Blues Against The Machine: An International Blues Supergroup Born in Portugal
Blues Against The Machine is an international blues project that brings together six seasoned musicians from Portugal, Norway, Poland, Spain, and Italy. Born during a winter recording session in a Portuguese studio, the band is the result of an extraordinary musical encounter, where different backgrounds, cultures, and influences came together through a shared passion for the blues.
The project was created around a simple but powerful idea: bring together experienced artists from different European blues scenes and give them the freedom to explore the genre without boundaries. The result is a dynamic sound that respects the roots of blues while embracing a distinctly modern European approach.
At the heart of the project is Portuguese guitarist and vocalist Budda Guedes, who conceived the musical adventure and produced the band’s debut album. In just a few days, the six musicians transformed their spontaneous chemistry into a fully realized record, capturing the energy, authenticity, and creative freedom that define Blues Against The Machine.
More than a new blues band, Blues Against The Machine represents the growing connections between European blues musicians and scenes, demonstrating how collaboration across borders can create something fresh, powerful, and genuinely original.
Who are Blues Against The Machine
Their style is a fiery blend of gritty blues, jump, boogie, and rock’n’roll, delivered with razor-sharp precision and electrifying stage energy. Each member brings their own unique flavor:
- 🇵🇹 Budda Guedes — Founder of Budda Power Blues, known for his expressive guitar playing and powerful vocals. A highly respected producer and a cornerstone of the Portuguese blues scene.
- 🇳🇴 Eric “Slim” Zahl — A true showman whose vocals and guitar embody swing and jump blues with elegance and humor. Winner of the European Blues Challenge in Torrita di Siena (Italy) in 2016 and semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
- 🇵🇱 Bart Szopinski — Virtuoso pianist and organist, leader of the Boogie Boys, and a boogie woogie legend in Europe. Honored 19 times in the Blues Top as Pianist of the Year. He performed at the European Blues Challenge in Berlin (Germany) in 2011.
- 🇪🇸 Danny Del Toro — Internationally acclaimed Spanish harmonica player, a master of both acoustic and electric blues. Finalist of the 2024 Spanish selection for European Blues Challenge in Braga (Portugal).
- 🇵🇹 Vasco Moura — A quiet yet essential bassist, the embodiment of groove. Active on the Portuguese scene since the 1980s, his playing is solid, warm, and deeply collaborative.
- 🇮🇹 Nik Taccori — Milanese drummer with an eclectic background. His precise and soulful playing earned him an endorsement from Canopus Drums, a Japanese brand renowned for its craftsmanship and sonic innovation.
Armed with an already impressive track record that reflects both individual and collective excellence, the band headlined the final night of the prestigious Blues in Hell festival in Norway, captivating the audience with their irresistible groove and on-stage chemistry.
Their debut album, launched at the event, not only marked their first release in Norway but also a major milestone in their international journey. Blues Against The Machine doesn’t just play the blues — they reinvent it, elevate it, and launch it into a whole new dimension.
Links
Website: https://batm-music.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com
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