It's that time of year when A-level students are struggling their way through exams - unable to breathe a sign of relief until their results are revealed in August. But for one 17-year-old from Sco Ruston, there's been an early cause for celebration outside of the classroom. On Monday, 14 May, Oli Brown commanded the attention of blues fans across the globe when he appeared on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2's Paul Jones show. The host - former front man with 1960's band Manfred Mann - played three of Oli's original songs on his programme, while a fourth song will be available exclusively on the Radio 2 website. The talented teen and his band, drummer Simon Dring and bassist Fred Hollis, recorded their session last month at London's infamous Maida Vale studios. American appearances Oli's passion for blues has already seen him play across America, most recently at Texas' South By Southwest Festival, but the chance to record at Maida Vale has been the highlight so far. "It was awesome," said Oli. "We played in the same studio as Led Zeppelin recorded. It's incredible because a huge amount of people have played there." The radio show attracts more than half a million listeners each week and Oli hopes the session will boost his reputation. "I'm definitely hoping it will spread the name out when we're going around England playing," said Oli. "We love playing to live audiences and building up the atmosphere." Nationwide gigs For the past two years, the Paston College pupil has been juggling his A-level studies with playing gigs around the country. He has performed with some of the biggest names in blues including British legend John Mayall. But it was after getting up on stage with Paul Jones at a concert in Ipswich that the blues buff - who's been playing the guitar since he was 12 - landed the slot on Paul's radio show. Although his skill on the guitar has already wowed a host of respected musicians, Oli can't wait to leave school at the end of May so he can concentrate on music full-time. "It's been hard fitting in homework with gigs and things," said Oli, who turns 18 on 23 May. "I've just got a couple of exams left and then I'll be practising every day and sorting out gigs." To check out Oli's list of live dates, go to his website www.oliselectricblues.co.uk or you can catch him at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ stand at the Royal Norfolk Show on Thursday, 28 June, 2007. | 
