British rhythm and blues scene in Manchester, were influenced by American forms of music that included rockabilly, girl groups and the early Motown sound, helping them to produce commercial orientated form of music that began to dominate the British charts from 1963. However, bands from the developing London club scene were mainly concerned to emulate black rhythm and blues performers, including the work of Chess Records' blues artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, but also wider rhythm and blues singer and rock and roll pioneers like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley resulting in a "rawer" or "grittier" sound. British rhythm and blues differed
Blues, Ballads and Beyond well he plays the trombone...Unbelievable! Remarkable playing. What being a true musician is all about."" Jean-Yves Duperron - Classical Music Sentinel ""Trombonist Mark Hetzler has assembled a collection of contemporary trombone compositions that brighten the light on this often ill-considered instrument on his Blues, Ballads, and Beyond: Influences Outside the Concert Hall."" C. Michael Bailey - All About Jazz ""Listeners seeking excellent interpretations of the familiar works on this album with find it. Those seeking newer works with influences beyond the concert hall will be even better served by this album."" Jeremy Kolwinska - ITA Journal Blues, Ballads and Beyond