South Street Bluesman and Skeleton Drummer: Rob Berry; Dorchester, Dorset

Two things seen in Dorchester today:

The first beat the blues (and would put many guitar-picking buskers and most of the competition to shame): Rob Berry and his skeleton drummer.

Rob Berry CD album samples (Soundcloud)

A YouTube video (Rob Berry, not filmed in Dorchester)

Rob Berry's website

"After starting classical piano at the age of 7 and progressing to the guitar Rob began a career in the 80’s as a recording engineer at Bermuda Sound Studios. This led to him engineering on Keith Richards album 'Talk is Cheap' produced by Steve Jordan as well as getting some blues guitar education from Keith himself. In '90 Rob moved on to work in some of London top studios, including Metropolis Studios and Swanyard Studios, from there he worked alongside some of the best artists, producers and engineers in London, including, Gary Langan (Queen, Yes), Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Arctic Monkeys), Manu Dibango, Bernie Sumner(New Order), Johnny Marr(Smiths) and Andy Farris ( INXS) just to name a few.

After some time, the manic long hours took their toll and Rob really wanted to be a blues player not a tech. With his contacts in the studio business he began to do session work on guitar for the likes of Tom Robinson, Chris White from Dire Straits, and many other artists.

In 1994 Rob worked at Earls Court as a guitar demonstrator for JHS, the distributors for Hughes & Kettner amps, Jackson and Encore Guitars. He went on to develop a busy schedule of regular gigs in London and the South East. Soon after this he headed back out to Bermuda for a summer gig in the tourist resorts and Pubs, this was fun, he got to jam with some of New Yorks finest blues players, Poppa Chubby and also Big Ed & the Side Pockets at the Oasis Club. With frequent trips to Florida & Manhattan, this was just too much fun and the holiday gig turned into a 13 year stay.

For family reasons Rob eventually returned to the UK in 2007. Since returning he has put his studio experiences to good use and has completed seven albums".


The second thing:

What was really depressing (a shocking sight) was the sorry state of the King's Arms Hotel. That really gave me the blues. Roll over Thomas Hardy and William Barnes!