GIG / CONCERT REVIEWS
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* Indicates new review not previously published in Boston Target's Folk, Blues & Beyond Newspaper column or Folk, Blues & Beyond webpage ~ Gig reviews written by 'Alberta' & 'Mississippi Bill', (© Alberta & Missisippi Bill ~ unless otherwise stated) & some published in Boston Target Newspaper Group.
New Reviews ~ added Dec 2004
Click below to read reviews
Various Live Gig Reviews ~ 2004
Reviews ~ added Dec 2003
Rag Mama Rag ~ Spalding Blues Club
The Melt ~ Boom Boom Live, Sutton (Surrey)
Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes ~ Running Horse, Nottingham
Dr Feelgood ~ Black Horse, Nettleham
Emma Williamson ~ Spalding Folk Club
Reviews ~ added Jun 2003
Bill Wyman & The Rhythm Kings ~ Lincoln Castle
Kent DuChaine ~ The Farm, Bank Farm, Chapel St Leonards
Eco Fest 2003 (Sat 14 Jun), Asterby, Lincs
Ally Sloper's Half Holiday (theatre) ~ Village Hall, Tattershall
Reviews ~ added May 2003
Guisborough Rhythm'n'Blues Festival ~ submitted by Mike Mager
Stringybark McDowell - Holton Le Moor (Lincs) ~ submitted by Mike Mager
Danny Bryant's Redeyeband ~ Boston Blues Club
Stringybark McDowell ~ Holton Le Moor (Lincs)
Born To Run (Bruce Springsteen tribute) ~ Berkeley Hotel, Scunthorpe © 'Born To Run' Fan
Reviews ~ Mar 2003
Guy Tortora Band - Spalding Blues Club
Skegness Rock & Blues Festival ~ Butlins Funcoast World, Skegness
Claude Bourbon ~ Tap & Spile, Lincoln
Reviews ~ Oct 2002
BBC Radio Lincolnshire Folk Song Competition - Spilsby Theatre
Sandfly - Playhouse Theatre, Sleaford ~ submitted by Ian Jones
Steve Arvey - Spalding Blues Club, Red Lion Hotel, Spalding
Review ~ July 2002
Kirkby Blues and Rock Festival - Kirkby-In-Ashfield, Notts ~ Barry Middleton
Reviews ~ April / May / June 2002
Frank White - Berkeley Hotel, Scunthorpe
Sandfly - Old Nicks Tavern, Horncastle
Spider John Hutchinson - Bull Hotel, Horncastle
Bill Jones & Miranda Sykes - Chestnut Street Primary School, Ruskington
Mundy-Turner - Heart Of Lincolnshire Club, Eagle Lodge Hotel, Woodhall Spa
Reviews ~ 14 & 16 Apr 2002
Byther Smith - Running Horse, Nottingham
Band From County Hell - Lawn Centre, Lincoln
A.G. & Kate - Methodist Church, Wrangle
Skegness Rock and Blues Festival - Butlins Funcoast World, Skegness
Slack Alice - Running Horse, Nottingham
Lincoln Folk Festival (Sunday Afternoon Concert) - Lawn Centre, Lincoln
Stairway To Zeppelin - Lawn Centre, Lincoln
New Reviews ~ 7 Feb 2002
* Deep Purple - Grimsby Auditorium
Acoustic Strawbs - Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham
Reviews ~ Nov / Dec 2001
Slack Alice (Acoustic) - Heart Of Lincolnshire Folk, Roots & Blues Club, Woodhall Spa
John Wright Band - Workhouse Folk & Blues Club, Black Horse, Nettleham
Diane Ponzio - Alford Folk Club, Half Moon, Alford
One Week In November 2001 ~ 4 Brief Reveiws
Kate Campbell - Workhouse Folk & Blues Club, Black Horse, Nettleham
Coope, Boyes & Simpson - Reading Room, Ewerby
Bill Jones Band - South Holland Centre, Spalding
Kevin Thorpe's Out Of The Blue - Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough
Bob & Sheila Everhart ~ First Tour of Lincolnshire Gigs
Bob Cheevers ~ Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough
Emily Slade ~ Boston Folk Club, The Eagle, Boston
Les Wilson & The Mighty Houserockers ~ Boston Blues Club, Axe & Cleaver, Boston
BBC Radio Lincolnshire Folk Song Competition 2001, Spilsby Theatre
Joe Turner & His Memphis Blues Caravan
Slack Alice - Colne Rhythm'n'Blues Festival 2001 (By Mae & Bob Alex)
Martin Trimble - Blue Bell, Tattershall Thorpe
Kirkby In Ashfield Rock & Blues Festival
Cahoots - Alford Folk Club, Half Moon, Alford
Ben Andrews - Spalding Blues Club, Red Lion Hotel, Spalding
Karl Svarc Band / Winter Wilson - The Lawn, Lincoln
Bob Fox - Heart Of Lincolnshire Folk, Roots & Blues Club
Eugene Hideaway Bridges / Kevin Thorpe's Out Of The Blue - The Lawn, Lincoln
Dangerous Age - Boston Blues Club
* Slack Alice ~ Skegness Rock and Blues Festival (By The Midnight Ramblers)
Emily Slade ~ Spalding Folk Club
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Ruth Wyand - Heart Of Lincolnshire Folk, Roots & Blues Club
Christopher Hawley & Heather Ogren - - Heart Of Lincolnshire Folk, Roots & Blues Club
Jacqui McShee's Pentangle - Spilsby Theatre
Bill Jones - Boston Folk Club, The Eagle, Boston
The Houndogs - Tattershall Park Leisure Centre, Tattershall
David Rovics & Rich Caloggero - Heart Of Lincolnshire Folk, Roots & Blues Club
Blue Room - Belton House, Grantham
The Melt - Old Nicks Tavern, Horncastle
Stamford Folk & Blues Festival
The Two Timers - Spalding Blues Club, Red Lion Hotel, Spalding
Band From County Hell February Gigs
Rudy Rotta Band - Spalding Blues Club, Red Lion Hotel, Spalding
Sonny Black & The Dukes - Stamford Arts Centre
Barachios - Chestnut Street School, Ruskington
Nearly Famous - Boston Blues Club, Axe & Cleaver, Boston
Walter Harpman Band / The Millennium Bluesbreakers - Grafton House, Lincoln
Connie Lush & Blues Shouter - Woodman, Louth
BluesMove - Axe & Cleaver, Boston
Mick Pini Band - Running Horse, Nottingham
Chris Farlowe - Woodman, Louth
Adrian Burns - Spilsby Theatre
Thanks to Alberta & Mississippi Bill for allowing us to include copies of their reviews, previously published in the Boston Target Newpaper group.
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Email Alberta & Missisippi with details of your events for inclusion in their 'Folk, Blues & Beyond' Column in the Boston Target newpaper group, featured in Boston, Sleaford, Skegness, Spilsby, Horncastle & Mid Lincs editions of paper
Rag Mama Rag ~ Spalding Blues Club (14 Dec 2003)
Let's take a look back at a gig which took place last Sunday night at the Red Lion Hotel in Spalding, home of Spalding Blues Club. It was Christmas Party night and a full house had once again turned out, this time to witness the first appearance of French based duo Rag Mama Rag at the club. With a guitarist and percussionist they have a similar line up to the Two Timers, another British act based in France. Rag Mama Rag though base their sound more round the classic old blues songs rather than more modern and eclectic music.
The word duo can conjure up images of vocal performers or musicians performing with backing tracks and drum machines. Rag Mama Rag though, like the Two Timers and most blues duos rely on musicianship rather than electronics to produce a full sound.
Featuring Ashley Dow on a succession of guitars including acoustic, Debro Resophonic, Weissenborn lap steel as well as suitcase bass drum and Deborah Dow's lively percussive sound provided by washboard, African drums, tambourine and spoons provided a solid foundation for Ashley's skilful guitar playing.
Rag Mama Rag gave the audience an early Christmas treat with two great sets of classic and original blues songs. Their repertoire features material from the early years of the blues such as Bo Carter's 'Cigarette Blues', Bukka White's 'Fixin To Die' and 'Hard Times Killing Floor' by Skip James, featuring Deborah on harmonica which went down particularly well with the Spalding audience who love their blues, as well as some self penned songs, including a new song which will feature on the duo's fifth album.
Blues is regarded by the uninitiated as mournful music that will give you 'the blues', yet often even the most plaintive of songs often have a silver lining to the black cloud of depression. Others such as the opening number 'Wing And A Prayer' and 'Step It Up And Go' are uplifting, and of course in the old juke joints of the USA, it was songs such as these that provided music for dancing, Ashley joked that the audience could get up and dance if they found room, and encouraged them to sing along with several songs. As well as blues, Rag Mama Rag included one or two ragtime numbers such as 'Applejack Rag' and an old Unionist song 'Rally Round The Flag' played on lap steel.
Rag Mama Rag's tours of the UK are limited, this was the first time they had played in Lincolnshire, the response of the Spalding audience who called them back for two encores, one being a great version of 'Minnie The Moocher' should ensure that they will be back.
Its been a great year at the club with every gig 'sold out', testament to the hard work and late nights put in by organisers Richard and Cynthia and their small band of helpers. As well as the usual behind the scenes work to put the gig on, there was an excellent spread of delicious sandwiches, savouries and festive cakes to get everybody in the Christmas mood.
Already the club have an enticing programme for the area's blues fans in 2004, including the first appearance at the club by Dana Gillespie who is regarded as one of Britain's finest female blues singers, and her band in January and American blues legend Lazy Lester later in the year.
Live at BoomBoom LIVE, Sutton, Friday 26th September 2003
Opening for Leslie West's Mountain must have been galling enough, let alone hitting 300 expectant and impatient Mountain fans cold with your own material. But cometh the hour, cometh the band.
The band is The Melt, and by the end of their 45 miniute set, the band had impressed everyone enough to earn a merited encore on the first serious London gig.
The band blazed their way through some hugely impressive self penned material, from the funky feel of "Jumping South" to the riff laden "No Shame", which came topped by some full blooded harp from lead vocalist Trevor Bettison.
Guitarist Ashely Wilson impressed throughout, but it was the combo as a whole, exploding on the unsuspecting crowd like a fire cracker, that sent shivers down the spine.
It's years since a new band hit the circuit like this. The Hoax, the Nimmo Brothers and Ian Parker are some of the names, and The Melt belong right up there with the best of them. Power, energy vitality, creativity, and Rock Blues with a rock & roll undercurrent, all topped by steely licks, and great songs. What more do you want, get out and support them! The Melt are happening at a venue near you!
Pete Feenstra - RealMusicLIVE
Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes - Monday December 15th
This was always going to be a good night, almost all the tickets sold before the event, we had been to our hearing and got the extension to our Public Entertainment Licence and the band playing had a reputation second to none, what else was left but to enjoy the evening?
