What a start to the month 4th was a trip to the Royal Festival Hall in London for the Jack Bruce gig featuring a very talented band with Joe Bonamassa. Met Joe before the gig when he joined us for about 20 minutes, then it was dinner with friends at an Italian restaurant around the corner. The gig itself was amazing with Paddy Milner introducing the bands preceeding music and Jack Bruce, the place really came alive when Joe hit the stage for a tribute to Gary Moore then some Cream songs were played to the delight of the audience. Afterwards Paddy came down and invited me and a couple of others to the aftershow.
6th was at 606 Club to see the wonderful 24 Pesos play another special gig. Never a dull moment when these guys are playing and the crowd loved every minute of it.
8th saw me at Jagz in Ascot to see Mick Ralphs & Co, a great night out with the musicians having a blast on stage and playing some mighty fine blues.
11th was a busy day, firstly off to BATF for an afternoon special with old friends Wolfpack, this time with Stuart Dixon on guitar duties. Then Stuarts other musical venture Cinqui played three songs as a prelim to their visit to the venue in two weeks time. I for one will be attending that one, the cd is excellant. After an hours drive I was at Leighton Buzzard to see PAUL , a band dear to my heart as they always give everything in a show, playing a lot of new material from the 'Tales Of The Gravel' cd mixed in with older songs they gave the crowd what they wanted, I was also joined for a while at the venue by the lovely Cherry Lee Mewis.
19th saw my first ever visit to the Blues On The Farm Festival in Chichester for the final day. On arrival I met a few people who were at Hebden and only got to see the last three bands playing. First up was the rock n roll band The Revolutionaires, who gave a wonderful performance of the 50's era standards that had the crowd dancing away. Next up was the delightful Todd Sharpville Band, these are class musicians led by the excellant songwriter Todd. They went down a stormwith the crowd who dragged them back for a well deserved encore. Final act was the Marcus Bonfanti Band who gave a performance of immense quality that had the crowd singing and dancing the night away, the encore even had Todd back onstage for a classy jam of Muddy Waters.
22nd was a double header, firstly a trip to the BBC Radio Theatre to see Jools Holland and His Orchestra play a one hour set as part of BBC Radio's Music Live Day. Many guests playing with band including Jamie Cullum, Huey Morgan, Ruby Turner and Paul Jones, a really wonderful time,.
Next it was off to The Alleycat in Denmark Street to see Sam Hare's Jam Session. Some wonderful talent playing here tonight with Sam including, Cherry L:ee Mewis, Krissy Matthews, Aaron Keylock and Maurice and Ben from The Spikedrivers
25th, BATF in the afternoon to see the very classy Cinqui, who played two sets of immense quality that bought the house down, fantastic entertainment. Then a trip to Easton in Suffolk to see an old favourite of mine from Canada, Matt Andersen who gave us two sets of probably the best acoustic blues you will ever witness, brilliant performer you should not miss, the White Horse will never be the same again.
27th saw me again with Matt Andersen at The Social in London this had three other acts on the bill, notably the very good Will Scott. Matt played a mighty fine set , although all four acts were treated to too much crowd chatter while performing, very ignorant I thought of the public.
28th was at Bush Hall in West London for part of thev LondonbluesFest 2011. Appearing was Bex Marshall, Scott McKeon Band, Paddy Milner Band and Marcus Bonfanti Band. Wonderful gig showcasing the young talent this country has in this genre.
29th saw me at Shepherds Bush Empire to see Tedeschi Trucks Band supported by lap steel star, Robert Randolph & Family Band. This was an amazing gig with all musicians on top of their game at a packed out venue, the crowd loving every second of it.
7th saw me at HMV Forum in Kentish Town for the final gig of the current tour by Skindred. A rather enjoyable affair with the band mixing up styles into a musical fusion of hot cooking pot. The crowd were loving every minutes of the 100 minute set.
11th I was at Dingwalls in London to see Ian Siegal gigging with the rather excellant North Mississippi Allstars Duo (Luther & Cody Dickinson). Ian started off the night with a set of songs 'he thinks are great songs' and who am I to argue, great start to the night. NMAD came on with a rack of numerous guitars and a drumkit with different sticks of all kinds, this was a real pleasure to listen and watch this act. later for an encore Ian and James Foster joined the rest for a storming 3 songs.
12th was a trip to the O2 Academy in Islington to witness a brilliant gig. Firstly my friend Marcus Bonfanti & Band played a wicked 45 minute 'pirate blues' set featuring songs from his two releases, warming up the crowd a treat. Next it was the headline JJ Grey & Mofro, what a band. Excellant musicians mixing up blues soul and a certain funkiness that had the crowd dancing and singing from the first note to the last.
14th was a trip to the Boom Boom Club in Sutton to see the Marcus Bonfanti/JJ Grey & Mofro show for the final date of the UK tour and they left the best for last. Marcus doing a solo set this time of songs from the latest cd plus a couple of new ones, the crowd liked what they heard . JJ came on stage with the band and literally tore the place apart with a brilliant set, crowd up and dancing from the off and didnt stop until the final note had gone into the wind. Catch them when they come back over its an event not too miss.
