Farewell to blues man

9:34am Wednesday 11th June 2008

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SCORES of musicians and music fans from all over Essex gathered to bid farewell to one of blue's most ardent supporters.

Broadcaster, DJ and blues promoter Ashwyn Smyth and his wife, Patricia, have been planning a move from Billericay to France for some time and have finally managed it.

Friends decided to give the DJ a memorable send off during his last night MCing for the weekly New Crawdaddy Blues Club, at the Belevedere, Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill.

One of his favourite bands, the Cadillac Kings, was booked for the night and dozens of blues musicians with whom Ashwyn has worked over the years were invited along to make the occasion special.

"It was a really fantastic night," said Paul Milligan, of the New Crawdaddy's resident band, the Heaters. "We wanted to say goodbye to someone who has done so much to help Essex blues bands and bring some brilliant acts to venues in Essex.

"Ashwyn has worked so hard over the years."

Until last summer, Ashwyn, of Meadow Rise, presented a popular blues show on Brentwood's Phoenix FM community radio station.

He has also helped produce two CDs which showcased Essex bands worldwide, has presided over countless blues events around the country and organised numerous gigs.

Ashwyn also runs the Digital Blues website and plans to keep it going from France, log on at www.digital blues.co.uk