The evening started with The Stomp Brothers again doing a brilliant job as the warm up act and then dead on 9.15 five really nice middle aged guy's fought their way through to the stage, then it all changed the five guy's changed into one of the tightest band of musicians you will see anywhere in the world playing Rock & Roll, Country Ballads, Country Rock, Blues but the standard of playing was something you have to see to believe (check out the web site www.albertleeandhogansheroes.com to read the CV's on these guys it is literally the who's who of the music world) at one time while watching with open mouth appreciation one got the impression of being on some illegal substance (NOT), where ever you were looking on stage, something very special was going on Pete Baron (drums) and Brian Hodgson (bass) kept everything tight, for the three men at the front Gerry Hogan on pedal steel guitar, Pete Wingfield piano & keyboards and Albert Lee electric, acoustic guitar and piano who between them rocked "The Runner" for two hours of simply stunning entertainment which made it one of the most memorable nights EVER at our little venue. Our thanks to the players, the audience and everyone who made it possible.
Barry Middleton ~ Keeping Music Live!!! ~ http://www.therunninghorse.ukpub.net
DR FEELGOOD ~ BLACK HORSE, NETTLEHAM (Nov 2003)
Photo ~ Mississippi Bill
Some 30 years ago Dr Feelgood, a band playing high energy harp led rhythm'n'blues were playing the London pub rock circuit. Their raw sound and energetic live performances provided inspiration to embryonic punk bands such as The Clash. They themselves went on to national acclaim with a best selling live LP, 'Stupidity' and several hit singles including 'Milk & Alcohol'. Even as late as the 90's the band were ripping it up with founder member Lee Brilleaux fronting the band at venues such as the Drill Hall and the castle in Lincoln. Sadly Lee died of cancer in 1994 and many perhaps thought that Dr Feelgood would too, but the three members of Lee's final band, guitarist Steve Walwyn and the rhythm section Phil Mitchell (bass) and Kevin Morris (drums) who worked with Lee for many years decided to keep the Feelgood name alive. The band continued to be a very popular live act at festivals and theatres throughout the land. Pete Gage took the place of Lee following his untimely departure for a while, before the band recruited a little known frontman Robert Kane from the 90's Animals line up. Kane had quickly caught the eye with his dynamic live performances with The Animals, and his style fits that which the Feelgoods have become renowned for over the years. The band have been fairly regular visitors to our area, headlining at the Skegness Rock & Blues Festival and bringing their 'Naughty Rhythms' tour to the Palace Theatre in Newark, but the Black Horse at Nettleham where the band appeared last Wednesday night must be the smallest venue that the band have appeared at in Lincolnshire, certainly for many years.
The gig which was effectively sold out months in advance, shows that a small but well supported village venue can attract bands of the calibre of Dr Feelgood. The band selected a set list previously performed in Switzerland for the Black Horse concert. It included numbers from their 70's heyday such as 'Roxette', 'Milk & Alcohol' and 'Baby Jane' that most in the audience would be familiar with. The band's roots are very much in rhythm'n'blues, and songs such as 'Don't Start Me To Talkin', 'Help Me' and the Chuck Berry song 'Nadine' which opened the second set showcased not only their influences, but also their ability to inject new life into these old favourites.
In Steve Walwyn, the Feelgood's have a guitar player of awesome ability, for 'Down By The Jetty Blues' the band left the floor allowing Steve an extended solo spot that bought the first set to a superb climax.
The ever moving Robert Kane gives the band a tremendous focal point, the audience never quite sure what he will do next, stage antics though restricted somewhat by the low ceiling included high kicks, hiding behind the bass player, occasional excursions into the audience and even an impromptu photo shoot (see photo!). He's a fine vocalist who does full justice to all the Feelgood classics too.
The band are a friendly bunch who enjoy talking to their audiences, and this engaging rapport was apparent right from the start of the concert. They seemed genuinely pleased by the audience's response when asked to participate with 'Back In The Night', the house was rockin' by then!
As well as classic oldies and blues classics the band also included the powerful Walwyn composition 'Instinct To Survive' in their second set. Following the final song 'Gimme One More Shot' the crowd gave the band a standing ovation, and following a mighty 'Feelgood' cheer the band were enticed back on stage for two encores, the first 'Mad Man Blues' once again featured some tremendous guitar work from Walwyn, they closed the highly memorable evening with 'See You Later, Alligator' and 'Tequila'. The policy of Tom and Clare who promote the music at the Black Horse is to just put artists on once no matter how good they are, only a few make a return visit, one suspects that one day Dr Feelgood may be back to the small Lincolnshire venue to thrill the audience once more, we'll just have to wait and see!
Alberta & Mississippi Bill
EMMA WILLIAMSON ~ SPALDING FOLK CLUB (1 Oct 2003)
Last week Emma Williamson, a relatively new name on the British folk scene made her Lincolnshire debut at Spalding Folk Club. It was good to see a fair sized audience had come along to support the gig, as sometimes when people are not familiar with an artist they do not turn out, many have missed excellent gigs because of this!
Emma's set featured mainly traditional material, such as 'The Golden Vanity' and 'When I Was A Fair Maid', performed acoustically with guitar accompaniment. She also includes some American songs such as Woody Guthrie's 'Pastures Of Plenty' in her live shows.
In addition to guitar, Emma plays keyboards on some numbers, including the bluesy and humorous 'Vicar Of Stiffkey' written by her husband Mike Barber, and 'The Miller & His Sons' which she first heard performed by fellow Norfolk artist Walter Pardon. Her sound on these numbers is reminiscent of another modern generation folk artist, Bill Jones.
Another song from the pen of Mike Barber stood out, inspired by a verse telling of how much seed needs to be sown to produce a good crop, 'One For The Rook, One For The Crow, One To Die & One To Grow' had a memorable sing-a-long chorus.
Many of the songs Emma performed at Spalding are included on her excellent debut CD 'Maids When You Were Young'. Over the coming years folk audiences are likely to see more of this talented performer from Norfolk at local venues and folk festivals, though she will be having a break later in the year and the first part of 2004 as she is expecting her second child. There is however another opportunity to see Emma in the county this month when she appears at the Half Moon in Alford as guest of the Alford Folk Club on Wednesday 15th October.
'Alberta & Mississippi Bill'
Bill Wyman & The Rhythm Kings ~ Lincoln Castle ~ Sun 22 Jun 2003
Last Sunday night, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings journeyed back from France to play a one off UK date in the beautiful setting of Lincoln Castle. Outdoor concerts at the castle nowadays have become quite sedate affairs, though one suspects that the night before when pop group Liberty X performed to a sell out audience of 4000 people things may have been a bit different! With picnic hampers, folding tables and garden chairs, a generation of people who perhaps once wallowed in mud, drunk scrumpy from gallon bottles and ran as fast as they could to get to the feet of their heroes are remarkably growing old gracefully! A percussion / horn group from the Nottingham area were a support act with a difference, playing a variety of Samba and reggae rhythms, one could fail to be impressed by their co-ordination, concentration and effort whilst playing and they even brought some late evening sunshine to the castle ramparts!
A fair sized crowd (though one suspects considerably less than the previous night), had gathered by the time former Stone Bill Wyman and his supremely talented band took to the stage. Many in the audience had probably never heard of Mike Sanchez before, by the end of the evening this remarkable performer had the crowd buzzing with his deft keyboard work and expressive vocals. Mike has plied his trade round the blues circuit for many years with The Big Town Playboys and later his own band and as a solo artist. For the closing number of the band's excellent set 'Let Me Tell You A Secret' Mike left the stage, performing the closing part of the song whilst circulating through the audience in front of the stage, even laying down next to Alberta to 'tell her his secret'!
In between the Rhythm Kings, an apt name indeed, treated us to some great music including 'Jump Jive & Wail' and 'Kiddio' which featured a superb duet from Sanchez and vocalist Beverley Skeete. The band play a variety of music that ranges between swing, rock'n'roll and blues. For the Chicago blues number, 'Down At The Bottom', a Willie Dixon song that is not covered too often, sax player Frank Mead swapped his main instrument for a harmonica for this number. Some of the shows many highlights included a superb rendition of 'Hit The Road Jack', two Jackie Wilson songs and their tribute to Lonnie Donegan who as Bill said in his introduction to 'Mule Skinner Blues' was such an influence for musicians such as the Stones growing up in the late 50's.
The 10 piece band features three guitarists, Wyman's long time friend Terry Taylor who previously worked with Tucky Buzzard and The Arrows, Andy Fairweather Low who is a member of Eric Clapton's band and Albert Lee, the highly respected guitarist who has both a rock and country pedigree, that includes working with Eric Clapton and Emmylou Harris. Other members of Rhythm Kings are keyboard player Chris Stainton, Graham Broad (percussion), Nick Payn (sax, flute and harmonica).
Bill Wyman remains largely in the background, obviously enjoying the fun of playing with such a talented crew of musicians, though he did step forward to take the vocals on 'You Never Can Tell'.
The Rhythm Kings were given a great reception at the end of the evening, which had fortunately remained dry and warm, despite the forecast of approaching storms, which later deposited an inch of rain on parts of Lincolnshire. The band returned to treat the audience to a three song encore which included 'Rock & Roll All Night Long' which featured Albert Lee on vocals and ended with 'Chantilly Lace' featuring Mike Sanchez of telephone, keyboard and vocals. Midsummer Magic!
© Alberta & Missisippi Bill
Kent DuChaine ~ The Farm, Bank Farm, Chapel St Leonards ~ Wed 18 Jun 2003
If you take the Anderby Road out of Chapel St Leonards, and follow the sea bank, you will come to one of the county's newest venues, The Farm at Bank Farm, where a variety of live music is planned over the coming months. There will be a mix of musical styles catered for, including folk and roots, acoustic and electric blues and jazz. Last Wednesday The Farm's Folk, Roots & Blues Club which will meet fortnightly was launched with a double bill featuring local blues duo Buck & Gill and the popular American bluesman Kent DuChaine. Buck & Gill opened the evening with a selection of covers including soul, blues, folk and country numbers and original songs. Stand out songs included 'Dock Of The Bay' and 'My Girl' which singer Gill's voice was particularly suited for and an original song about Buck & Gill's old band. Kent DuChaine has over the years become a big attraction wherever he plays, a whole hearted performer who over the years has with his battered steel guitar nicknamed 'Leadbessie' has certainly earnt the tag 'Road Warrior'. By the time Kent took to the stage, the restaurant where this gig was staged was comfortably full and extra chairs had to be bought in to ensure everyone could sit and enjoy Kent's performance. As ever Kent gave his audience good value, with a show lasting some two hours overall. A artist whose blues roots go right back to seeing and being inspired by blues greats such as Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon in the 70's, touring with the old bluesman Johnny Shines who decades before had toured with Robert Johnson, Kent lives and breathes the blues. As well as playing many of the old blues numbers Kent has also written many of his own songs such as which develop the blues theme. He treated the audience at The Farm to fine versions of classic blues songs including Robert Johnson's 'Come Into My Kitchen', Willie Dixon's 'Little Red Rooster' (for which Kent called on the audience to add to sound of barking dogs and howling hounds) and Bukka White's 'Aberdeen Mississippi Blues' which features some very fast fretboard work. Songs from DuChaine's own repertoire included the haunting blues number '16 Gauge Steel' which tells the story of Kent's old friend Johnny Shines and 'Edgemont Station'. In between Kent related stories of times spent with the old bluesmen and on the road. Kent closed his show with two old Gospel songs, 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' and his grandmothers' favourite 'When The Saints Go Marching In', the audience joining in with gusto! There's lots more planned at The Farm over the coming months including an appearance by another top acoustic blues artist, Adrian Byron Burns on Wed 9th July.
