French blues collective Five Bluesmen return with their third album, Blues Factory, a powerful blend of original compositions that bridges heritage and modernity. Known for bringing together musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, the band channels their individual influences into a cohesive, vibrant blues sound that is both raw and elegant.
At the helm is singer and rhythm guitarist Ray Perelli, whose passion for blues began at age 13 after discovering B.B. King. After years performing across pop, rock, and rockabilly stages, including with the Dixie Cats, Ray founded the Five Bluesmen in 2010 and has shared the band’s music from France to New York ever since. Alongside him, Jérôme Frulin delivers precise, melodic basslines influenced by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, Eric Flayecasse adds a distinctive rock and New Wave–infused drumming, and lead guitarist Elvis, a Presley fan, brings his unique flair.
Blues Factory showcases the songwriting talents of three band members and features guest contributions from harmonica virtuoso Élie Coquard and producer Stéphane Verdura, who enriches the album with keyboards and backing vocals. The result is organic, warm, and powerful blues—faithful to tradition yet refreshingly modern.
With Blues Factory, the Five Bluesmen demonstrate that the blues is alive, uniting five musicians through one timeless emotion: the heart of the blues itself.
