The prestigious coveted venue of Marshall Studios in Milton Keynes provided the backdrop for the UK Blues Challenge 2025, providing pristine studio space with a top of the line sound and stage. The wide spectrum of the Blues was well represented here by five incredible acts who were selected for this ticketed event, going head-to-head, of whom all were an absolute delight and treat to hear and see. Each artist had 25 minutes to showcase their musicality and talent, although all of them were effectively winners by participating and representing the diversity of the UK Blues scene.

Delivering fresh Americana Blues, the talented Laura Evans opened, with her beautiful voice and great band comprising Jake Loosemoor on guitar, Daisy Pepper driving on bass, Jamie Joiner on drums and Eddy Smith on keys/organ. Deserving every success with her brand new album, 'Out of The Dark', released this month, her enjoyable set included 'Solo', 'Early Morning Blues', 'Fool', 'Heartbreaker' and 'I’’m Alright'.

Full of Blues meets Jazz originality, the more established Zoe Schwarz with guitarist Paul Koral and their band, including Eddie John on drums, Anth Caplen on bass and Hilary Cameron on keys and backing vocals, were a delight to hear. Featuring Schwarz’s Blues and Jazz infused vocals as well as her gazelle like presence, their set included 'Venus Ain’t So Far Away', 'Your Love Hurts', 'Take Me Back', 'I’ll Be Yours Tonight' and 'Give Me the Key To your Heart'.

In contrast, Trevor Babajack provided a hard edged rawer Roots Blues set on his own original guitar and harmonica, as well as being accompanied by talented percussionist Jesse Benns, with their set comprising 'Rambling Man', 'Gypsy Queen', 'Devil Inside', 'Ambler Gambler' and 'I’m Up I’m Down'.

Kirris Riviere and The Delta du Bruit delighted with their set for the purists, transporting us back in time to the USA, where porches and the old school Delta Blues ruled. Featuring vocalist and frontman Riviere, backed up by band leader Evan Newman on keys, Pete Warner on drums and Marek Domanowski on guitar, their set included 'Left Me In The Cold', 'The Delta Du Bruit', 'Loose Cannon', 'Down To The Border' and 'Ain’t Got Time'.

Finally Emma Wilson closed out this year's UK challenge with her smooth vocals and a relaxed polished performance, including 'Hoochie Coochie Mama' that Wilson made her own. Suffice to say, all of tonight's accomplished artists were worthy challengers, and as the tension grew in the room, it was left to the wonderful UK Blues Challenge 2024 winner Alice Armstrong to announce that this year's winner was ..... Emma Wilson!

Indeed, 2025 UK Blues Queen Wilson is a worthy contender and will represent the UK Blues community well in familiar territory for her, at the International Blues Challenge in the USA, as well as the European Blues Challenge in Poland. So let's all get behind Emma, either by being there, or by supporting her crowd funder to travel to Memphis and/or Katowice, or do both! Good luck Emma!

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester