Born in Orlando, FL in 1985, Selwyn was the product of a father from Tobago and mother that hailed from the United Kingdom. Young Selwyn starting playing guitar the age of 13. As a teenager, he was introduced to the music of Jimi Hendrix. He began following Jimi's path to the blues, finding Muddy Waters, Albert King, Lightnin' Hopkins, Freddie King and Albert Collins, along the way. At 18 Selwyn attended a Buddy Guy concert that transformed his life into the blues.
A friend introduced Selwyn to Texas bluesman Sonny Rhodes. Sonny was so impressed with Selwyn's playing that he encouraged the youngster by taking him on tour as a member of his band. He also taught Selywn the lap steel guitar and the ways of life on the road. 19 year old Selwyn soaked up all the information he could but also took Rhodes' advice in earning a college degree. He has an MBA from the University of Tampa.
In 2010 Selwyn formed the current version of the Selwyn Birchwood Band featuring Regi Oliver on horns, drummer Curtis Nutall and bass player Donald Wright. The band competed in 2012 and 2013 at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, besting over 125 bands to take the title in 2013. Selwyn won the Albert King Guitarist of the Year award at the 2013 IBCs, as well.
Alligator Records president Bruce Iglauer was so impressed, he signed them to his label. Their Alligator debut, "Don't Call No Ambulance" was released in 2014. They've performed all over the globe at various blues festivals, joining such luminaries as Robert Cray, label-mate Joe Louis Walker and Selwyn's idol, Buddy Guy.
January 30, at 8:30 pm, you'll have a case of the blues, courtesy of the Selwyn Birchwood Band. But "Don't Call No Ambulance". Selwyn Birchwood is just what the doctor ordered. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!
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