Two decades of blowing the harp as a way of life and Simon "Honeyboy" Hickling is now established as a virtuoso player of international repute. 

His harp technique, honed through years of touring and recording, combined with a live wire stage presence and a voice that can justifiably be described as "authentic", have won over an ever increasing fan base, united in their conviction that when it comes to the thing he does, nobody does it better. 

 Nominated for best UK harp player (2000) in Blueprint magazine, past credits include three years of touring and recording with Steve Marriot, sharing lead vocals and playing the harp.  Recordings with Bo Diddley, Paul Rodgers, and occasional appearances with Anthony Thistlewaite's (EX Waterboys) Blue Stars - a session band featuring the "Kick Horns" and Mick Taylor.  

Simon's own band "The DT's" are currently engaged on the "Never Ending Tour".

Appearances on the Paul Jones Blues Show, and Radio 2 programmes, along with show stopping performances at many of Europe's largest Blues Festivals have increased his fan base still further.

GIG REVIEW
Guisborough R&B Club Saturday 3 April 2004

A great show can always be relied upon when Simon Honeyboy Hickling and the DTs are on the bill. This gig at the Guisborough R&B Club bore witness to that promise, as the band provided its customary mixture of energy, skill and humour to the delight of the very appreciative audience.

The first set comprised a highly entertaining selection of covers and original compositions, starting with Little Walter’s "Juke", charging through "Hey, Mattie", guitarist Al Taylor’s instrumental boogie "Cosby Flood", and numbers by Charlie Musselwhite, Slim Harpo and Chuck Berry, and ending with a splendid version of "La Cucuracha" in the style of Big Walter Horton.

The second set opened with Canned Heat’s "Goin’ Up The Country" and the equally upbeat "Moma Luchie". The medium-paced shuffle, "Keep On Running" eased into "Wonderful Night", a bouncing rocker, which was matched for energy by the insistent drive of "Judgement Day". Big Al resumed centre stage for a fine version of "Green Onions", followed by Simon’s superb rendition of "Wee Wee Hours". The floodgates were then opened with a brilliant sequence of rocking, RnB standards, including "Let It Rock" and "High Healed Sneakers", which rendered the dance floor a ticket-only zone for the remainder of the evening. The marvellous set was brought to a close with Steve Marriott’s "Big Train", prefaced by a magnificent harp intro by the Honeyboy, and Jagger/Richards’ "Miss You".

Amongst the many excellent harmonica players on the current British blues scene, Simon Hickling is in a class of his own. His technique and versatility are exceptional; and his energy and engaging personality are unmatched by any of the myriad pretenders to his throne. Add to that the rock solid backing unfailingly provided by Tony Bayliss on drums, Tony Stuart on bass and guitarist Al Taylor, and satisfaction is guaranteed.

Lionel Ross

Discography:

DT's - Messin with the Blues
DT's - Shakin not stirred
Steve Marriot - Thirty seconds to midnight
Steve Marriot - Live in Hannover
Steve Marriot - Poll Tax Blues
Bo Diddley - Don't know where I've been
Anthony Thistlethwaite - Aesop wrote a fable
Honeyboy Hickling - Blue It
Honeyboy Hickling - Straight from the Harp

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