A history of the Blues

A history of the Blues is a show which was first created at the Franco American Museum of Blérancourt. It is a musical journey which follows the evolution of the Blues. It starts with a selection of traditional songs and finishes with original music composed by Antony Hequet.

“a history of the Blues” is now available for booking – please feel free to use the contact email in order to request further information.

• Stereo DPA miniature  mics 
• Sabine wireless system
• Bose F1 sound system when needed
• Studiolive series III mixer (Mackie 1402 VLZ option for smaller venues) 
• TC Fireworx effects processor 
• Akai MPC Live groovebox 
• Elektron Anlog Four Mark II groovebox 
• Blues Harps 
• tube pedal and amp for Blues harp 
• assortment of hand percussion 
• stands
• 1 VOX AC4 C1-BL Blue
• 1 Shure SM58

Type of Venue
Museum, medium to large stage, festival, theatre, empty industrial sites (bring our own PA)

Cost range
Starting from 3000€

Contact: antonyhequet@icloud.com

Concert – the History of the Blues

The concept of the concert is to  give the public an opportunity to follow a History of the Blues, from the time of its inception up to this day… The story begins a capella with traditional songs, prisoner songs, primitive Soul. It continues with the premises of Jazz, and more prominently the amplified Chicago Blues. The story ends with my own “Kosmic Soul” incorporating contemporary sounds (samples, synths – processed Chapman stick and NS stick).

One aspect of the Blues which is often overlooked is the contribution of American Indians. At every major turn in the development of the Blues style, one can find an American Indian opening a new path. As we roll out our musical voyage of the Blues we will make stops to visit these remarkable people and discover their musical contribution.

At different moments during the concert the the public is invited to participate with small percussion or with their voice. 

Antony Hequet – How the project came to life 

I am bilingual and bicultural, born from and American mother & a French father

I learned to sing the Blues, listening to my mother. She had a wide repertoire ranging from prisoner songs to the bluesy Jazz of the forties and fifties; she also sang traditional music from rural America… 

When I was a young man hanging out in New York City, a musician whom I befriended on the street gave me a blues harp and showed me a few riffs. I went on to play in the parc, in the subway, walking in the streets of the big apple building a feeling for the instrument.

A few years ago, after an assessment of my varied musical experiences & adventures, I decided it was time to come back to my cultural roots and started composing and performing Blues and Soul music, both traditional and contemporary.

Here is a brief video presentation of the show: