SULTRY sounds of the saxaphone and a night of rhythm n' blues is coming to the Eastgate on Saturday, April 23.

Glasgow based quintet The Deke McGee Band pay homage to the the saxophone led Small Big Bands of the 40s and 50s and to the rhythm n' blues legends of that era.

The five piece band consists of Deke McGee on Vocals and Saxophone, Alan Brown on Guitar, Tim Brough on Piano and Organ, Gary Grochla on Bass and David Stone on Drums.

As individuals, the musicians have played with bands all over Europe and North America at dozens of jazz and blues festivals, which has seen them recording, supporting, and sharing the stage with artists such as Buddy Guy, Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, Hamish Stuart, Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings, Zoot Money and many others. 

Mark 'Deke' McGee has been playing the sax since he was 13 and has carved a formidable reputation and CV as a session player, touring band member, and an expert authority on Rhythm n' Blues Saxophone having taught hundreds of students and written book on it. 

With a resume like that - the show is certainly not one not to be missed.

This month also marked the release of the first album, All Night Long - a collection of Original Rhythm n' Blues tracks that Deke started recording and writing twelve years ago - which was launched at a sell-out gig on April 9, at Glasgow’s Queen Margaret Union.

As well as being his first record, the album spelled another first for Deke who has only recently discovered his voice - after 35 years of performing - much to the surprise of many who’ve known him for decades.

Looking to next weekend, Deke said: "I'm really looking forward to bringing my own band to Eastgate - I guested with The Jensen Interceptors here a couple of years ago and I know how much the Peebles audience love their blues music."

The Deke McGee Band perform April 23, 7:00pm -10:30pm.

Tickets £12/£10 from the Eastgate Box Office 01721 725777 or online http://www.eastgatearts.com/