Blues band

Half Hand Hoodoo Blues Band

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About Half Hand Hoodoo Blues Band

100% Blues
Blues band
York
Public liability insurance of £10 million

The Half Hand Hoodoo Blues Band are a four-piece based in York. Formed in 1995 by singer/guitarist frontman Dave Smith, the band has become well known on the North of England blues circuit with a number of residences in the City of York as well as numerous appearances at the Colne and Burnley blues festivals. The band play a mix of different blues styles from the slide of Muddy Waters “Louisiana Blues” to the swing of Eddie “Cleanhead” Vincent “Kidney Stew Blues”. A typical set often closes with a one-chord North Mississippi Blues instrumental in open G. Audience response to this tune proves that simpler can often be better! Above all, Half Hand Hoodoo believe that blues music should be played with fire and passion: you have to give more than 100% to do it justice.

Half Hand Hoodoo Blues Band's Reviews

From customers:

LB
Lancashire A
8 years ago

Great swing sound, Half Hand Hoodo Blues Band ripped it up on the Prom stage.

R(
Richard (

You guys smashed it last night. Such and amazing sound and just the right vibe. Everyone was up dancing and totally loving it. Cheers!

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Half Hand Hoodoo Blues Band's Song list

All Your Love - Magic Sam
Blues is a Woman - T-Bone Walker
Blues When It Rains - Big Bill Broonzy
Bright Lights, Big City - Jimmy Reed
Catfish - Muddy Waters
Cornbread, Peas, Black Molasses - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee
Cry For Me - Elmore James
Feel Like Goin’ Home - Muddy Waters
Freight Train - Elizabeth Cotten
Going Away Baby - Jimmy Rogers
Hey Hey - Big Bill Broonzy
I Want You To Know - Bo Carter
Kidney Stew - Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson
Let’s Get Drunk Again - Bo Carter
Long Tall Girl - Elmore James
Lost Lover Blues - Blind Boy Fuller
Me & The Devil - Robert Johnson
Peepin' and Hidin' - Jimmy Reed
Poor Boy - Mississippi John Hurt
Red River Blues - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
Screamin’ & Cryin’ Blues - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
Shake Em On Down - Bukka White
Somebody - Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers
Stop Breakin Down - Robert Johnson
Stranger Blues - Elmore James
Trouble in Mind - Lightnin' Hopkins
You Got Me Dizzy - Jimmy Reed

Half Hand Hoodoo Blues Band's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Up to 1 hour£500
Up to 2 hours£650
Up to 3 hours£875
Packages
Blues and RnB DJ2 musicians2 hours
Need a DJ to play the best Blues and RnB to keep your party going? We can help with that!
£250
Solo Performance 2 musicians2 hours
For more intimate or low key events we offer a solo performance featuring guitar and vocals. This features country-style folk blues from the likes of Robert Johnson, Bo Carter, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee and many others
£375
After midnight finish 4 musicians1 hour
Need the band and PA to stay after 12? No problem. Charged per hour.
£250
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

We play authentic down-home blues. No big hats or big guitars! Clients love our sound and hearing music they can really move to!

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

We have performed all over the North of England including festivals such as Colne, Burnley and the Great British RnB Festival.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Too many to name… Big Bill Broonzy, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters… the list goes on.

Do you have different line-up options?

Our main line-up is a four-piece with vocals, two guitars, bass and drums. We also have solo, duo or trio options.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer a iPod service for free.

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

Can you roam around while you perform?

No. Unfortunately our instrumentation doesn’t support this type of performance.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event.

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA & lighting) included in your quote?

Our PA and lighting system is included in your quote. This is suitable for up to 150 guests. For larger events please get in touch. We usually require a minimum of 4m by 2m space to perform

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.
Musicianship
Genres:
Blues, 1950s era music, 1940s era music, 1930s era music, 1960s era music, 1920s era music
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Types:
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Event types:
Bar / Club / Venue event, Wedding, Funeral / Memorial service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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