HE'S only 17, yet he's already jamming with seasoned rockers like John O' Leary and Terry Brennan of The Roosters.

But while he appreciates the advice of two such experienced figures, guitarist and singer Joe Hollywood is far from a backward-looking blues man.

He explained: "I like to keep it fresh.

"Too many people get caught up in traditional blues. In the 60s they had Led Zeppelin to keep blues moving on. I think today we should move on as well. It's stupid to stand still."

Together with his fellow band members Foxy, on bass, and drummer Funky George Dare, both more than twice his age, Joe pedals his own brand of blues, influenced by a huge range of artists.

He said: "I listen to a lot of contemporary Indie stuff and mix that into my music. I also like funk, soul and rock.

"I love the Delta blues and people like Otis Redding and Robert Johnson. But the blues sound only goes so far.

"I'm looking to popularise it - to broaden it out and take it to a larger audience."

In spite of his tender years, London-born Joe finds it easy to get along with the older talents he rubs shoulders with.

He said: "Both Foxy and George are just as keen to expand from the blues sound as I am.

"We're all on the same wavelength when it comes to what we want to do.

"It helps to have their experience in the band. To be honest, a lot of young people tend to get quite arrogant and aren't terribly professional."

Joe's maturity in temperament is matched by his mature musical tastes, which began evolving when he picked up his first guitar at the age of seven.

He said: "I played rock and pop until I was about 11, then I got into the blues and that changed my approach.

"My dad had a huge CD collection, so it was probably as a result of that I started listening to the blues. I started jamming in pubs at the age of 13, playing rootsy blues and a few traditional numbers."

The Colne Blues Festival will be Joe's first trip to the North and he's looking forward to it.

Catch Joe on Saturday at 2pm at the Benedictine Super Roadhouse.