Look out for details of future gigs here in our weekly column.
© Alberta & Missisippi Bill
Eco Fest 2003, Asterby, Lincs. ~ Sat 14 Jun
Over the years the Ecofest has become a popular annual event on the Lincolnshire music calendar, for the second year in a row the festival was blessed by dry weather, and often hot sun. A family event, attended by those who perhaps had enjoyed music festivals back in the 60's and 70's, to those who were just a twinkle in their parent's eye in the 20th century when the pop festival phenomena was first recorded in history. People not only enjoyed the music, there were a number of craft stalls and workshops where you could learn to drum or children could learn to samba dance or create games. All this on a Lincolnshire hillside which provided a wonderful panoramic view of the county for miles around, surely no one attending could fail to be moved in some way by that glorious view!
As we arrived Lincolnshire folk rock trio Jack In The Green were playing a lively set of songs with a Celtic feel, including 'The Star Of County Down' on the main stage. The band have recently undergone a line up change, but its good to report the band are most definitely back on the scene. Founder members Byron Woodley-Maund (djembe / darabuka) and Mel Oyston (guitar / fiddle / mandolin and vocals) are joined by Paul Stone (guitar), since this change their set has developed a heavier Celtic sound that went down well with the festival audience.
Across in the marquee the Alford Music Sluts were playing a selection of contemporary songs, which drifted along on the still afternoon air to those enjoying the sunshine outside.
After enjoying a tasty veggie curry from the Big T-Pot Cafe we once again enjoyed the lively Cajun influenced songs of Lancashire festival favourites Streetworthy who also played at last year's Ecofest. The four piece band feature musicians playing accordion, guitar, mandolin, double bass, washboard and other percussion. Their goodtime mix of Cajun, rockabilly and skiffle had people up dancing, later they dedicated the Richard Thompson song 'Two Left Feet' to those less eager to dance.
The sounds of Lincoln performer Norbert Blocker, who was also acting as compere drifted from marquee. His early evening set taking an increasingly bluesy tone included songs such as 'Mustang Sally' and 'Take Me To The River'.
With the sun beginning its descent, the next band were getting ready to take the stage. The keyboard player caught our attention whilst setting up his instruments with some deft playing which even included a classical piece. The Asylum Seekers, an unknown act to us had travelled down from York, as had quite a few of their fans. The four piece band played a set of original songs, including 'Another Dream' which opened their well received set and the catchy 'Just Like A Star' which features on the soundtrack of a film by Kevin Liam Curran, 'Stranded on Cloud 9'. For their set at the Ecofest the band played in a striped down 4 piece line up, as the band's main guitarist Andy couldn't make the gig, Dirk taking over the electric as well as acoustic guitar and vocals for the night. Their set impressed us, certainly worth seeing if you enjoy rock with a melodic edge.
As the sun dipped behind the hills, the mid summer's night had a deceptive chill in the air as Slack Alice took to the stage. Introduced enthusiastically by Norman Blocker now attired as a alien spaceman in a silver suit the final band of the night took the stage. Singer Cliff saying what a great festival it was as the band opened their set, 'pity they don't hold it in summer' he joked! Like the Asylum Seekers, Slack Alice had several changes to their usual line up, new bass player Pietro's wife was expecting a baby, so Bert who depped earlier in the year stood in at very short notice, Foxy the band's popular roadie who steps up to play bass in some numbers was recuperating after a spell in hospital and drummer Ian Fletcher was playing his first gig with the band. Opening with ZZ Top's 'Gimme Some Lovin', the band played a mixture of covers and original songs. Featuring the twin guitars of Chris Preston who plays slide on some numbers and Colin Redmond, the band quickly drew a large audience towards the main stage which was now lit by spotlights which took affect as an abnormally large moon rose to replace the disappearing sun in the night sky. Highlights of the band's set included the more acoustic 'Get Your Shoes On', an original song written in true old blues style where lyrics were full of innuendo, and features Cliff on acoustic guitar and Colin on 'finger-plucking' banjo and 'Piece Of My Heart'. Cliff introduced the song, recalling a festival of a bygone age, when Janis Joplin performed it at Monterey way back in 1967. Original songs included 'Blues Machine', 'The Way Women Are Made' and 'Too Young To Sing The Blues' the story of Slack Alice, whilst others in the 70's made the big time, Stocker and the first incarnation of Slack Alice were a casualty of the fickle music scene. On night's like last Saturday whilst rock and roll stardom may have its attractions, philosophically one can look and say who is the richer, the superstar in his walled mansion, or those gigging in this beautiful setting on the Lincolnshire Wolds, few bands have had that privilege! Slack Alice closed their set with a great version of Led Zep's 'Rock'n'Roll', before being encouraged back on stage by the large audience for an encore, which due to a lack of rehearsal time was a reprise of 'Gimme Some Lovin'.
Then it was time for the fireshow, a procession of samba drummers, torch bearers and fire artists swinging flaming balls on chains behind which came a many legged pantomime style dragon. The parade circled the arena, parting the crowd as it passed towards the impressive wicker dragon structure in the centre. The structure once torched quickly flared up, the encircling crowd enjoying the sudden warmth that the fire provided. So for us the Ecofest was over for another year, but those camping for the weekend still had plenty of music to enjoy on Sunday. As we drove back along the deserted country lanes away from the festival, the fireshow could clearly be seen on the now distant hillside, marking the location of the friendly little festival so brilliantly organised by Suzi, Mel and The Wolds Collective with support from the local Arts Development worker, SoundLincs, environmental services and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
© Alberta & Missisippi Bill
Over the years we have listed and watched many acts at local venues in our weekly column. Many visiting acts are known both nationally and internationally, whilst others are local bands who ply their trade round the area's pubs. In amongst our listings are many young musicians and bands who are hoping that one day they will be playing on larger stages, all too often dreams never materialise fading in the harsh light of day. Lincolnshire is regarded by many as a musical backwater, with little hope for the county's bands ever being famous. Positive feedback often helps to spur people on, and its encouraging to learn of one Lincolnshire musician who many may first of heard about via Folk, Blues & Beyond, and we ourselves heard about through the local music grapevine, who is actually breaking onto a national and international scene. Martin Trimble first came to our attention playing in the young band Crossfire, later in Martin Trimble and Outside Help and finally the Martin Trimble Band. The young blues guitarist and singer began to make an impact on the relatively unheralded British blues scene, playing with his own band and jamming with other band's at venues as diverse as Lincoln's Grafton House and Ronnie Scott's in Birmingham. At this time he could still be found on occasions playing solo or with fellow musician Glen Bartup at venues such as Old Nicks Tavern in Horncastle, and the Blue Bell at Tattershall Thorpe.
Over the past 12 months or so Martin's name hasn't been cropping up in our column, and local venues haven't been graced by his sublime guitar skills. Rumours of record deals and world travel began to circulate, eventually a new band the 22-20's emerged fronted by Martin. Touted as "tip for the top" by NME, this band is moving in different circles already from Martin's previous bands. They undertook a major UK tour this spring, the closest the band came to our area was an appearance at the Metropolis Lounge in Peterborough last month. In April the band played at the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival in the Californian desert, on the Mohave stage. Like Glastonbury this festival has a mainstage and other fringe stages, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The White Stripes headlined on the mainstage. The 22-20's return to the States early in June to play at the Field Day festival headlined by Radiohead in New York on Saturday June 7th following a couple of shows in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
2003 saw the band releasing their debut single in April, available only in vinyl format. Featuring two Trimble compositions, the roots of the 'A' side 'Such A Fool' clearly come from the blues though much more rocky than one might expect. The 'B' side 'Baby You're Not In Love' is much more acoustic, and a pedal steel guitar interweaves with the other instruments giving the song a quite unexpected country feel. The single was released as a limited issue of just 1000 copies, and is already a collectors item, those wishing to purchase a piece of Lincolnshire music history who missed its release may find a copy via ebay. A little more information is available on the band's website at: http://www.the22-20s.com.
Hopefully the 22-20's will be the first of many modern generation bands to emerge from the Lincolnshire music scene!
© Alberta & Missisippi Bill
Ally Sloper's Half Holiday ~ Village Hall, Tattershall ~ Sat 3 May 2003
Over the past 20 years the Lincolnshire Rural & Community Touring Scheme has brought a variety of professional shows and musicians to the area. Held mainly in village halls, these events which are organised by local community groups provide a potential fund raising opportunity for these halls which are at the heart of rural communities and a chance for audiences to see some wonderful acts close to home. Last Saturday night saw the first such event at Tattershall Village Hall with over 70 people enjoying 'Ally Sloper's Half Holiday'.
We're sure few in the audience knew what to expect, the one man show based on an old comic strip character being the unlikely storyline. Set around the year 1897, when the country was celebrating Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, Ally Sloper, a larger than life comic strip character played by Chris Harris took the audience on a trip through the upper echelons of British Society.
Soon he had the audience almost believing that Queen Victoria would be visiting Tattershall Village Hall later that evening, practising the assembled 'rent a crowd' to stand up, salute or curtsey and one member of the audience to give up her chosen seat for Her Majesty in preparation for the momentous occasion when Ally Sloper finally took his recognised position in British Society and royalty came to Tattershall.
Turning the pages in the giant comic set up on stage, Ally dressed in a black and white dress suit introduced us to the monocled Duke Snook, the dog Snaffler who appeared somewhere in every cartoon strip and other characters, in the setting of an Art Gallery.
Then whipping off his suit to reveal racing silks it was off to Ascot for the races. Ally being a character who both wanted to move within these society circles yet also to poke fun of it at the same time, put a certain emphasis on the invisible 'R' in Ascot. Audience participation adds an extra dimension to shows like this and Ally chose a man from the table in front of the stage to provide the horse racing sound effects for the race, using two half coconut shells.
A turn of the pages, took the audience the short distance across Royal Berkshire to the Henley Regatta, Snaffler living up to his name appeared on the well painted backdrop snaffling a chicken leg from the picnic! Sloper attired in a striped blazer with big buttons emblazoned with 'AS' brought out the picnic cloth spread with plates of food, and bottles of Bass.
Throughout the first half, Ally described etiquette and related stories mixed with copious amounts of humour and a brilliant adaptation of the old song 'With a Knapsack on My Back' complete with bicycle bell and hooters that had everyone in the audience in fits of laughter.
This was a show with great appeal, the younger members of the audience were enjoying the show as much as the older members, though perhaps each laughing at different things, straight humour and innuendo a plenty, brilliantly portrayed by a superb actor, whose fast repartee left you feeling that however many times you saw the show, a new joke or subtle innuendo would jump out at every occasion.
