THE LAKES could be singing the blues this month when one of North America's foremost interpreters of traditional roots and blues music comes to town.

For lovers of acoustic blues guitar, Ken Hamm is the genuine article, but be prepared for a twist.

Brought up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, his long hair and lumberjack shirt mark him out as blues to the core and the music of blues greats such as Robert Johnson, Skip James and Leadbelly have been coursing through his veins since his adolescence.

But, despite playing on a vintage 1930 National Steel guitar, he brings a fresh interpretation to the well-worn blues tradition.

By reworking classics he rearranges the music to his unique style and isn't afraid to inject the flavour of other genres.

Ken, who has been described as the best slide blues guitarist in Canada, combines technical skill with observant lyrics to great effect.

Highly original songs reflecting his west-coast life manage to steer clear of the sentimental while conveying a personal insight into the land and the people of rural Canada.

On his whistle-stop tour of the UK you can catch him playing alongside Edinburgh guitarist Jim Condie at the Hare and Hounds, Bowland Bridge, on September 22, or at The Royal Hotel, Windermere, on September 28.

The pair will also be playing at the Hole int' Wall, Bowness, on October 14.

For details contact The Stoneyport Agency on 0131-3468237.