4 piece, Hammord-organ driven, contemporary rocking blues frequently augmented with bass guitar and/or horn section)

Refreshing the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing, and vocal prowess.  With an exciting live set based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs, and exciting grooves, they mix old-school tradition with contemporary flair and sophistication.

 Zoe and Rob Koral are a “nationally regarded couple, it tells in the power and professionalism of their performance…”.  Zoe’s dynamic and commanding vocal delivery is complimented by the unmistakable touch and flow of Rob-guitar, and the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker - Hammond organ and Eddie John - drums.

From funky dance grooves, soulful classics, to rock epics, this 4 piece does it all.  Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral, Anth Caplen, and Craig Alexander play rootsy original songs with strong catchy riffs 'n grooves. A healthy dose of some cool covers, and more old school tradition make a band with contemporary swagger and verve.

    Zoë Schwarz and Rob Koral are well known for their very popular and established band Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, which, for over a decade has been one of the leading lights on the British Blues scene.  However, they are equally at home in the more intimate duo format.  Expect a mix of classic blues and roots standards, plus a healthy helping of their self-penned songs, delivered with sophistication and panache.  The communication between these two fine musicians will be evident for all to hear as one might expect after over twenty years of intense gigging together.

Zoe Schwarz (vocals) & Rob Koral (guitar) Duo – blues, roots & originals   

 “We’ve worked and developed our duo performance since day one, it’s the format that started our gigging life together over 20 years ago.  We enjoy the intimate and highly communicative possibilities that this format allows, and requires, especially in a concert situation.  Our duo performances aren’t just a guitar accompanying a voice, they are about a musical conversation, the ability to create surprises, to change key or tempo based on a glance.  Expect a variety of vibes, grooves and feels, cover songs and originals.” Rob & Zoe

“A masterclass in blues storytelling... a relaxed but compelling performance… Zoe’s voice moved effortlessly from intimate whisper to… full-bodied blues powerhouse. Rob’s guitar work was anything but predictable, weaving sinuous, expressive lines that took familiar songs in unexpected directions.”- Jeff Ollerton, Live review,

Blues in Britain magazine

YouTube link to ‘Hear My Cries’ 

https://youtu.be/3-EFqFiJRzY?feature=shared

A wonderful and varied night of blues!  Three distinctly different acts at the top of their respective fields, covering New-Orleans Boogie-woogie, Acoustic Country Blues, and Contemporary Electric Hammond driven Blues.

The stylish and unmistakable partnership of vocalist Zoë Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral brings together a hand-picked quartet of established jazz musicians, each adding their own personality to a repertoire that ranges from jazz standards to blues-infused classics. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Ray Charles and Muddy Waters, the quartet always retains a strong jazz sensibility, while also looking forward with original compositions by Zoë and Rob.

Expect subtlety and raunchiness side by side. Their music inhabits that fascinating space where jazz meets blues—or perhaps where blues meets jazz.

‘Eye catching jazz vocals meet sumptuous guitar’ - Guitarist Magazine

 ‘A perfect mix of head and heart’ - Jazz Journal

“Renowned singer Zoe Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral create a certain edgy intimacy and bittersweet melancholy that is both very contemporary and quite traditional at the same time.  Schwarz and Koral make it all look easy; blues, swinging tunes, bossa-novas, Billie Holiday-esque ballads all delivered with an expert flair while still possessing the wild hair necessary for true authenticity."– C.M. Bailey, All About Jazz, USA

 “Vocalist Zoe Schwarz has a smooth jazz delivery, reminiscent of the iconic Billie Holiday…..  with Rob Koral on guitar they demonstrate a flair for dynamic interplay, rhythmic drive and confident swing, Zoe’s Billie toned voice and Rob’s vibrant solos are spellbinding.”- Jason Sidwell, GuitaristMagazine, UK

“Rob Koral, whether filling, adding rhythmic support, or soloing, is superb, his is a talent of world class proportions”- Bruce Crowther - Jazz Journal International

Shows include:  ‘Zoe sings Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Etta James’