Ian Cruickshank

British guitarist, author, educator, promoter, producer and record label owner (Fret Records). His first band was The Ian Lloyd Bluesmen which he joined at 18 in 1965. Approached to join The Keef Hartley Band after a gig when The Ian Lloyd Bluesmen supported John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, he took the stage alias of Spit James coined by Hartley who said it sounded more like a bluesman. After two LPs with The Keef Hartley Band and disillusioned with the rock scene, he turned into jazz guitar, and started using his real name again. b.: 1947 d.: Apr. 29, 2017