There are guitarists who play the blues... and then there are artists who live it.
When Susan Santos walks onto a stage, she doesn't simply perform songs — she unleashes a storm of fiery guitar work, raw emotion, desert-drenched blues rock and electrifying passion that leaves audiences breathless. Now, after two unforgettable appearances, one of Europe's most exciting blues-rock artists makes her eagerly anticipated return to Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre for what promises to be another spellbinding night of world-class musicianship.
Susan Santos has spent the last decade carving out a reputation as one of the most dynamic and captivating performers on the international blues and rock circuit. Born and raised in Spain, Santos is a self-taught, left-handed guitarist whose style is instantly recognisable. Drawing inspiration from the dusty highways of American roots music, the swagger of Texas blues, classic rock, southern rock, and soulful songwriting, she has forged a sound that is entirely her own.
What makes Susan Santos so special is authenticity. Every note she plays, every lyric she sings and every mile she has travelled has been earned the hard way. Beginning her musical journey in local clubs and bars across Spain, Santos built her reputation one performance at a time before taking her music across Europe, Mexico and the United States. Through relentless touring and a fierce determination to follow her own artistic path, she transformed herself from an emerging talent into one of the most respected guitarists on the contemporary blues-rock scene.
Her growing reputation soon caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the business. She has shared stages with none other than Billy Gibbons, who famously described her as:
"A guitarist with a special magnetism. An absolute professional."
High praise indeed from a man who knows a thing or two about great guitar playing.
Along the way Susan has amassed an impressive catalogue of acclaimed releases including Take Me Home, Shuffle Woman, Electric Love, Skin & Bones, No U Turn, The L.A. Sessions and her stunning latest album Sonora — a record that many critics regard as her most ambitious and cinematic work to date.
Sonora transports listeners into a world of endless highways, outlaw legends, desert landscapes and hard-earned freedom. It is a soundtrack to the American Southwest filtered through the imagination of a European artist completely immersed in the spirit of the blues. Packed with scorching guitar tones, infectious grooves and vivid storytelling, it showcases Susan Santos at the absolute peak of her powers.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. She captured the Best Musician Performance award at the European Blues Awards and later secured Best Female Album honours at the Los Angeles Critics Awards, further cementing her standing as a truly international artist.
Critics around the globe have been unanimous in their praise:
"Spanish Guitar Tornado... stinging, sinuous guitar lines, powerhouse riffs, sumptuous slide guitar, great songs and a killer power trio."
— Get Ready To Rock (UK)
"Susan Santos is a guitar hero. She has chops to spare. Santos is also an accomplished songwriter who crafts sturdy, hook-laden numbers. She can get down and weep out a deep 12-bar blues like nobody's business."
— Blues Blast Magazine (USA)
"One of the most exciting blues-rock performers working today."
What truly sets Susan apart, however, is her live show. This is not a carefully rehearsed, predictable performance. This is rock and roll in its purest form. Her powerful vocals soar above a relentless rhythm section while her guitar shifts effortlessly from delicate, soulful phrasing to explosive, full-throttle blues-rock fireworks. One minute she's whispering through a haunting ballad, the next she's tearing through a solo that would make the ghosts of Texas blues legends stand up and applaud.
For those who witnessed her previous appearances at Barnoldswick, you'll already know exactly what awaits. For those discovering her for the first time, prepare yourself for a thrilling collision of blues, rock, Americana and southern soul delivered by one of the finest guitarists currently touring the international circuit.
In an era dominated by manufactured artists and digital perfection, Susan Santos remains gloriously real — a road warrior, a songwriter, a storyteller and above all, a world-class guitarist.
This is blues-rock with grit. This is guitar playing with fire. This is Susan Santos.
And for one night only, she's bringing that fire back to Barnoldswick.
Expect scorching guitars. Desert highway grooves. Southern rock swagger. Blues soaked in gasoline.
Don't miss one of Europe's premier blues-rock guitarists up close and personal in the intimate surroundings of Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre.
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