Free light refreshments were provided by the hard working village hall committee at half time, though Queen Victoria still hadn't made her appearance.
Then 'she' appeared, resplendent in black dress, hurried salutes and curtseys from her Tattershall subjects before she took the stage making a speech extolling the virtues of Ally Sloper. Sloper re-emerged from the black dress and wig as the pages of the cartoon strip turned again, revealing a parade, Ally watching from a balcony bedecked with the Union flag, Snaffler peering over the balustrade at the sight of the Empire's subjects marching in honour of the monarch.
Another turn of the page drew the interesting comparison between fox hunting and war, each having helpless victims be they the fox or innocent foreign women and children butchered in the cause of sport or the empire. Neither thought to have feelings or being able to feel pain by the all conquering aristocracy. To reinforce this powerful picture of war, Ally mimed a soldier leaving his lover to set off for war, a strong yet humorous image.
Sloper decided that the show's grand finale must go ahead, despite the absence of the esteemed guest, the real Queen Victoria! The final turn of the page revealed a stage, the audience once again encouraged to join in with 'Waters Of India' a tongue in cheek song about the British Empire. Ally, now resplendent in robes similar to those that in future years would adorn entertainers such as Freddie Mercury of the rock group Queen, took his final bows to great applause.
The undoubted success of this first show due to the efforts of the hard working committee, a tremendous performance by a superb entertainer and the support of both local and travelling audience heralds more exciting theatrical and music shows being brought to Tattershall in the future.
Chris himself was particularly proud to be the first act to appear at Tattershall as part of the rural and community touring scheme. One sad aspect, not known at the time was that he was also the last act to appear at the old North Kyme Village Hall, which was badly damaged by fire last weekend, a great loss to the local community there.
© Alberta & Missisippi Bill
Stringybark McDowell -The Hope Tavern; Sunday 11th May 2003
Nestling at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds midway between Lincoln and Grimsby, The Hope Tavern is a new venue on the burgeoning UK blues music scene. Landlord Graeme Sellers is a real blues fanatic, and regulars and diners at his establishment are used to the gentle strains of BB King and Peter Green accompanying their cooked lunch and hand-pulled ales.
Graeme is starting up a monthly live blues session, and the inaugural event was launched by Aussie Bluesman - Stringybark McDowell (aka Kenny Terrington). Stringy (to his friends) has been building up a solid reputation in the UK blues clubs over the last few months, not least due to his collection of homemade instruments, and his cutting Aussie humour. Stringy's musical influences include most of the late 19th and early 20th century blues masters, including Mississippi Fred McDowell whose name he has 'borrowed'.
Amongst his selection of guitars is the legendary Fence-O-Paling-O-Caster, made literally from an old fence post! In recent years, he fronted the Aussie band "Muddy Puddles", who carved a unique niche for themselves in rural Australia with their jug-junk band attitude to the blues.
In this neck of Lincolnshire the afternoon music session seems to be gaining ground, so at the stroke of 4pm Stringy armed with his Steel Resonator guitar, and 14" bass-drum "Doof-Doof", launched into the opening number of the opening show "Mississippi John Made me Cry" a self-penned tribute to Mississippi John Hurt. Next up was "Fred's Worried Life Blues" from his hero Mississippi Fred McDowell. A slower ballad from Taj Mahal followed, the lovely Corrina with it's poignant lyrics and melodic chord changes. At this point, Stringy upped the tempo slightly with Bukka White's "Fixin' to Die" which came complete with a Leadbelly middle 8 (in the form of "Black Betty" and "Pick a Bale uh Cotton"). Stringy's frantic delivery of this tune was almost acid-death blues, but a clever compilation nonetheless, and well delivered. Underneath Stringy's acerbic wit and good-natured banter, there is a slide player of considerable ability, with a rasping vocal delivery.
If the locals didn't know what to make of this Rasta-haired, tattooed, blues-singing Aussie, then they certainly warmed to him after that one! Another original tune followed in the form of "Traveling Blues" and then it was straight down to some Tom Waits material with an excellent version of "Black Wings". For this one, Stringy swapped the resonator for a lovely white semi-acoustic Gretsch guitar. The soft and warm tones of the guitar counter pointing the dark and brooding lyrics of the song. Another les-than-cheerful ditty followed, "St James Infirmary", but this was immediately balanced by the delightful "Delia" from Blind Willie McTell.
Another guitar change followed, to the box-like Fence-O-Paling-O-Caster, on which Stringy played a spirited version of John Lee Hookers "No More Doggin", followed in quick succession by Fred McDowell's "Shake 'Em on Down" and Muddy Water's 'lost' classic "Country Blues"
Before taking a break, Stringy introduced us to another homemade instrument, a one-stringed box-like device which when struck, produced a droning Aboriginal sound. The song was introduced as Techno Music, and was another Stringy original entitled "Kylie Monogue's Gonna Have My Babies". This was a gem of a number. Very funny lyrics delivered tongue-in-cheek, complete with techno backing from the one-stringed thing!
The second set saw Stringy back with the Steel Resonator for Bob Dylan's "Blind Willie McTell", followed by "The Prodigal Son (That's No Way to Get Along)" from Reverend Robert Wilkins. Next up was another Stringy original "Preaching Blues" with a tip of the hat to both Robert Johnson and Son House. Stringy's slide ranged over the entire fret board during this excellent tune. A contemporary song was next from Texan Chris Whitley, entitled "Living With The Law", and then it time to strap on the unique Fence-O-Paling-O-Caster for a spirited version of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues", followed by "Going Out West" from Tom Waits.
Stringy then introduced us to his alter ego, the heavy metal guru "Axel Baconfat" and proceeded to give us a rock-and-roll pastiche, or a little heavy-metal blues in the vein of Captain Beefheart! Another very funny song.
It was then back to the white Gretsch and the serious stuff, with Bukka White's "Everyday Mississippi" followed by "Man's Too Strong" from Mark Knopfler, and then a third from Tom Waits, this time "Gun Street Girl".
Nobody can accuse Stringy of doing things in half measure, and his assured and entertaining (and very long) set was received rapturously by the audience. A portent of good things to come, but in the meantime Stringy had to find a couple of encores, which he did in the form of the well-covered "One Room Country Shack" from Mercy Dee Walton and a very funny version of "Shave 'Em Dry" from the bawdy Lucille Bogan, during which Stringy sang both the male and female parts (with suitable sound effects!).
This had been an afternoon of first class blues playing and singing from an Aussie practitioner with more than a good grasp of blues history and delivery.
A good mix of classic blues and humour interspersed with some great slide playing. On this showing, the monthly blues sessions will be eagerly anticipated by local blues and roots fans. Roll on the next one!
© Mike Mager
It's always a risky business when an established R&B Club decides to push the boat out and organise its own Festival, but this was a risk that paid off for organisers Kath Whinyates & Ralph Wareing from the renowned Guisborough R&B Club. The inaugural Festival took place on Sunday 4th May 2003, at the local football club, and between 150 to 200 local (and not so local) R&B fans responded magnificently to the invitation and turned up to witness what is hoped to be the first of an on-going and annual event.
Six bands featured in the main hall, and there was also a smaller acoustic stage in a separate room, for the benefit of pro and amateur acoustic musicians, in a relaxed workshop-style setting. There was even a busker, who set up outside to entertain the punters who had wandered out in search of food, fresh air - or whatever, in the form of The Hoochie Coochie Man(cunian).
The honour of opening the afternoon fell to local band the Smoking Spitfires, a 10 piece (featuring 3-piece brass section), who belted out some funky tunes in the vein of Dr John and Van Morrison. They brought along a nice New Orleans carnival flavour to get the crowd into the mood.
Next up were the redoubtable Harpbreakers, a Manchester-based 4 piece, led by Nigel 'The Duke" Dunn on harp and vocals. They tore into a series of frenetic harp-led swinging jump-jive tunes including a great version of BB King's "Rock me Baby", as well as several original tunes such as "Ready Freddy Go", a Freddy King tribute that included some inspired fretwork from guitarist Tony Roach. Showboating and gymnastics were the order of the day, as Tony, Nigel and string bassist Andy Sykes took to the dance floor and demonstrated how to play the blues whilst on the move - whilst on your knees, and whilst doing unspeakable things with the string bass. We even had a somersault from an obviously fit 'Duke". More original tunes in similar vein followed, including "If You Love Me So Much - Why do you want to Change Me?", complete with some impressive George Benson-style octave guitar picking, and "Think" a full bore 12-bar groove that got the dancers onto the floor. The Harpbreakers put on an uncompromising show, backed up with excellent musical ability and driving rhythm from drummer 'Big Vern' Seymour. Just the sort of seasoned act to liven up the proceedings. They deserve a wider audience!
Trafficker led by young guitarist Tommy Allen was the next featured act, and it was a pleasure to see Sam Kelly (award winning drummer) take to the drum stool. An assured set followed, with Tommy going from strength to strength in both the vocal and guitar playing camps. This young man is highly regarded (although his keyboard player Paul 'Dave' Jobson at just 20 tender years of age - pipped him in the youth stakes!). Bass player Grant Tunbridge completed the line-up. Tommy has an impressive musical pedigree, having played with both Marcus Malone and Nicky Moore Blues Corporation for many years, as well as recording and performing with Sugababes.
This very diverse musical apprenticeship has given Tommy a very individual guitar style, ranging from rock-oriented to mellow blues, to the contemporary. Coupled with his burgeoning song-writing ability, this makes for a very potent mix. The band's set featured several original tracks from their new release "Natures' Most Wanted", including the shuffle-based "Texas Love" with a lovely walking bass-line from Grant. "Going Crazy" is a contemporary funk-fuelled tune, and "When Love has Gone" is a slow building ballad in an almost Bryan Adams-style. A real tour de force with some excellent guitar from Tommy and some superb harmonies from the band. "Talk To Me Baby" was an Elmore James inspired tune, and one that really got the dancers moving. Tommy managed to wring just about every flavour of the blues out of his Fender Twin and Strat.
With young talent coming through of this calibre, the future of live R&B in this country is in great shape!
Errol Linton's Blues Vibe were next onto the stage, and I thought for one moment that drummer Sam Kelly had forgotten that his band had finished playing. It soon became clear that we were going to be treated to another percussion Master Class. Although it has to be said that Errol employed the considerable talents of a second percussion player on a variety of bongos, spanners, screwdrivers, washboards and just about anything else that could produce an interesting sound. (It's the fist time I've ever witnessed a spanner solo get a standing ovation!). Errol plays an eclectic mix of Chicago shuffle and Kingston skank, with a healthy dose of Brixton blues thrown in for good measure. Guitar player Adam Blake (on Gibson SG) was always complementary, never over the top, and keyboard player Dom Pipkin kept the arrangements rocking along nicely with some tasteful and driving ivory tickling.
