A NIGHT of blues song theatre is coming to Upstairs at the Red Lion.

Texan singer/songwriter Eric Taylor will bring his legendary performance skills to the Manningtree venue on September 28.

Taylor grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and started playing soul music in his early years.

He said: “I’ve written poetry all my life. When I learned how to play guitar, it was a natural progression to write songs.”

After high school, a brief stint at Georgetown University in Washington, Taylor left to follow his dreams.

“Music lured me away,” he added. “I thought I’d make my way to California like everybody else back then but I ran out of money and ended up in Houston.”

Taylor learned intricate blues guitar stylings from music legends Lightnin’ Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb and Mississippi Fred McDowell.

Later, he developed his own unique guitar picking style, that would be imitated by many of his contemporaries from the early Houston days, such as Guy Clark and Nanci Griffith.

Taylor has headlined the prestigious Newport Folk Festival and has appeared on both Late Night With David Letterman with Nanci Griffith and Austin City Limits with Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark, and Robert Earl Keen.

In June 2013, Taylor released his tenth CD, aptly named Studio 10.

Widely renowned as a mesmerizing performer, Taylor has toured extensively in the United States and Europe.

And he will bring his concept of song theatre – spoken word intertwined with masterfully crafted songs – to Manningtree.

Taylor said: “I’m very much looking forward to the show and the visit to Manningtree, which sounds to be such an interesting place.

“As to what the patrons can expect from the show — well, let’s just say I ain’t no song and dance guy. I’m a writer and a pretty damned good guitar player.

“My shows have been considered leaning towards theatre.

“I feel that those who attend will enjoy themselves. If not, they can buy me a drink.”

Paul Munson, from Upstairs at the Red Lion, said: “It is quite a coup for us to bring someone of Eric’s stature to play in Manningtree as part of his European tour. We are really looking forward to hearing his songs and the stories behind them.”

An Evening with Eric Taylor is at Upstairs at The Red Lion in South Street, Manningtree at 8pm on September 28.

Tickets are £10 in advance from redlionmanningtree.co.uk or £12 on the door.