The Dutch guitarist Hans Theessink is something of a cosmopolitan. He lives in Vienna but is frequently on the road in Europe and the US.

Theessink, characterised by Bo Diddley as "one helluva guitar player", came down with the blues in the early 60s, thanks to a radio show with Big Bill Broonzy and Leadbelly, and has nurtured it ever since.

Theessink is equally appreciated on his own with just a couple of acoustic instruments as together with a full band. Beside the blues, his repertoire extends to roots rock, country, folk and gospel, showing the wide spectrum of what has influenced and inspired him.

The press in the US has called Theessink "an international blues treasure" and the City of Vienna awarded him the "Golden Counsellor" in 2001 to honour his achievements as a musical ambassador. His first record, an EP, hit the market in 1970. Since then he has published 20 albums, a song book, a tutorial video and a DVD.

The Band is: Hans Theessink, vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, mandocello and harp; Erich Buchebner, acoustic and electric bass; Harry Stampfer, drums and percussion; and Roland Guggenbichler, piano, organ, accordion. The vocal group Insingizi from Zimbabwe accompanies the band.