Errol is an engaging performer and a first class harp player and vocalist, and very under-rated. His many years of busking around the London underground are now paying healthy dividends. He is also flexing his song writing muscles on the latest release "Roots Stew". Many songs in tonight's set were from this release, including Willie Dixon's "Too Many Cooks", "Fool for Love" a rocking little tune, "Skank Easy", an instrumental with dub overtones and more than a hint of Errol's Kingston roots. Other songs in the set included "The Early Morning Blues" with its tempo change from Latin to swing and back again. Errol Linton's Blues Vibe is an extremely entertaining act covering a wide range of rhythms and genres. It's not hard to see why they are currently in such demand on the club and festival circuit.
The penultimate act of the show was Detroit-born Marcus Malone, and you could tell from the twin guitar sound-check that we were in for dose of rocking and funking blues. Complemented by guitarist Stuart Dixon, Moz Gamble on keyboard, bass player Jonathan Banks and drummer Chris Nugent, the band treated us to a goodly selection of tunes from Marcus' back catalogue including the releases "One More Time" and "Walking Shoes", and also from the new album "Blue Radio".
Marcus is a songwriter and vocalist of the highest order, and has been honing his craft since his younger days as an LA-based heavy metal icon (his first release "Marcus" is considered by many to be amongst the top ten most influential heavy-metal albums of all time!). He returned to his R&B roots in the 90's and now infuses his songs with a mix of gospel, metal and classic blues riffs.
The set list tonight included "Day I've Gone" with some blistering fretwork from Marcus and Stuart, the funky "Walking Shoes" and "Start Me Up Again". The heavy riffin' "Keep on Pushing" was next up, followed by the slower but still funky "Double D 51; Double Delight" (my wife's favourite track 51; can't think why!) and the straight ahead rock song "My Sweet Christine" with its Thin Lizzie inspired twin guitar-lickin' harmonies. Marcus cleverly broke up the tempo of the set with two lovely acoustic tunes, the ballad "Take it to Heart" and the funkier "Redline Blues". We were then back into the dancing groove with the slow builder "Walk Away", "This Heart's for Rent" and "Tell me Why". Three songs that saw the dancers take to the floor in considerable numbers. Marcus received a well-deserved ovation, and gave the crowd his encore number, the excellent "Blue Radio".
Marcus has spent a considerable part of his life honing his musical talents, and although he has been UK-based for a number of years, his early Detroit and LA influences continue to flavour his music. He brings a lot to the blues table, and boy doesn't that make the feast all the tastier for us punters.
Headline act Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges took to the stage around 9pm and launched immediately into an instrumental swing number, just to loosen up both musicians and audience. "I'm a Bluesman" was followed in quick succession by "You're Gonna' Miss Me When I'm Gone", two very groove-some up tempo numbers that had the floor packed and gyrating. An original self-penned number from the new release "Jump for Joy" was next up, the excellent "I Got The Blues". Eugene then slowed the tempo for "I Got an Aching Heart", and the Sam Cooke inspired "I Just Can't Help Myself" and "I Will Always be a Part of You". "She Want to Move & Groove" from the "Born Blue" album was next, and was followed by "I Won't Be Your Fool No More", during which Eugene went walkabout into the audience, serenading several young ladies on the way.
Eugene was very ably aided by musicians Roger Coleman on 2nd guitar, Alan Savage on drums and Italian bassist Silvio Galasso (who also plays with the Todd Sharpville band). I wasn't clear whether these guys were Eugene's regular touring band, or had just got together for tonight's show, either way they sounded polished and rehearsed, and did an excellent job of backing Eugene. The dynamic was in all the right places, and they laid back and provided tasteful licks and rhythm when required.
The band finished the night as they'd started, with a lovely slow blues "It Hurt Me so Bad", and the brisker "If You Don't Love Me". The band and Eugene in particular received a standing ovation from a very appreciative audience, and played us out with "A Man Without a Country. Man Without a Home" also the title track of an earlier release.
Eugene's origins are in Louisiana, and he is also no stranger to the roadhouses of Texas. He is very much a blues performer from a traditional and ingrained background, and has successfully created his own space mid-way between swinging Chicago-style blues and the soul-infused music in the Otis Redding and Sam Cooke mould. I've absolutely no doubt that had Eugene been born 10 or 20 years earlier (he was born in 1963) that he would be just as famous and well known as both Otis and Sam. He is a man out of his time, but also very much of his time! But let's at least be thankful that Eugene continues to be very accessible to blues music fans, and isn't off into the rarefied strata of concert venues and auditoriums.
Once organiser Ralph had thanked each of the acts, the audience, the engineers and the crew, he and Kath were given a heartfelt ovation by all and sundry for their sterling efforts in setting up the festival, and for their enthusiastic and continuing support for live music. Hope to see you all again next year!
© Mike Mager
Danny Bryant's Redeyeband ~ Boston Blues Club ~ Wed. 7 May
Unpublished review from Folk, Blues & Beyond (14 May 2003) ~ Last week saw the debut appearance at Boston Blues Club by Danny Bryant's Redeyeband, another excellent band featuring some fine young musicians. Sadly only a small crowd turned out to witness a superb performance by the band that drew a standing ovation from a huge crowd at this year's Skegness Rock & Blues Festival. Fronted by Danny Bryant, a superb young guitar player with a powerful voice, the band played a mix of original songs including the spellbinding 'Watching You!' and classic blues rock covers, their version of 'Voodoo Chile' mesmerizing the audience. Encouraged by the enthusiasm of those present, they played two long encores. Only time will tell if those who missed this excellent gig will have another opportunity to see the Redeyeband in Boston!
© Alberta & Missisippi Bill
Stringybark McDowell ~ Hope Tavern, Holton Le Moor ~ Sun 10 May
Folk, Blues & Beyond:The landlord of The Hope Tavern at Holton Le Moor, a relatively small venue, is a fan of the blues, and last Sunday afternoon Australian acoustic bluesman StringyBark McDowell brought along an array of instruments including National steel and electric guitar, a square self made guitar, bass drum, and a unique one stringed instrument played with slide and stick, that produced a modern techno sound when played. The name StringyBark comes from an Australian gum tree, McDowell from the famous old bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell, a major influence on StringyBark. An appreciative audience were treated to over two hours of classic blues and original songs, interspersed with some fine Aussie humour, making for a great afternoon's entertainment, look out for StringyBark, he'll be back! This week's gig takes place in the grounds of the inn, rather than the bar. Next month another amazing acoustic blues artist will be appearing at the venue, Ben Andrews, who has appeared at big blues venues and festivals around the world including Bishopstock, will be appearing at this friendly roadside pub on Sunday 8th June.
© Alberta & Missisippi Bill
BORN TO RUN BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE BAND
THE BERKELEY HOTEL, SCUNTHORPE, SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2003
Nobody notices the wiry, dark haired, telecaster brandishing figure and his crew as they stand silently at the side of the stage awaiting the curtain call. Seconds later they shake hands, the band is on stage, the lights are up and the opening chords to "The Rising" ring out. The crowd cheer and whistle in appreciation of the rare chance to see an uncannily perfect version of their hero's latest offering performed live on stage and 'Born To Run', the only regularly gigging Bruce Springsteen covers band in the UK, is in action.
Half way through the set the audience have warmed to the occasion having experienced an energetic performance by five very accomplished musicians of some of Mr Springsteen's most famous efforts 51; Thunder Road, The River, Glory Days, Fire, Brilliant Disguise, Badlands, Hungry Heart and more. By the end of the night and the inevitable Born In The USA, Born To Run, Streets Of Philadelphia and I'm On Fire, the punters are well pleased and many are up dancing and clapping and shouting for more. Surprises thrown in during the night such as Murder Incorporated, Rendezvous and Stand On It, lesser known tracks but strong songs in their own right, were cheered by the Bruce 'experts' and yes all the girls were on the dance floor for Dancing In The Dark.
© 'Born To Run' Fan
CLAUDE BOURBON ~ TAP & SPILE, LINCOLN
FRI 28 FEB 2003
Many pubs around the area currently put live music on regularly, though with the Labour government reviewing live music licensing laws the future of live music at these venues is very uncertain. One venue where live music may soon disappear if the new licensing laws are brought into force is the Tap & Spile in Lincoln. Last Friday French born blues musician Claude Bourbon was playing his brand of acoustic blues at the Hungate pub. Arriving sometime after 9pm, the pub was packed with a mixture of fans who had come along like us especially to see Claude playing, those who regularly go along to enjoy the music on Friday nights, and those just out for a few drinks. As so often seems to happen, pubs have good viewing areas or separate function rooms which would seem to make ideal live music venues aren't interested in putting music on whilst smaller pubs where viewing is limited due to the layout and size, such as Lincoln's Tap & Spile are dedicated to putting music on for people to enjoy. With many people in the pub not able to see, there was some background noise, though those who arrived at the pub early enough to congregate in the half of the bar where Claude could be viewed from were certainly enjoying both his music and his fine guitar style. During his two sets Claude play a mixture of original songs and classic old blues numbers such as 'Mind Your Own Business' and 'Death Don't Have No Mercy' in his own style. At the end of the evening it was soon apparent just how many people in the pub had really enjoyed Bourbon's music, with a lot stopping to chat with him and purchase a CD. Many musicians are understandably very concerned about the proposed new licensing laws, which will almost certainly stop nights such as these at many of the country's smaller venues which provide the 'bread and butter' gigs where people can both see talented musicians such as Claude Bourbon and of course his British counterparts for free and purchase merchandise that helps keep musicians on the road. Its often forgotten that bigger name artists first 'cut their teeth' in the music scene at pubs such as the Tap and Spile, and the lose of these venues will have a major impact on the British music scene which is already losing its standing on the world stage. Hopefully many music fans have already expressed their concerns by writing to their local MP's, you can also sign the on-line petition which can be accessed via the Musicians Union website at http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk, don't leave it until its too late or in the not too distant future our Folk, Blues & Beyond column will be a lot shorter! If you haven't seen Claude Bourbon yet, there is another opportunity to see him playing in our area again this week when he appears in Boston.
SKEGNESS ROCK & BLUES FESTIVAL ~ BUTLINS FUNCOAST WORLD, SKEGNESS
FRI 31 JAN - SUN 2 FEB 2003
Firstly we'll take a look at the first two days of the fourth Skegness Rock and Blues Festival which took place last weekend at Butlins Funcoast World Centre. Earlier in the year than the past festivals, which took place in March, the January date meant that many of the audience face long and arduous journeys to Lincolnshire, one couple we spoke to had taken six and a half hours to travel from the West Midlands, with many fans from Newcastle, Scotland, Lancashire and other areas, no doubt others had even longer trips. Was it all worth it, certainly everyone we spoke to had had a great weekend, with an excellent line up of bands, an opportunity to enjoy a few drinks with friends old and new, with a good choice of well prepared food for those booking half-board, and of course a warm Butlins welcome.
There were one of two changes from the originally announced programme, though not due to the weather, with Stan Webb's Chicken Shack, and local Skegness band The Melt who have impressed at the last two festivals not appearing on the revised bill.
