Laurence Henderson caries the flame for classic, guitar-driven blues-rock. Born to an Orchestral Double Bassist and a Violin Teacher, Laurence was honing his musical skills from birth and would go on to discover the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin, Eric Johnson, and Sting.

Within two years of picking up the guitar, he was giving live performances to halls and venues in his local Southampton area, his technical ability evident from the first day. By the time he reached his mid-twenties, he wanted to be more than just a ‘local guitar hero’ – honing his song writing through a variety of different influences.

Laurence stepped out of the shadows with his early releases such as ‘Strings’, ‘I Won’t Wait’, and ‘Where I Belong’ –bringing a new, modern, English flavour to modern Blues/Country inspired Rock. More recently Laurence has opened for fellow English Blues-Rocker Kriss Barras and continues to produce a gripping show for audiences around the country. ♫♪♪

Rob Clamp: “It’s not often you come across a voice with such controlled power: even at the emotional heights and depths of the songs, Rob’s voice retains a purity and focus that is all too rare. Wherever his song writing leads him, his voice adapts to the genre, from pop through folk and roots. A classic voice for classic music.”

Having release his debut single ‘Wind in My Hair’ in 2020, Rob has gone on to be featured on BBC Introducing, has won the highly regarded ‘Purbeck Rising 2022’ imprinting himself on the UK folk scene, and most recently has gone on to win the ‘Sofia International Singer Songwriter 2022’ in Bulgaria. Heavily influenced by the likes of Ben Howard,Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Bruce Springsteen – Rob’s music is filled with real life experiences, performed in his own compelling style, with acoustic guitar accompanied by a variation of foot percussion.

The start of 2023 has already gotten off to a bang, accompanied by his band, Rob sold out the notorious Joiners Arms in Southampton, and within days went on to sell out Heartbreakers, also in Rob’s hometown. ♫♪♪

The Long Shorts are an acoustic duo – Chris and Dan – who have been writing and playing music together for more years that they would care to admit! Originally from Winchester, these guys have played here at The Railway many times under different banners – and they’re excited to bring their current stripped-back acoustic rock / pop set up to this event. With a story-telling song-writing style inspired by real life experiences and observations. The Long Shorts will surely have you tapping your feet and nodding your head to their upbeat and relatable tunes!

Ryan Saunders is a talented and mischievous vocalist and musician with over 30 years’ experience of live performance. Currently singing and playing keyboard/guitar for the eclectic covers band “The Bandwagon” and singing lead vocals for Pop Punk tribute band “Blink Daze”. He can also be found playing solo in various local bars and pubs, smashing out all his favourite high energy rock and pop covers. Ryan also has his own original songs which he may unleash on the world at some point, but don’t hold your breath!

Performing as The Ben Poore Project in his hometown of Southampton and the surrounding area, Ben has been playing a range of upbeat acoustic covers for several years and is starting to write original material after being inspired by attending Roots Open Mic Night at The Railway Inn, Winchester. Ben has been singing for as long as he can remember and started playing guitar at the age of 16 to accompany himself. A self-confessed campfire guitarist, he has been described as a human jukebox, picking up new covers as requested by the audience. Heavily influenced by Americana and Folk music Ben’s performance is stripped-back and upbeat. In 2023 Ben will be celebrating turning 40 by releasing new original music.