Ida Mae Members, Gear & Sound

Ida Mae is a British blues and roots rock duo consisting of husband and wife Chris Turpin (vocals, guitar) and Stephanie Jean Ward (vocals, keys). Originating from Norwich, UK, their music blends modern blues, roots rock, and UK Americana, creating a sound that is both raw and emotive. Known for their dynamic chemistry and energetic live performances, Ida Mae has carved a niche for themselves in the contemporary blues scene with albums like Chasing Lights and Click Click Domino, receiving accolades from major publications such as The Independent and Rolling Stone.

Ida Mae's sonic palette is characterized by scuzzy, frenetic guitar work and soulful vocal harmonies. Their music often features a gritty yet melodic sound, where the rawness of blues meets the heartfelt storytelling of Americana. Chris Turpin's use of guitars like the Gretsch G6131 Jet Firebird and Mule Resophonic Guitars Stratomule helps produce their distinctive tone, while overdrive pedals such as the Boss JB-2 Angry Driver provide the edgy, distorted texture that defines their sound. Their performances are often imbued with a sense of immediacy and intimacy, making use of both vintage equipment and modern effects to create an atmosphere that is warm, captivating, and deeply resonant.