THE farewell gig of a legendary rhythm and blues band will ensure an emotional night this weekend and get Warrington really singing the blues.

Ian Parker, a guitarist compared with the likes of Peter Green, Otis Rush and Gary Moore, brings the curtain down on his Alibis outfit at Wilderspool this Friday, for a show of barnstorming blues energy.

The consummate axeman was recently voted best guitarist on Radio Lancashire's Blue Notes, from a heady list including BB King and Buddy Guy.

Parker's Alibi themselves boast an enviable

line up with Chris Lomas on bass, Tony Bayliss on drums and Morg Morgan on keyboards - the latter two planning a new band with Parker planning a more mainstream musical assault.

Soulful

Wringing out soulful notes from his Stratocaster, Parker swings from whispering blues melodies to full frontal jamming climaxes, during which his finger agility and dexterity comes to a spectacular fore.

Ray O'Hare, club organiser, said: "Ian has been playing at the club since we opened four years ago and people rightly compare him to Slowhand himself, Eric Clapton, as his guitar literally screams the blues.

"Clapton's management have just signed him up and when the two met, Eric put his guitar down and walked away saying, 'this guy's too good!"

For more information about the gig contact Ray O'Hare on 488009.