SONGS 'N' SLIDE
Bad Temper Joe & MvM
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of acoustic blues with the exceptional slide guitarists and singer-songwriters Michael van Merwyk and Bad Temper Joe. Following the release of their first joint album “Songs ’n’ Slide,” the two blues heavyweights are launching a concert tour that no lover of smoky, gripping acoustic blues should miss.
Blues in Germany finds a special expression in the music of Michael van Merwyk and Bad Temper Joe. With their acoustic blues compositions, they have secured a firm place in the German blues scene.
Michael van Merwyk, also known as “The Bear,” celebrates his 40th stage anniversary in 2024 and has received numerous awards as Best Guitarist and Best Singer at the German Blues Awards. His musical partner, Bad Temper Joe, who has made his mark on the blues scene with his gruff charm, was honored in 2022 by winning the German Blues Challenge. The album “Songs ’n’ Slide,” released on the renowned Osnabrück-based label Timezone, offers a taste of the remarkable chemistry between the two musicians.
At their concerts, the duo not only presents the intensity of their studio recordings but also the unique dynamic that unfolds when they share the stage. With their distinctive double-slide guitar style — Bad Temper Joe playing a Weissenborn lap steel and van Merwyk an old Dobro resonator guitar — they create a mesmerizing sonic landscape. From Germany to international stages, their live performances prove that Mississippi Delta blues has found a new home in Germany.
Audiences can look forward to an evening of musical virtuosity, unmistakable voices, and compelling blues storytelling. The “Songs ’n’ Slide” tour is an opportunity to experience the incomparable expressive power of these two blues greats live. From intimate club shows to renowned blues festivals, the pair captivates audiences with electrifying performances.
Dive into the enthralling world of acoustic blues and experience Bad Temper Joe and Michael van Merwyk at their very best — virtuosic guitar work, intense vocals, and unforgettable blues moments.