The Bluehearts began in 1990. Founder members Bob Powell (vocals) and Mark Horse (guitar) started in 1989 as a two-piece called The Kingpins, which went round pubs and clubs mainly doing blues and country covers by Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam and Erik Hokkanen, but also some TRex and Stones material. As Bob and Mark became more interested in the country-music side, they decided to write their own songs and form a larger band to do it properly. This larger band features the talents of Sue Bradley (fiddle), Scott Warman (Double Bass) Geoff Ansell (drums)and Mike Fitzsimons (pedal steel). This was Big Cactus and the Moonshine Aces, which later became The Bluehearts, the only change of line-up during the period since 1990 being the addition of guitarist/producer Brian Powell in 2000. The band's unique brand of rootsy country pop has received extensive airplay in the UK and Europe, including several shows on BBC Radio 2, live sessions on GLR with Tracy McLeod, as well as throughout Europe. They have appeared live regularly with the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on dates across the UK at major venues. They were the only British act to appear on BBC TV Country Night. The new album 'No More Long Goodbyes' is now available. It features twelve new songs and guest artists on harmonica, piano, congas and a string section. The band have released one previous album 'Lullaby For the Lost' featuring guest vocals by Kirsty MacColl. Three singles have also been released. Big Cactus Records promote and manage the band in the UK. In the US the band are represented by Comstock Records, from Arizona. The first single from the new album has recieved extensive airplay across Europe, Australia, the US and Canada. Apart from their own material, the band's live set features a range of rock and roll and jump-blues songs by other artists, including The Cramps, Baker Knight and the Knightmares, Ronnie Dawson, Jody Reynolds, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Sanford Clark. To promote ' No More Long Goodbyes' the band appeared live on Radio 4's Loose Ends in May, and are currently undertaking live dates, an extensive press and radio campaign in the UK, Europe and the US. They have just released a second single in Europe, the UK release date will be announced soon. The band have received great reviews in the country and mainstream press . Here are just a few: Heartbreak Ridge smoulders with passion and strips the soul bare with it's poetry - Country Music & More Great Pop Hooks - a debut that will make you want to see them play live: Mojo A sparky and stylish slice of UK country-rock, full of urgency and passion: Country Music International A great British sound, laid back and musically excellent: David Allan (BBC Radio 2)