“Blues music reflects an individual's life experience. You can hear the depth of a person's soul when a true blues singer sings.”

Dave Thomas: British Blues Bridge 

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and lifelong bluesman Dave Thomas stands as a direct link to the golden era of British blues. Emerging from the same 1960s explosion that produced icons like John Mayall, EricClapton, and Peter Green, Thomas has spent decades refining a sound rooted in tradition yet shaped by experience. From early days with progressive rock band Blonde On Blonde, his journey has been one of constant motion - and deep musical connection. With his new album “Bridge Street Blues” (2026), Thomas delivers one of the most personal and fully realized recordingsof his career. Recorded in Ireland in collaboration with master producer and multi-instrumentalist Declan Sinnott, the album is both a homecoming and a reflection - steeped in road-worn wisdom, and the enduring pull of the blues.                                     (Dave Thomas / Photos by Pete Smith)

Across Bridge Street Blues, Thomas draws on a lifetime of influence - from the gospel sounds of his youth - at the Baptist chapel where he first sang - to the lessons learned alongside legendary American blues artists, including Lightnin’ Hopkins, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker, and Buddy Guy. His guitar playing remains expressive and precise, while his vocals never lose their warmth or immediacy. This is more than an album - it’s a statement. A return to the streets, the sounds, and the spirit that firstshaped him.

Interview by Michael Limnios           Archive: Dave Thomas, 2021 & 2023 Interviews

Special Thanks: Betsie Brown (Blind Raccoon) / Photos by Pete Smith

What is that core quality in blues music that you discovered, which made you want to make it a central part of your life? 

Blues music reflects an individual's life experience. You can hear the depth of a person's soul when a true blues singer sings.

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album Bridge Street Blues? 

Bridge Street Blues was recorded in Ireland in my old friend Declan Sinnott's studio.  My original intention was to record a solo acoustic album but the whole process turned into a close creative collaboration which transcended all expectations.  Declan and I first met in 1973 in London early in our careers. Bridge Street Blues represents a joyful completion of a life's journey. Our style and approach are different but the combination resulted in a unique album.  

Why do you think that the British Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Many British people were inspired by American music during the Second World War and close friendships were formed between the British and American servicemen stationed in Britain. My own father served in the Royal Air Force and was stationed for a while in Canada where pilots were being trained for the Battle of Britain. He loved Glen Miller and big band music. He shared that love of music with me. I was also drawn to music when I attended services in my Baptist Chapel.  It was there that I learned to sing hymns and gospel music.  When I first heard blues it connected with me immediately. During the fifties and sixties it was the British who were first to recognise and appreciate the true value of black American music and musicians.  Each generation of blues lovers want to pass on their love and enthusiasm. In Britain that takes many forms e.g. musicians, blues radio presenters, mentors and teachers all dedicated to encouraging younger generations to benefit from this powerful tradition.  British Blues has carved out its own tradition and injected a different kind of energy into the music. John Mayall, the Godfather of British Blues, spent many years living in America. In my opinion, he was a truly transatlantic bluesman and he has influenced me enormously along with such American greats as T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, J.B. Lenoir, Memphis Slim, Jimmy Rogers, Pine Top Perkins, Buddy Guy, Toronzo Cannon and Wallace Coleman - all of whom I have seen and some of whom I have worked with.  

“Stop pretending that we can take the blues forward. The blues never dies. When the younger generation hear live blues they react with excitement and as they feel the emotion, just like we did when we first heard the music.” (Dave Thomas / Photos by Pete Smith)

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

For many years I didn't consider that I could make much of a contribution to blues music as a British middle-class white boy. Working with over 40 black American blues artists at Gerard Homan's Shake Down Blues taught me a lot.  Gerard was a promoter famous for bringing bluesmen to the UK.  He gave me the job as the main bandleader. During this time I met Mud Morganfield, Elmore James Jr. and worked with Travis "Moonchild" Haddix, Terry "Harmonica" Bean and Eddie Taylor Jr. My first performance at Shake Down Blues was with Wallace Coleman. We became firm friends. I was strongly encouraged by Wallace Coleman, the Chicago-style harmonica maestro, to believe in myself as a bluesman. Wallace invited me to perform and record with him in Cleveland, Ohio, where he introduced me to Robert Jr. Lockwood. Together we recorded the album 'Repossession Blues'. That was where I found myself needing to write blues.  While we were recording, Robert Jr. was severely ill and in hospital which had distracted Wallace from writing so we needed more material fast. I was privileged to perform with Robert Jr. Lockwood's All Stars at Fatfish Blues. I was truly in the hood.  

How has your experience with the “golden era” of blues influenced the way you compose and perform today?

I lived through the British Blues Boom in the '60s which had affected the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and John Mayall. I transitioned into rock in the early '70s but I was back to the blues and playing the folk clubs of England in the mid-70s.  My guitar style was influenced by Lightnin' Hopkins, B.B. King and Otis Rush.  The soul of my blues was influenced by the great piano players, Memphis Slim and Otis Spann.  My harmonica style was most influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson and John Mayall.  My lyrical style was most influenced by Mose Allison. I have learned to keep things simple and I write straight from the heart.

How can we bring the blues of the past into the future? How easy or difficult is it for the younger generation to relate to the blues?

Stop pretending that we can take the blues forward. The blues never dies. When the younger generation hear live blues they react with excitement and as they feel the emotion, just like we did when we first heard the music.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Like most Bluesmen I have had to make a living doing other things. I have always loved literature and especially poetry. I read for a degree in English and spent most of my life making a living in the advertising business. That was after I had worked on farms, in factories and on building sites. In all areas of life communication skills develop and help you through. For me music is life and lifeis music.

Dave Tomas Blues - Home

(Dave Thomas / Photos by Pete Smith)