For us the weekend kicked off in the resort's Centre Stage venue, with The Nimmo Brothers featuring for possibly the last time together as The Nimmo Brothers band Scottish brothers Alan and Stevie Nimmo on guitars, former Hoax drummer Dave Rayburn who is now based in Lincolnshire and bass player Lindsey Coulson well known to local blues audiences for his work with the Walter Harpman Band.
From the opening number 'Black Cat Bone' the audience who had managed arrive witnessed the superb twin guitar approach that the band are famed for, with Alan and Stevie taking it in turns to display their breathtaking ability on both original songs and fine cover versions. Voted blues rock band of the year 2002 by readers of 'Blues In Britain' magazine, the Nimmos have become one of the top attractions on the British blues circuit, indeed two women we spoke to had travelled down from Newcastle for the weekend after seeing that the band were playing. We understand that that Stevie is going to take time out for university studies, though Alan will continue playing, their performance here will leave a lasting memory for those lucky enough to see the band in action.
The presence of the Nimmos as an opening act must leave a feeling of trepidation for bands following, especially when their music is both totally original and does not conform strictly to one genre. Amor are one such band, rock based with blues tones and samples are led by another former Hoax musician, guitarist Jon Amor. Like The Hoax, Amor's music explores the boundaries of rock and blues, by the end of the band's live set which featured songs from both their debut album 'Amor' including the outstanding 'Man Of Steel', and their new CD 'Even After That', the audience had warmed to the Amor groove.
The final act of the evening The Blues Band are a great favourite with many, though not all blues fans. By now many late arrivals had swelled the audience in Centre Stage with many of the expectant crowd gathering at the from of the stage. As always the band didn't disappoint, playing a mix of classic blues and original songs such as 'Green Stuff', with plenty of great guitar work from Dave Kelly and Tom McGuiness, excellent harmonica and vocals from the ever expressive Paul Jones and solid backing from Gary Fletcher (bass) and ex-Family drummer Rob Townsend. With snow falling once again the hour was late as we returned to our chalet.
Other commitments meant that we missed the solo unplugged spot by Dave Kelly at Saturday lunchtime and some of Mick Abraham's acoustic set. Mick and the bass player from Blodwyn Pig were in full swing as we found a spot of the floor near the front, the set being well received by the audience slowly coming round from the previous night.
Following Mick's acoustic set Blodwyn Pig for which Abrahams swaps acoustic guitar for electric and added a drummer upped the tempo with their rocking blues numbers, including original songs such as 'Lies'.
One of the bands who brought blues to the attention of many in the audience were the Animals, The Animals and Friends include two members of that ground breaking Newcastle pop act, founder member drummer John Steel and keyboard player Dave Rowberry who replaced Alan Price. They are joined by vocalist and guitarist ex-Mindbender Peter Barton (who also has much to do with the organisation of the Skegness Rock and Blues Festival), his vocals being well suited to the Animals repertoire, guitarist John Williamson who many in the area will recall played with Skeleton Crew and bass player Jim Rodford (ex Argent and The Kinks). Plenty here for the audience to sing along to including of course 'Don't Let Me Misunderstood' and 'House Of The Rising Sun'!
Len Tuckey's Legend featuring former Suzi Quatro guitarist brought the afternoon session to a close with some rocking covers.
By 7.30pm the Centre Stage was packed once again for the opening act of the evening, Mickey Moody and Paul Williams with Blue Thunder. Moody best known for his work with Whitesnake previously worked with Williams in the late 60's early 70's band Juicy Lucy. Plenty for guitar fans to enjoy here!
Next up were Dr Feelgood whose high energy set bought a standing ovation from the capacity crowd. Now fronted by the never still vocalist and harmonica player Robert Kane, they whipped through a set of old Feelgood favourites such as 'Down By The Jetty', 'Down At The Doctors' and of course 'Milk & Acholol'. Higher than high spots included Steve Walwyn's awesome guitar solo in 'Down By The Jetty Blues' and 'Mad Man Blues'.
John Coglan's Quo featuring the original Status Quo drummer and a collective of musicians who both look and sound very similar to band who they were all fans of in the 70's. All songs played come from the pre-1978 era, as well as many of the classic hits they also included album tracks such as 'Spinning Wheel Blues' and the 'live' favourite 'Roadhouse Blues' in their set.
The final act of the evening Otis Grand took the stage around midnight, the audience had thinned a little by this time as the many Feelgood fans had headed for the 'Reds' venue. Each of the acts appearing at the festival played once in both venues, so if you sat around long enough, you could see all the bands without moving to far!
Otis Grand is one of Britain's top guitarists, so far his only Lincolnshire appearances have been at the Skegness festivals in the late 90's and this year. The band currently features soulful American singer Jimmy Thomas backed by keyboards, double bass and a brass section, with Otis they play the blues very much in the American big blues band mould and many in the audience come to the front to dance to the swinging blues they played. Otis returns to the region this spring with the American Festival Of The Blues II, appearing at the Corn Exchange in Kings Lynn on April 15th and Scunthorpe Baths Hall on May 15th.
With time and space limited, we'll take a look next week at the final day of what was an excellent festival, and report on the return to the area of a top acoustic bluesman, who will be hosting a programme about the blues on BBC Radio 4 in March, a performer who has had a number one hit record and the first appearance in the UK by a storming rock band from Holland. You'll find out too, which young British blues guitarist received a standing ovation from the crowd, and how an act who regularly appear at the Axe & Cleaver fared. Finally don't miss next week's column to hear about the three acts that bought the festival to great close, of course you may already know the answers but we've a feeling that many of Lincolnshire's rock and blues fans may not have realised what a good time they could have had right on their doorstep, for around £40.00 self catering, based on four people sharing, for the whole weekend!
Part 2
As promised last week, we'll take a look at the final day of the Skegness Rock and Blues Festival which took place over the first weekend in February.
Like Saturday, Sunday afternoon commenced with two fine acoustic blues acts, opening the afternoon session The Blues Shoes played mellow often jazzy numbers, a duo featuring sax player Snake Davis and guitarist and singer songwriter Jim Diamond who had a number one hit with 'I Should Have Known Better' in 1984. Jim was encouraged in his early career by British blues legend Alexis Korner, but only recently has returned to play at blues festivals such as Skegness, Jim commented on the great atmosphere of these festivals, and their set was very well received by the audience, many of whom queued afterwards to purchase the duo's CD.
Next up were American born bluesman Michael Roach who plays acoustic and steel guitars and British harmonica player Ian Briggs. Michael has appeared in the area before, though it is several years ago now. Their set featured both traditional and original blues and a number of spiritual songs, including some from his latest CD 'Cypress Grove'.
Have lulled the audience into a laid back Sunday afternoon mood, the unknown JR Band from Holland hit the stage like a tornado! Featuring guitarist JR, Jan Rijbroek who is a showman in true rock style with long flowing blond hair, awesome stage presence with vocals that could awaken the dead. This was only the band's second appearance in the UK, though Jan has worked in this country previously with Elvin Bishop. Their set featured many original songs taken from the band's two CD's, debut album 'My Way On The Highway' and 'The Real McCoy', including the long and bluesy 'Trouble Blues' which featured the award winning keyboard work of Professor F. Weber. The band also feature British born bass player Peter who formerly worked with The Motors, who sung on the band's fine version of 'Roadhouse Blues'. Another song covered by the JR Band is the old Bob Seger number 'Turn The Page' which they first played at a funeral of a friend, for this song Jan puts aside his electric guitars and plays an acoustic 12 string. Near the end of their powerful set, The Professor appeared to prepare an accordion at the rear of the stage perhaps in readiness to play the tender 'For Lyn' (on their excellent debut CD), however the band opted for an uptempo ending. The band hope to return for a British tour later in the year, if you enjoy original rock look out for the JR Band!
The tempo was maintained by Danny Bryant's Redeyeband, the Cambridgeshire based guitarist has make a big impact on the British blues scene over the past year or so, and its not hard to see why! Over recent years Aynsley Lister, The Davey Brothers, Ian Parker and Lincolnshire's own Martin Trimble have impressed blues audiences, perhaps in a similar way that Eric Clapton and other 60's British blues legends caught the eye of audiences of that era, Danny Bryant is another name in the frame, the many in the Skegness crowd signalled as much after his superb set, which featured original blues rock songs with some classic covers such as 'Help Me' by giving the young guitarist a standing ovation.
The final act of the afternoon will be known to many local fans, The Nottingham based blues rock trio the Mick Rutherford Band are regulars at the Axe & Cleaver. Mick attired initially in a black wig and flamboyant 60's style coat plays bass and sings. The band's repertoire features covers such as Cream's 'White Room', unfortunately the 4.30 to 6pm mealtimes don't coincide with band timings on stage, so we took our leave as Mick had dispensed with his coat and wig and was encouraging the audience to join in with their a cappella version of 'Chain Gang'.
The weather, timing of this year's festival and the lack of day ticket sales appeared to have had an impact on audience figures, which was especially noticeable at the Reds venue when Slack Alice took the stage, whilst the main area in front of the stage was well populated with fans, the outer reaches of the room where relatively empty. Fronted by gravelled voiced singer Cliff Stocker, Slack Alice are still carving a niche for themselves in contemporary music history, 2003 sees the 30th anniversary of the group who unlike many acts from their era, continue to produce quality new and original songs as well as playing numbers from their older repertoires. Departing from their usual opening song ZZ Top's 'Gimme Some Lovin' which the band cover superbly, they opened of the evening's sets with another ZZ Top number 'Jesus Just Let Chicago'. For their early evening set they included some of the more acoustic based songs from their latest CD 'Somewhere Between ... Nashville & Chicago ...' including the ribald 'Get Your Shoes On'. For their later set on Centre Stage they played rockier blues including 'The Hunter' a number made famous by Free and there was plenty of fine guitar work from messers Preston and Redmond. The night's gigs also signalled the probable end to an era, with bassist and acoustic guitarist Malcolm Crossley who featured in those early Slack Alice line ups all those years ago, when as the song 'Too Young To Sing The Blues' relates the story of how the band almost made the big time first time around and drummer Chris Tattersall due to depart the band shortly, though new recruits are lined up to fill their places in time for this year's festival season.
Following Slack Alice's performance at Red's we moved across to Centre Stage which was still buzzing following a performance from Zoot Money's Big Roll Band. Next act of the evening are another favourite of ours, and many others. Paul Lamb & The Kingsnakes rarely make it into Lincolnshire these days, so its always a treat to see them in action. Lamb fronts the band on harmonica, his whooping style is instantly recognisable, alongside Paul guitarist Johnny Whitehill is regarded as one of the finest blues players in the country, whilst vocalist Earl Green has already, like Lamb passed into the Gallery of Blues Greats. Strawbs fans will recognise Rod Demmick who now plays double bass with the Kingsnakes. The band's swinging blues drew many of the audience to the front of the stage but the band also include some slower songs such as 'Don't Answer The Door' which features some humorous interchanges between Lamb and Green, as to just who might be calling. One number featured a great solo from Paul which culminated with the harmonica maestro on his knees at the front of the stage playing to the crowd gathered there, memorable indeed!
