MARVELLOUS musicians who strive to play “blues with a smile” will take to the stage in a small riverside town next month.

Bottleneck Blues will perform at the William Loveless Hall, in Wivenhoe, on December 4 as part of the venue’s latest Music Mix event.

The seasoned singers and instrumentalists, who also harbour a touch of jazz, can play everything from artists such as Muddy Waters and Aretha Franklin.

Comprised of Martin McNeil, Tim Huskisson, Roy Webber and JJ Zarbo, the group has been going for more than 20 years.

A spokesman for the event said: “Blues with a smile, and more than a touch of jazz. That's what the line-up of players in Bottleneck Blues promise at The Music Mix.

“Forget about the heavy rock sounds of current British blues.

“This band put their mark on classic material that harks back to a time when blues, R'n'B, soul and jazz happily shared the same jukebox.

“Join us for an evening of good time, jazzy blues.”

Doors open at 7.00pm and music starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 and available to purchase in person from Wivenhoe Bookshop, online at WeGotTickets or, subject to availability, on the door on the night.