Jorvik Radio’s “Blues from The Ouse” make it into final five in the UK Blues Federation Awards - Broadcaster of the Year 2023!

Jorvik Radio are delighted to announce that the “Blue from The Ouse” broadcast team have reached the final five in the UK Blues Federation 2023 awards – Dave Raven Blues Based Broadcaster of the Year category. This is the second year in a row where they have made the finals - last year they were beaten by the might of the BBC with Cerys Matthews picking up the Broadcaster of the Year Award.

Jorvik Radio are delighted to announce that the “Blue from The Ouse” broadcast team have reached the final five in the UK Blues Federation 2023 awards – Dave Raven Blues Based Broadcaster of the Year category.

This is the second year in a row where they have made the finals - last year they were beaten by the might of the BBC with Cerys Matthews picking up the Broadcaster of the Year Award.

Paul Winn, Ben Darwin & Angie Howe are the team behind Jorvik Radio’s multi award nominated “Blues from The Ouse” with a weekly Wednesday evening show from 8pm to 10pm delivering the very best classic and current blues music. “It’s something you don’t hear elsewhere on radio stations in York and surrounding areas and Jorvik Radio are thrilled to have this originality within its programming” said Robbie Burns, Station Manager.

Paul (left) Angie and Ben

Paul started out hosting “Blues from The Ouse” on his own when Jorvik Radio launched in November 2019. Ben & Angie joined soon afterwards which was proven to be a great move with the show growing in popularity.

They like to bring their own unique style and approach to broadcasting the music they love.  It has been said that tuning in to the show is akin to listening to a “pub” style conversation between good friends where the pub has the best jukebox in the world.  There are humorous anecdotes and tales of playing in a band as well as fascinating facts, some of which are even true!  Their ethos is for anyone tuning in to escape reality for a couple of hours, sit back, relax, enjoy the music and have a bit of a laugh.

Paul has been a specialist broadcaster for the past 7 years, starting out on internet radio then moving on to Coast & County Radio in Scarborough.  He also continues to host multi award nominated “The Blues Hour” on Wetherby based Tempo.

Paul and Ben are long-time friends and have been playing in York based “DC Blues” since 2012. Paul takes up Lead Vocals and Harmonica while Ben carries the groove on Bass guitar.  They play at major Blues Festivals in the UK as well as Blues Clubs & Venues throughout the region, they are seasoned Blues officianados!

They are also the organisers for York Blues Festival, the 4th event is taking place on Saturday the 1st of April at The Crescent Community Venue.  Each of their previous events have sold out with revellers travelling from all over the country to attend.  They are also able to attract some of the best Blues Bands from the UK to play for them as they have built up contacts and relationships through their work in Radio.  Paul has also been the promoter for “Ryedale Blues Club” since 2017, this is based at the Milton Rooms in Malton.

Paul fell into blues music by accident as a teenager in the 80’s.  This was all due to his fascination with the Harmonica, or “Blues Harp” as it’s called in the business which led him to research and discover loads of great blues music.  Ben’s story is a little different as he was exposed to “the blues” from a young age as his dad used to play on the local blues scene in the North East of England in the 60’s and there was usually an LP spinning in his house.

Angie has little to do with the show, she swans in about 2 minutes before going on air every week and is consistently the butt of all Paul & Ben’s jokes.  They only keep her as she brings food in every week which has resulted in the “What’s in Angie’s Bag” section of the show.  Joking aside, Paul & Ben love Angie to bits, she is always laughing and has her own fan club which consists of one listener called Fred who tunes in every week from France!

As for the UK Blues Federation nomination, Paul said “this is a fantastic achievement to be recognised on a national level and making the final five for the past two years.  But we don’t look on what we do as competitive but would love to win this coveted award – it’s all about the music and having a few laughs every Wednesday whilst presenting Blues from The Ouse on Jorvik Radio.”

Bill Colman, Jorvik Radio's Managing Director said he was “delighted that he Blues from The Ouse team is getting the recognition they so richly deserve. To be nominated in the top 5 for this award alongside national broadcasters is great testament to their blues pedigree and a hugely popular show".     

Paul Winn on Harp

Ben Darwin on Bass