The festival drew to a great finale with the ever rocking trio The Hamsters closing the weekend. Their set as always included a selection of original songs such as 'Wanna Make Love To You' and covers from Hendrix and a great version of ZZ Top's 'Sharp Dressed Man'. Despite mass calls for an encore at the end of a great set the management decreed that the festival was over and the stage curtains remained closed.
A great weekend and good value for money too, lets hope the probable drop in this year's attendance figures does mean that Butlins drops the festival from the annual Skegness programme. The venue has a number of other festivals planned during the quiet season, including 60's, 70's and 80's festivals featuring both original acts and tribute bands. Tel 0870 242 0870 or visit the Butlins website (www.butlins.co.uk/18) for details of these events.
GUY TORTORA BAND ~ SPALDING BLUES CLUB
SUN 12 JAN 2003
Alberta & Mississippi Bill
As we finish off this weeks column at some time past the witching hour and another week's work beckoning, we would just like to include a few words about a southern based blues band who were the latest act to sell out the Spalding Blues Club. The Guy Tortora Band led by American born British based guitarist and vocalist Guy were a name unknown to the majority of the audience at the Red Lion Hotel, apart from the producer of their excellent CD 'Footnote To The Blues' who has just moved to Lincolnshire where he is hoping to set up a studio. Guy and the band have rarely brought their music to northern blues fans, though they're certainly hoping to be heading our way again before too long, and with performances such as this and airplay on blues programmes such as Henry Ayrton's Northern Blues show (also on Sunday nights) people will get a taste for their music. What can you expect ... well, tonight was a veritable mix of delights, with acoustic solo slots from Guy which opened both sets, old time blues classics such as 'Sweet Home Chicago', the occasional Gospel number enhanced by backing singers Charline and Frankie (alias The Family Jewels), soulful American blues, including original songs such as 'Love Nor Money' which was another number that featured the girls, and even an acoustic cover of Marvin Gaye's 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine'. Another original song that caught our ear was 'Late Starter'. The regular four piece band also features Hungarian keyboard player Janos Bajtala, Brendan Canty (bass) and Neil Littman on drums. Each in their own way enhance the band's overall excellent sound, which leans not surprisingly more towards the American blues style. Two fine sets, the closing number 'Let The Good Times Roll' the second encore, perhaps typifies the way the band enjoys playing 'live' at venues such as the Spalding Blues Club, where the audience have a feeling for the music the band are playing and an ear to listen, look out for the Guy Tortora Band when they're back in town!
BBC RADIO LINCOLNSHIRE SONG COMPETITION 2002 ~ SPILSBY THEATRE
THU 10 OCT 2002
Lets take a look at the BBC Radio Lincolnshire Folk Song Competition. For those who are not familiar with this event, each year local musicians are invited to write a folk song about Lincolnshire, the songs selected by a panel of judges are then performed live at Spilsby Theatre and at the same time recorded and played at a later date (normally over the Christmas Holiday period) on BBC Radio Lincolnshire. This year's competition hosted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire's folk presenter Tom Lane was the eleventh and it was interesting to note a number of new names reaching the final 10. Over the years the standard of songs and performances has risen, and once again we were treated to an evening of excellent songs with a local flavour. New performers included David St Paul whose song about the road to Skegness 'The 158' opened the finals, Richard Langridge and Kathryn O'Connor who regularly perform at venues in the Horncastle area, June Vernau and Dick Papps and the band Webbed Foot from the Louth area who won the award for best performance of the evening for their song 'Waiting For The Hainton Straight'. Regular entrants Paul Bellamy and Mark Campbell and Stitherum, a duo from Gainsborough Folk Club also made the finals along with last years winners Clarty Sough who once again provided a strong entry 'The Iron Miners Song' introduced with the duo hammering stone chisels. At the end of the evening after some debate by the 5 strong judging team selected Dave Evardson's song 'A Lincolnshire Family' as the winner, its immigrant theme having both historical content and a message for modern times! Runners up were Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher with their song 'Follow The Drum' about threshing at harvest time in bygone days. It was good to see the third award going to David & Hannah Hurdman two young songwriters from the county with their historical song 'Slash Hollow' written about the battle of Winceby, and performed by the young band Doonvarna. The evening ended with Dave & Julie Evardson performing their winning song to the capacity audience.
SANDFLY ~ PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, SLEAFORD
FRI 20 SEP 2002
A sparse yet appreciative audience were treated to a characteristically sparkling set from talented Sleaford based band Sandfly at Sleaford Playhouse on Friday evening.
Playing as support to the main act, Kevin Brown and Moussa Kouyate, Sandfly's set was necessarily compressed, yet achieved a spellbinding tour through some of the band's melodious and highly original material.
Currently featuring the core founding trio of Mary Beeson, Geoff Daley and Gordon Hewitt, Sandfly have hit a groove with their acoustic repertoire and are beginning to garner plaudits from audiences who recognise fine musicianship and truly exiting song writing skills.
Highlight of the set must have been "Turbulent Bells", a new song recently completed, and performed for the first time. The song immediately evoked a magical atmosphere and featured some delightfully delicate guitar from Gordon and Geoff.
Well established songs such as "In Your Shadow", "Be On Your Way", and the ever popular "Whispering Melody" were delivered with a sureness of touch indicative of Sandfly's rapidly developing maturity.
What this band lack in gimmickry is more than compensated for by sheer talent, creativity and musicianship, and I would urge anyone who appreciates these qualities to go and hear Sandfly.
Review submitted by Ian Jones
STEVE ARVEY - SPALDING BLUES CLUB, RED LION HOTEL, SPALDING
SUN 1 SEP 2002
First a look back at a gig that took place last week. American blues musician Steve Arvey first emailed out of the blue to us a couple of years or so ago after reading a Folk, Blues & Beyond article on the internet. The following year he played a few UK gigs including the Bushy Blues Festival on the Isle Of Man, but none in our area. Chicago based Steve who has played with a host of blues legends, including Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Rogers and Homesick James eventually made it to our area last week, when he appeared at Spalding Blues Club on the opening night of their new season. Steve was backed by his new found UK touring band, who themselves are no strangers to local blues fans, keyboard player Julian Grudgings and drummer Mike Hellier are regular visitors to the area, playing with Bluesmove and the Mick Pini Band, they have also backed another American artist Jonathon Kalb. Bass player Kevin Jeffries has also worked with the Mick Pini Band. A natural joker, Steve had specially saved a pair of 'designer label' pants for his appearance at the club, well Spalding sports ware is famous throughout the world!
Opening with 'Blues Messiah', a number with a contemporary singer songwriter feel, rather than a classic blues, yet a very powerful song, that Steve normally performs acoustically, indeed on his 'Its A Fine Line' album he is backed by a fiddle player for this song. Drummer Mike added to the feel of the song by using padded drum sticks.
It wasn't too long though before Steve introduced the audience to the sound of his home city, Chicago. 'Its My Soul' featured some laid back yet expressive guitar work from Steve. Unfortunately for this UK tour Steve didn't have a harp player such as Mark Hoekstra who is a member of his West Side Heat band back in the States to add that instrument's distinctive sound to the Chicago blues songs, Steve though introduced keyboard player Jules for an extended keyboard spot.
Steve's not a 'one horse' musician, with 'Sweet Mama' he took us and his band down to the city of fonk, New Orleans where the music has a funky feel, enhanced by Jules' driving organ sound and Kev's bass work. Steve obviously enjoyed working with his new found friends, they in turn had quickly adapted to Steve's style. The second set included the old Gospel song 'Love Light' (Let It Shine On Me) and a Louisiana style number with the emphasis on guitar work and heavier drum sound and Jules' keyboard note picking style.
Other highlights of the first half included 'Love Ain't Easy' a song composed by Steve back in 1987, 'Rock The House' from Jimmy Rogers' repertoire and a song with references to St Peter, during which Steve moved down through the audience playing his guitar as he eased his way carefully through the packed audience. OK, so he's not the first (or the last!) guitarist to do this, but it moves the hairs on the back of your neck when fine musicians such as Steve are playing right next to you!
After chatting to members of the audience at half time, Steve played a classic old blues number to those not still at the bar, before starting the second half.
'Hip Hop', a song taken from Steve's latest CD 'Soul Of A Man' featured some impressive drum work from Mike Hellier, whom Steve introduced in 'boxing promoter style' and a solo from bassist Kev.
Steve's first gig in Lincolnshire the previous week at Cleethorpes had clearly made a great impression, he included references to the town in 'Whiskey, Wine & Song', and whilst Spalding is a listening audience rather than a dancing crowd, due mainly to the size of the venue, Steve appreciated their attention and applause throughout his performance.
For several songs including 'WRFG', a great original song dedicated to radio DJ's, Steve pitched his vocals deeper, the smoky southern drawl reminding us a bit of Omar & The Howlers.
His interpretation of 'Little Red Rooster' was markedly different from others we've heard, at times the basic underlying riff was reminiscent of Status Quo, one things for sure though, there was more clapping along with the band's sound during this number than we usually hear at the club! Steve and the band received a rousing reception at the end of the night, for a well deserved encore they chose the swinging 'Its A Fine Line', the title track from Steve's 2000 album. A memorable start to a new season at Spalding Blues Club,
KIRKBY BLUES & ROCK FESTIVAL
SAT JUL 13th 2002
Thanks to all the people who prayed for good weather for Kirkby Festival, it worked and some more. As predicted 'The 5th annual Kirkby Blues & Rock Festival' was the best one to date. As is the norm the organisation was impeccable, the timetable ran like clockwork, the 2000+ crowd ate, drank, danced, laughed and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The festival is entirely run by volunteers and all the money taken is ploughed into making the next year's event even better (is this possible?).
The music started at 1.00pm with local favourites 'Old School' who warmed up the already large crowd. Then followed the amazing 'Guitar Hero' in the making Danny Bryant with his 'Redeyeband', this young man is destined to play many bigger stages. The International theme to the festival started with 'Derrin Nauendorf & Dave Downing' 'the two lads from 'Oz' who are wooing crowds the length and breadth of the country, check them out.
Next up were the legendary 'Climax Blues Band' who really got the crowd dancing, veteran blues man Colin Cooper has lost none of his amazing talent or enthusiasm for the festival circuit, a class act. Welsh legends 'Sassafras' amazed many with their solid energetic set of blues/rock, they do not do many gigs these days, but well worth looking out for.
Texan blues man 'Eugene (Hideaway) Bridges and his Big Band' raised the level yet again with a 90minute set that passed oh so quickly, a true blues man who deserves all the accolades he is given. But the crowd still found enough energy to dance for another 90minutes with Scotland's No 1 blues export 'The Nimmo Brothers', who have supported the Kirkby Festival for many years now, and deservedly got the headline spot this year. Then it was over and the small army of volunteers started work cleaning the site, dismantling fences, stage, loo's etc etc.
Thank you Kirkby for a great festival.
