SHE’S SO EUROPEAN – New tour planned for UK Rhythm & Blues singer-songwriter Emma Wilson

Emma Wilson 2026 pic. Paul May

These past few years have been golden for Emma – tours, awards, recording in Memphis, appearing on BBC Radio 2 with Cerys Mathews and in April she is getting ready to represent the UK in the European Blues Challenge in Poland.

‘And In January just gone I went to Memphis in America to represent the UK at the International Blues Challenge. That was great, of all the times I’ve visited Memphis this was the first opportunity I had to play on the iconic Beale Street.’

‘I also played a live session on Memphis Radio with DJ Ric Chetter. He’s championed me for years and always gets me in the studio when I’m over in the States’ said Emma.

‘On a more sombre note, my visit to Memphis coincided with a wake for the late Don Bryant. As you know Don and I duetted on his song What Kind of Love for my ‘Memphis Calling’ album. It was a very moving day and it was a privilege to be there.’

‘I was able to meet up with friends from the record – Scott Bomar and Hubbie Turner. A few of us went out later for some food and to raise a glass to Mr Bryant….Mr.B..’

Since we last spoke you have lost your good friend and fellow vocalist Terry Reid, how has this affected you?

‘It was so sad losing Terry, he really was one of those people you thought would go on forever. He shone so brightly in every way. I was lucky to have him as a friend and mentor. Even writing this hurts, I miss him so much.’

Emma added ‘We used to chat on Whatsapp (he lived in California) and he would tell me all the tales about his life in the 70s with Taj Mahal, Crosby Stills & Nash and David Lindley when they were all young crazy lads. He had some brilliant stories and an incredible memory for detail.’

‘There will be a tribute concert in 2027 which his lovely wife Annette has asked me to perform at. I’ll probably sing the song we wrote together See You in The Morning – if I can hold back the tears.’

You are putting together a new tour for 2026 are you playing any new venues?

‘Yes! It’s great to be expanding my gig repertoire! Of course, Katowice in Poland is new I’ve never played there before. I’m also on a festival in Germany – Dreyland Festival. Then in the UK the Swanage festival, I’ve played as a guest before but this time headlining. And the Beer Blues Festival in Devon is a new one for me’ said Emma.

‘Also, there are a couple of clubs such as The Angel in Bardsey and the Chantry Brewery in Rotherham. It’s fantastic that promoters – some of whom are musicians – are starting new clubs. Then in December I’m back at the 100 Club in London which is always a cool night – the room just throbs with energy.’

For further information on singles, albums and full list of tour dates contact the new official website >>>  www.emmawilson.co 


Listen to the new album ‘A Spoonful of Willie Dixon’ >>> 

Alikivi   March 2026

EMMA’S AUTUMN SURPRISE

So far this year Emma ‘Velvet Tones of Teesside’ Wilson has clocked up a lotta miles on the gigometer and this autumn adds a few more…

“It’s been great to see some of you on the road. I’m now looking for gigs in Europe and have just confirmed a date in Germany performing with the Milwaukee Band on 7th December 2024 at Messajero in Monchengladbach, Dusseldorf”.

Are you performing at any venues you haven’t played?

“There’s Diseworth Blues Club in Derby I’m really looking forward to. It’s a brilliant club run by Blues Enthusiasts. It’s these small clubs that are keeping the Blues scene alive in the UK”. 

After releasing your latest album last year what has the feedback been like?

“I’m so delighted that a year after the release of ‘Memphis Calling’ it’s still being reviewed and played all over the world”.

“In May I was featured in the iconic Italian Music Magazine ‘Buscadero’, and all the songs are still being played on International Radio stations and hitting the rhythm and blues charts”

“The stand out song has to be ‘What Kind of Love’. The song written by and featuring Don Bryant has been in the top 10 iTunes blues in about 50 countries!” 


Emma recently guested on an album by German band Milwaukee Music where she displays a softer jazzy side of her voice. Olaf Rappe of the band thanked Emma for her contribution.

“Milwaukee and Friends – Crossing Borders’ is twenty good friends making a special album. I’m very happy to have the wonderful Emma Wilson, the British soul and blues queen, as lead singer on two songs ‘Midnight in Harlem’ and ‘Rio de Janeiro Blue”.

Have you found time for a break this year?

“I went to the South of France in May and laid on the beach for a week. But all I could think about was music, music, music!” 

Catch Emma on these confirmed dates >

Acoustic set Saturday 14 September at Claypath Deli, Durham

Tickets https://downbytheriver9.com/

Saturday 5 October at Diseworth Blues Club, Diseworth Village Hall, Hall Gate, Derby. 

Info & tickets call 07731 435 758 or contact info@muckyduckpromotions.co.uk

Seated gig on Saturday 12 October at Hutton Rudby Village Hall, North Yorkshire from 7 -11pm. Also on the bill are North East Blues Legend George Shovlin & UK Americana star Lola-Rose.

Tickets  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/emma-wilson-music

Free daytime event on Sunday 13 October at the Tyne Bar, Mailing St, Newcastle.

Friday 22 November at Leeds Blues Club, Cross Keys from 6pm.

Tickets https://www.ents24.com/leeds-events/the-cross-keys-1/emma-wilson/7062016

Saturday 7 December 2024 at Messajero in Monchengladbach, Dusseldorf, Germany.

Download the new album ‘Memphis Calling’ >

https://EmmaWilson.lnk.to/MemphisCallingNE

For further info & tickets contact the official website >

www.emmawilson.net

Alikivi   August 2024