Shaw (double bass) – Live at The Mall Tavern 🎶
A stalwart of the British blues scene, Dexter Shaw is celebrated for his raw, no-nonsense guitar work and soulful vocals. With roots deep in Chicago and Delta traditions, he’s played alongside some of the greats and built a reputation as a torchbearer for authentic, stripped-back blues.
On double bass, Francesca Shaw brings a rich, resonant groove that anchors the sound with warmth and swing. Together, the duo create a set that’s intimate yet powerful — earthy guitar, deep bass lines, and the timeless feel of true juke joint blues.
Aisha Kahn Trio
Sultry, swinging, and full of soul — Aisha Khan brings timeless elegance to the blues. With a voice that moves seamlessly from smoky jazz ballads to rockin’ rhythm & blues, she channels the great female singers of the ’40s and ’50s while stamping every performance with her own contemporary fire.
Fronting a stellar band of seasoned players, Aisha delivers a show that blends classic jump blues, torch songs, swing, and rock ’n’ roll into a set brimming with style and groove. A favourite on the UK and European roots circuit, she’s earned a reputation for shows that are both intimate and electrifying.
Big Joe and Friends - Paul Lamb and Orlando Shearer
Joining Big Joe this week is 🎶 Paul Lamb (vocals/harmonica) & Orlando Shearer (double bass) – Live at The Mall Tavern 🎶
A true giant of the British blues scene, Paul Lamb has spent decades at the top — hailed as one of the finest harmonica players in Europe and a frontman with real grit and soul. With countless awards and international tours to his name, Paul brings unmatched fire, swing, and authenticity every time he hits the stage.
Joining him is world-class bassist Orlando Shearer, known for his warm, resonant tone and impeccable groove. Together, this duo strips the blues right back to its essence — raw harmonica, deep vocals, and the pulse of the double bass. Expect a night of powerful, intimate blues from two masters at the height of their craft.
Dawnette Fessey Band
Dawnette Fessey or Li’l Dawnette as we like to call her is a rising force on the UK blues scene. With a voice that’s equal parts soulful, gritty, and full of heart, she brings a modern edge to traditional blues and roots. Based in Essex, Dawnette has built a reputation for her commanding stage presence and ability to move seamlessly between raw, emotional storytelling and high-energy, foot-stomping grooves.
Whether fronting her own band or collaborating with other leading players on the circuit, Dawnette’s performances are full of authenticity, passion, and fire — carrying the timeless spirit of the blues into the present day.
Big Joe Louis and Friends - Rollo Markee and Lewis Fielding
Joining Big Joe this week are two of our favourites 🎶 Rollo Markee (vocals/harmonica) & Lewis Fielding (guitar) – Live at The Mall Tavern 🎶
A true partnership of blues fire and finesse — Rollo Markee brings searing harmonica and soulful vocals, while Lewis Fielding lays down raw, rhythmic guitar steeped in tradition. Together, they channel the spirit of the Chicago greats like Little Walter, Muddy Waters, and Sonny Boy Williamson, delivering a set that’s both timeless and electrifying.
With years spent lighting up stages across the UK and beyond, this duo strips the blues down to its essence: grit, groove, and deep feeling. Expect driving harmonica riffs, rolling guitar, and a night of pure, intimate blues.
Juke Joint Three
Essex’s own Juke Joint Three bring stripped-back, lo-fi blues straight to the stage—raw guitar, wailing harmonica, and deep, foot-stomping rhythm. Led by Rob Glazebrook (guitar), Steve Tolton (harmonica), and Richard Allen (drums), their minimal setup delivers maximum soul, keeping the spirit of the juke joint alive and vibrant.
Big Joe Louis and Friends - Diz Watson
Joining Joe this week is a true legend of the British blues and boogie-woogie scene, Diz Watson. Diz is celebrated worldwide for his rollicking piano style, rich vocals, and infectious energy. From New Orleans R&B to barrelhouse blues, Diz has been keeping the tradition alive for decades, sharing stages with the likes of Dr. John, Alexis Korner, and Champion Jack Dupree.
Joining him is powerhouse drummer Jonathan Lee, whose deep groove and razor-sharp timing make him one of the most in-demand rhythm men on the circuit. Together, they create a duo that’s both intimate and electrifying — driving piano, rolling rhythms, and blues delivered with real fire.
Rollo Markee Trio
Two masters of the British blues scene come together for a night of authentic, down-home blues. Rollo Markee, known for his fiery harmonica and soulful vocals, joins forces with Lewis Fielding, a guitarist celebrated for his tasteful slide work and raw, rhythmic drive.
