Career
Described by Clyde Stubblefield, James Brown's legendary drummer, as "the funkiest man I've heard in Europe", Giles is a familiar face at UK clubs and festivals playing acoustically or with the Aviators. He has appeared at Gloucester, Colne, Upton, Farnham, Banbury, Oxford, Bracknell, Ealing, Basingstoke, Wallingford and many of the well-known "Boogaloo" blues events, as well as the Festival Blues de Traverse and Festival Blues à Gogo in Normandy.
He has guested three times on Paul Jones's Radio Two blues programme as well as on Wey Valley Radio, Seven Counties Radio and various local radio stations in France. He held residencies over several years at London's top blues venues 'The Station Tavern' and 'Ain't Nothin' But'.
In the 70s Giles was a familiar figure playing solo bottleneck and lap steel on his old Dobro guitars in clubs, bars and festivals in England and Holland, where he released an LP. He played support to Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Juke Boy Bonner among others.
He formed the innovative "Really the Blues" in the 80s, which mixed delta blues with jazz influences: Richard Sadler on bass, Bob Morgan on sax and keyboards, and Clive McKenzie-Joseph on drums. During their Station Tavern residency, Sam Kelly replaced Clive.
Giles moved to his current, rootsier style of blues in the 90s, forming "The Aviators", keeping Richard Sadler and Sam Kelly.
Giles remains deeply rooted in the acoustic, early country blues. His solo work on his battered but beloved 1930s Grimshaw and Aristone guitars keeps him just as busy as the band, and has won equal praise from blues critics.
Instruments
Harmonicas by Hohner, customised by West Weston, through a custom-made Steve Matthews harp amp and an old EV160 mic or his homemade mic'd rack.
Acoustic guitars: 1934 Grimshaw "Hartford" arch-top, 1928 Aristone, Suzuki 12-string, Morris 12-string
Electric guitars: 1960s Yamaha semi-acoustic; self-made lap steel; for bottleneck a customised copy Fender with an early Bill Lawrence blade pickup