If you’ve ever wanted to capture Quai du Blues’ fabulous “down in the alley” atmosphere at your own parties, here comes the good news... A series of CDs freshly-released by brand-new blues label Viper captures the excitement of some of its hottest acts.

The first three volumes of this collection are devoted to Holly Maxwell, Big Joe Duskin and Martha High, who’ve all played at this unique venue, which sets out to bringing authentic American blues to Paris.

Located on Neuilly’s Ile de la Jatte, Quai du Blues has spotlighted many legendary figures including Ike Turner and Screamin Jay Hawkins. Last year, the transatlantic magazine “Real Blues” described it as “the best foreign blues club,” and Gérard Vacher, its owner, says his dream is to have a place right here in Paris that’s on a par with Chicago’s Kingston Mines.

And, with this ground-breaking collection featuring live performances by the likes of Holly Maxwell, belting out songs along the lines of “Everyday I Have the Blues”... it certainly sounds like Vacher is about to accomplish that dream!

Quai du Blues, 17 bd vital-Bouhot, 92200 Neuily-Sur-Seine, tel: 01 46 24 22 00, www.quaidublues.com