Together, they create a sound that’s both timeless and immediate — steeped in the traditions of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Sonny Boy Williamson, yet charged with the energy of today’s London blues circuit. Expect a set full of gritty harmonica grooves, stripped-back guitar, and deep, rolling rhythm.
Joining Lewis and Rollo making the trio is the phenominal Francesca Shaw on double bass
Big Joe Louis and Friends - Lewis Fielding and Peter Greatorex
This week, joining Big Joe is Lewis Fielding and Peter Greatorex on drums.
Meet one of the UK's premier blues guitarists, Lewis Fielding. Renowned for his deep understanding of traditional blues, Lewis brings a powerful and authentic sound that echoes through every chord. A frequent collaborator with blues harp legend Rollo Markee, his guitar mastery weaves together the rich traditions of early urban blues and raw Delta styles.
Whether laying down gritty slide riffs or smooth rhythmic grooves, Lewis’s playing is rooted in respect for the genre—bringing timeless blues to life with flair and feeling.
Peter Greatorex is a seasoned and highly respected drummer in London’s blues and roots circuit. He’s best known as the rhythmic backbone for artists like Big Joe Louis, forming part of his ultra-tight trio alongside Lewis Fielding on guitar. This rhythm section is frequently praised as among the most in-demand and experienced in the scene
Jo’ Buddy Band
Jo’ Buddy is a Finnish blues and roots powerhouse with over 40 years on the road and 4,500 shows across 16 countries. A multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, he delivers his trademark “Rattle ’N’ Roll Gumbo” — a fiery mix of down-home blues, New Orleans R&B, gospel, rock ’n’ roll and zydeco. A Blues Hall of Fame inductee and Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Jo’ Buddy brings raw authenticity, energy, and groove to every performance.
Big Joe Louis and Friends - Sub Atomic Souls
Joining Big Joe Louis this week will be the Sub Atomic Souls.
Igniting stages with their explosive blend of soulful grooves and gritty blues, Sub Atomic Souls are a powerhouse live band who bring raw energy and irresistible rhythm to every performance. With searing guitar licks, smoky vocals, and a rhythm section that hits like a freight train, they channel the spirit of classic blues while injecting it with a fresh, modern edge.
From slow-burning ballads to high-octane shuffles, their dynamic sets take audiences on a journey through the heart and soul of the blues — guaranteed to get feet stomping, hips shaking, and spirits soaring.
Rollo Markee Trio
Two masters of the British blues scene come together for a night of authentic, down-home blues. Rollo Markee, known for his fiery harmonica and soulful vocals, joins forces with Lewis Fielding, a guitarist celebrated for his tasteful slide work and raw, rhythmic drive.
Together, they create a sound that’s both timeless and immediate — steeped in the traditions of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Sonny Boy Williamson, yet charged with the energy of today’s London blues circuit. Expect a set full of gritty harmonica grooves, stripped-back guitar, and deep, rolling rhythm.
Joining Lewis and Rollo making the trio is the phenominal Francesca Shaw on double bass
Big Joe Louis and Friends - Erol Linton and Petar Zivkovic
Hailed as one of the UK’s finest blues acts, each week, Big Joe Louis brings his raw, uncompromising sound to Notting Hill. With deep, soulful vocals and searing guitar, Big Joe delivers the blues as it’s meant to be — stripped back, heartfelt, and full of fire.
Each week, Big Joe brings two of his friends along to play, making each night special and unique. This week, Big Joe’s playing with Errol Linton and Petar Zivkovic.
A cornerstone of the London blues scene, Errol Linton is hailed as one of the UK’s finest harmonica players and vocalists. With a career spanning over three decades, he’s brought his unique mix of Chicago blues, Jamaican roots, and London grit to stages worldwide.
Joining him is virtuoso pianist Petar Zivkovic, whose dynamic playing blends barrelhouse drive with soulful flourishes, creating the perfect foil to Errol’s rich harp and vocals. Together, they conjure an intimate yet powerful sound — steeped in tradition, but alive with contemporary energy.
Tidy’s Blues Sandwich
Get ready for a night of soulful blues and stomping grooves with South London’s own Tidy’s Blues Sandwich. Fronted by harmonica virtuoso Adam “Tidy” Burney, this powerhouse band blends Chicago, Delta and Rhythm ’n’ Blues with a gritty London twist.
With decades of experience on the blues circuit, Tidy and his crew bring raw energy, infectious rhythm, and a deep respect for the roots of the music. Expect barnstorming harmonica riffs, searing guitars, and a rhythm section that swings hard — a show that takes you from slow-burning soul to all-out foot-stomping blues.