Barry Middleton
FRANK WHITE ~ BERKELEY HOTEL, SCUNTHORPE
SAT 8th JUNE 2002
Sheffield blues artist Frank White has been a name sadly missing from the Lincolnshire music scene for several years, once a regular visitor to the area, he was the first act to appear at Spalding Blues Club way back in December 1992, which was the first time we saw him play. At that time he had just been voted UK Blues Male Vocalist of the Year. Frank broke his ankle a while back but is now back doing what he loves best, playing music to an appreciative audience. Best known in modern times on the blues scene, Frank actually began his career back in the 60's, and played, we understand with Dave Berry and The Cruisers in their early days, a fact gleaned from BBC Radio 2's Sounds Of The Sixties programme. Whilst Frank has been playing the blues since the 70's, he still enjoys playing some rock and roll numbers in his live sets.
Whilst another Sheffield bred artist Joe Cocker made an impact at the Golden Jubilee Concert, Frank's vocal have similar gravelly tones, combine that with his amazing guitar playing and songwriting one wonders just what factors influence people's musical careers, one playing at Buckingham Palace last week, whilst the other playing at Scunthorpe's Berkeley Hotel the following week! Along with Frank's excellent vocals, guitar work and songwriting he as always is fronting an excellent band with keyboards, drums and bass.
A great set included blues influenced original songs such as the excellent 'I Took A Chance On You', rock'n'roll numbers, the band opened with a Chuck Berry song and later in the evening played a flying version of 'Good Rockin' Tonight' and some other fine covers such as Randy Newman's 'Louisiana 1927', Dobie Gray's 'Drift Away' and a Sam Cooke song which Frank performed solo. The highlight for many though an immaculate version of Cream's 'Sunshine Of Your Love'.
Frank's philosophy is that his shows are fun, and he really takes notice of how the audience are responding to his songs and music and stages his sets accordingly, providing a fantastic show for the seated audience and the dancing audience alike. Towards the end he encouraged the audience to sing along with 'Shake, Rattle & Roll' before closing the show playing both British and American national anthems. A member of the audience who is a musician who has toured the UK, Europe and the USA , was heard to say "I have never heard a band as good as that!". Its great to see him back in such fine form!
SANDFLY ~ OLD NICK'S TAVERN, HORNCASTLE
WED 29th MAY 2002
With so much going on musically in our area its difficult to see many of the bands who play at venues around the region. One band we have been trying to see for ages are Sandfly, who were still called the Mud Monkeys last time we saw them! Since then the group have undergone a number of line-up changes, released a now sold-out CD 'What Rhymes With Lobster' and have even appeared at the Glastonbury Festival.
The latest line-up change has seen the departure of the group's drummer, leaving the band down to a trio for their appearance at Old Nicks Tavern in Horncastle last Wednesday evening. Basing their sound around acoustic guitars, Sandfly's music lends itself to acoustic performances and the band had previously played a number of gigs without a drummer, so it wasn't an entirely new experience for them. Whether the band will recruit a new drummer in the future remains uncertain, their acoustic sound might perhaps benefit from the addition of a variety of percussion, rather than a standard drummer.
Sandfly feature Mary on lead vocals and acoustic guitars, Gordon on acoustic guitar and Geoff on acoustic bass & guitar plus vocals. Their live shows comprise almost entirely of original songs with deep and thought provoking lyrics, but these are lightened by engaging melodies and some catchy choruses. Young bands often find venues and audiences unwilling to accept original material, though thankfully David Dean at Old Nicks encourages bands such as Sandfly to perform their own songs.
They opened their set with 'Be On Your Way', we were soon singing along to the song's chorus. 'Country Pumpkins' extols the pleasures of living in the countryside and featured some fine bluesy guitar work from Gordon. 'Freak Show' with it powerful guitar pieces is one of the groups longer standing songs, coming from the days of the Mud Monkeys. Some careful guitar tuning was required for 'Whispering Melody', the band aren't able to afford the luxury of pre-tuned guitars for certain songs, once tuned together Geoff and Gordon provided a solid base for Mary's soaring vocals making this song one of the standout numbers of a fine set. With its powerful and delicate vocal contrast 'Riddles' is another fine song, seemingly about a person who speaks in riddles and rhymes. The group ended their first set with 'Falling Girl' a song which impressed Gordon Giltrap when Geoff and Gordon supported the guitar wizard in Sleaford in April. Geoff takes the lead vocal part for this number.
They opened their second set with 'Sheltered By Your Flame', the powerful 'Shivered' blended excellent guitar from Mary and Gordon with acoustic bass played by Geoff with fine vocals from Mary and Geoff. Their set included just one cover, that of 'Flinch' a song from the new Alanis Morissette album 'Under Rug Swept'. They are still working on their interpretation of this song which is a recent addition to the band's repertoire. 'Bittersweet Pill' with some more bluesy guitar from Gordon and its powerful climax make for another memorable song. They closed their set with 'One Draw Pass' and enthusiastic calls for an encore where answered with another superb original number, 'God Rota'.
Blending fine musicianship with excellent vocals, and distinctive original songs Sandfly are one of the most innovative bands currently playing at locally, if you're tired of mass produced pop Sandfly offer the alternative at a venue near you!
SPIDER JOHN HUTCHINSON ~ BULL HOTEL, HORNCASTLE
FRI 3rd MAY 2002
After performing on stages across the UK, Europe and Japan before thousands of fans during Bowie's Aladdin Sane tour in 1973, one might wonder what brings Spider John Hutchinson to a small Lincolnshire market town on a Friday night. Oddly perhaps truth is even stranger than fiction, about a year back Martin the promoter of the gig shared a cabin on a cross channel ferry with Spider John, Martin's Lindisfarne Tee shirt caught the eye of John, who introduced himself and with music a common interest a friendship was struck up, and Martin later travelled to York to see Spider John in action, impressed by John's playing but disturbed to find so few opportunities for John and other musicians of his calibre to play live in the UK, he decided to try to promote some gigs himself, the Bull Hotel being his second venture as a 'Stigwood'.
Calling on some friends who work in the band Shoot The Crow who hail from North Lincolnshire, to provide support for the evenings gig and bring along their supporters, Martin also invited friends round to his home to listen to John's CD and calling on others, CD in hand to promote the guitarist's music to them, thus ensuring the man had the kind of audience he deserves.
The unusual setting of a medieval style banqueting hall at the Bull Hotel provided both good acoustics, a bar and good sized room for such a venture. Shoot The Crow, a four piece band opened with a set of mainly original songs. The band base their sound round acoustic guitar and congas, and laid back electric guitar.
Opening with a number of original songs the band stepped up a gear with their rendition of The Levellers song 'What A Beautiful Day', other highlights of their set included their original songs 'Prozak', and 'Cyber Sex', a wry look at the internet age!
A quick turn round and Spider John was on stage, his nickname probably comes from his time with the Spiders From Mars, though his dexterity over the frets might also have a bearing, as his fingers weaved spider-like around his acoustic guitar, the audience drew closer to admire and wonder at his playing and listen to his stories of his time with Bowie, which included the period when 'Space Oddity' was written.
Whilst strongly influenced by jazzy blues, his repertoire did not consist solely of blues songs, numbers such as 'Summertime' and the Gram Parsons song 'Brass Buttons' also featured during the evening. John actually played in a country rock band, American Echoes whose debut single 'Ooh Las Vegas' was a BBC Radio One Record Of The Week in the late 70's.
Also featured in his live set was a great version of a John Lee Hooker song, and the classic blues song 'My Babe' and original compositions 'Turn Your Lamp Down Low', 'Peculiar Behaviour' and 'Freebird' (not the Lynyrd Skynrd classic!) which feature on his 'Solo You Can Hear Me' 5 track demo CD recorded for a radio show in 2001.
MUNDY-TURNER - HEART OF LINCOLNSHIRE FOLK, ROOTS & BLUES CLUB,
EAGLE LODGE HOTEL, WOODHALL SPA
TUE 23rd APRIL 2002
Australian based duo Mundy-Turner were the guests at The Heart Of Lincolnshire Folk, Roots & Blues Club, their appearance in Woodhall Spa being the only Lincolnshire date currently scheduled on their 2002 UK Tour.
The widely acclaimed duo are promoting their latest album, 'Wholly Road' their first live CD, which was recorded at a number of sell out shows in intimate acoustic clubs similar to the Heart Of Lincolnshire club during their recent Australian tour. The British weather doing its best to emulate the Australian climate, the club providing the intimate setting for Cath & Jay's music, songs and stories, the only thing missing was the sell out audience!
Those who did come along and support the concert were not disappointed, Australian Catherine Mundy and English born Jay Turner putting on a memorable show. Highlights included 'Little Birds', a song sung beautifully a capella style, about poor mothers in South America who cannot afford to look after their large families, 'Somethin's Cookin', its rock'n'roll feel inspired following their visit to Sun Studio's in Memphis, they originally recorded the song at the studio in tribute to the studio's history and the lively instrumental 'Jayology'.
Each song was introduced with by a story, sometimes entertaining as for 'Naked', which was written after Jay was woken up early in the mornings by a group of Kookaburras outside his window, sometimes poignant as with the 'Women Who Have Learnt Not To Cry'. With the windows of the concert room open on the warm evening, the local residents of Woodhall may have heard an unusual bird call last Tuesday evening, it was actually Cath's remarkable mimic of the noisy Australian bird that pierced to still night air!
The duo's original songs draw on influences from around the world, some such as 'High-life' have been inspired just from snippets of conversation, Owen, a waiter in an Australian hotel being the inspiration for the title track of the duo's debut album.
All in all fine entertainment for a warm spring evening.
BILL JONES & MIRANDA SYKES ~ CHESTNUT STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL, RUSKINGTON
WED 24th APRIL 2002
The following night Bill Jones and Miranda Sykes appeared at Chestnut Street School in Ruskington and we were surprised when the headmaster of the school who organised the gig said that like the previous night's gig, there had been limited interest in the concert. Bill Jones was voted Newcomer of The Year in 2001 by BBC Radio Two in their annual folk awards, whilst local musician Miranda is another young performer who is making an impact on the national folk scene. The duo, who have previously worked together in the Bill Jones Band, have continued to work as a duo, adding some new material from Miranda's parents song repertoire. John and Penny are well known on the Lincolnshire folk scene and it was good to hear Miranda and Bill's interpretation of songs such as 'The Wild Goose Man', 'Fenland Dye' and 'Borrowed Places' which are featured on the new Old Parrot Band CD 'The Swing Bridge' as well as material from Bill's two CD's.
The duo's voices blend well together, especially on the a capella song 'Panchpuran' the story of Bill's Anglo-Indian grandmother. Other highlights included Bill's reworking of the traditional song 'The Tale Of Tam Lin' and her original song 'Turn To Me' which closed another superb evening of music.
BYTHER SMITH ~ RUNNING HORSE, NOTTINGHAM
SAT 13 APRIL 2002
There are few venues in Lincolnshire inclined to or able to put top American blues artists such as Byther Smith, so we travelled across to Nottingham to the Running Horse to see the Chicago blues man in action last Saturday.