Twelve Bar Blues Band: The Masters of Modern Blues-Rock

The Twelve Bar Blues Band is a British blues-rock powerhouse known for revitalizing classic electric blues for the 21st century. Hailing from London, the group achieved mainstream success with their 2012 album Crossroad Hearts, which charted in the UK Top 40 and earned a gold certification for over 100,000 copies sold.

Early career

Formed in 2005, the band's founding members—vocalist and guitarist Jack "Slide" Harmon, bassist Leo Vance, and drummer Miles "Sticks" Carter—cut their teeth playing relentless gigs across London's pub and club circuit. Their self-released debut EP, Southbound Train, in 2007, caught the attention of independent label Delta Groove Records, which signed them and released their first full-length album, Whiskey Bent, in 2009.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2012 after signing with major label subsidiary Blues Legacy Records. Their sophomore album, Crossroad Hearts, debuted at number 32 on the UK Albums Chart, fueled by heavy radio play for its driving singles. The album's sustained sales led to a BPI gold certification, cementing the band's status as leaders of the new blues revival movement.

Key tracks

Midnight Oil — This gritty, harmonica-laden track was the lead single from Crossroad Hearts and became their first song to break into the UK Rock Top 20.

Three Day Suit — A fan-favorite live staple, this song showcases the band's dynamic interplay and extended, searing guitar solos.

Devil's Handshake — Featuring a guest appearance by veteran bluesman Walter "Big Train" Jefferson, this collaboration bridged the gap between classic and contemporary blues.

Crossroad Hearts — The album's title track is a slow-burning epic that highlights Harmon's soulful vocals and lyrical storytelling.

Building on this momentum, Twelve Bar Blues Band toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, supporting acts like Joe Bonamassa. Their 2016 follow-up, Steel & Rust, debuted even higher on the charts and included production work from Grammy-winning engineer Kevin Shirley, known for his work with Led Zeppelin and The Black Crowes. The band has maintained a consistent release schedule, with their most recent studio album, Testify, arriving in 2022 to critical acclaim for its raw, back-to-basics approach.

Fans of the Twelve Bar Blues Band's authentic, guitar-driven sound should also explore The Hoax. This UK band similarly forged a powerful reputation through explosive live performances. Listen to the gritty, contemporary blues-rock of King King for their shared emphasis on soulful vocals and melodic guitar work. The driving rhythms and modern edge of The Delta Riggs also resonate with the Band's energetic style.

The music of Twelve Bar Blues Band remains in heavy rotation on a wide array of radio formats. Their hits are staples on classic rock FM stations, while their deeper album cuts find a home on dedicated blues programs and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-based artistry. Online rock radio streams frequently feature their tracks, recognizing the band's appeal to audiences seeking genuine, instrument-focused rock and roll.

You can hear the powerful blues-rock of Twelve Bar Blues Band on radio stations featured right here on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover their music and listen to the band's catalog of gold-certified albums and electrifying singles.