19th saw me and Fergie at Moors Bar Crouch End North London to see the fantastic Kilborn Alley Blues Band ripping the place apart withn some amazing blues, even though they were a man light , it didn't affect their performance.
20th was a trip to the Boom Boom Club in Sutton for the New Generation Blues Show featuring the amazing young talents of Mitch Laddie, Virgil & The Accelerators and WT Feaster, an enthralled crowed lapped it all up.
24th was a trip to a venue I like Hags Head High Wycombe to see Cherry Lee Mewis with a couple of the regular band on bass and guitar. A great two sets of old style and new blues from a wonderful singer, punctuated by a crazy game of table football.
Next evening 25th was to see the awesome Saint Jude at Islington Academy and what a show it was. The crowd and band alike were enjoying every moment of the set which included a brand new song. Can't wait for the new cd when it comes out.
27th,28th,29th,30th shall be placed in more detail in another section of the website, as it was the first Hebden Bridge Blues Festival, that I was proud to be a part of. A fantastic four days I will never forget.
RIP Gil Scott-Heron a real genius has passed, the revolution will always be televised.
My first gig of this crazy month, 2nd, was to see Tim Aves and his band Wolfpack at a local pub to me called the Onley Arms for a night of re-invigourated Howling Wolf tunes plus others from the genre, played with the vigour of musicians enjoying what they do, go and see them when you can .
Luckily for me another local gig on the 3rd, was at the classy High Barn complex in Gt Bardfield, Essex to see the wonderful Sandi Thom Band play a stunning set mainly from her superb cd Merchant & Thieves. It was good to catch up with the band again, don't miss her on this tour she and the band are on great form.
Due to illness I was forced to miss a couple of gigs that I was really looking forward to, Voodoo Six and Marcus Bonfanti/Paddy Milner, giving me time to make some notes on cd reviews and some gigs I have been to recently.
7th was an event I was really looking forward to , A Tribute To Muddy Waters at the Jazz Cafe in Camden London, 24 Pesos played a set then provided the backing for guests including Jojo Burgess (Hokie Joint), Bex Marshall and Ian Siegal. Terrific entertainment for a very well attended gig I am happy to say.
8th was a trip to BATF in the afternoon to see the wonderful Hokie Joint play a blinder to a packed out venue on a gloriously sunny day, playing old songs and a few from the forthcoming 'The Music Starts To Play' cd.
14th saw me make a first visit to Jagz in Ascot to see the Clare Free Band, Clare started off proceedings with a set of acoustic covers, then later she returned with her fine band to play songs from her cd and ep. A good night was had by those lucky enough to be there.
16th saw me at the CRF Springfest - Haddenham Beer Festival, this was a great weekend event , but I was only attending the Saturday. Luckily the weather proved favourable for the marquee bar serving up all sorts of alcoholic delights and the food wagon was doing a roaring trade. The music wasn't too bad either, I managed to see four of the acts on show today. Firstly was the very much improved Ben Poole Band, playing a few covers with a twist and their own material which I am glad to say made a few of us,who had seen Ben last year, nodding approvingly at the much appreciated improvement that comes with gigging, the band all great lads to have a chat with as well. Cherry Lee Mewis was on the list for me next to see. Cherry and her terrific band were quite simply awesome and I think my favourite band of the day, quality musicians and a knock-em dead vocalist. They played tracks mainly from the two cd releases and a couple of well chosen covers to a very appreciative crowd.
Split Whiskers were the next for me to see, my first time of seeing them and I was quite impressed, playing some originals but mainly covers driven set. Chantel McGregor was the headliner and she was superb, a great girl with great family backing with her. Playing songs from her just about to be released cd 'Like No Other' and covers she wowed the now more vocal crowd. A great day out indeed and some of these acts are at the main CRF event in August, I will hopefully get there for a day or two.
18th was once again in the company of Chantel this time at Boom Boom Club Sutton, a very different set from Springfest, moving with ease from electric to acoustic and playing most of the new cd, a packed house enjoyed the cd launch in Surrey.
24th was the start of four dates on the road with Paul Rodgers and support Down N Outz. Bournemouth BIC is the venue on a hot day, me and my mate Doug bumped into Paul's wife Cynthia for lengthy chat about the tour and future projects, the gig itself was good, the band and Paul never sounding so good. The Down N Outz fronted by Joe Elliott were very good indeed.
25th found us in Southend on the hottest day of the year, had a brief chat with Joe Elliott and Paul and the band. This was the only standing venue on the tour I believe, and did it pay off. A briiliant gig, terrific atmosphere and crowd singing. The best gig on my mini tour by a mile.
27th was a trip to the Royal Albert Hall, another highlight. Outside the venue I managed to catch up with Mick Ralphs who is a real gent and all-round good bloke. The gig itself was excellant with guests onstage with Paul including Mick and Mica Paris.
28th was the final date of the tour for all concerned, the NIA at Birmingham was the venue for the filming of the show. A very strange choice indeed as it was all seating which lead to their being a poor atmosphere and it also being an arena style seating plan led to a sparsityin crowd participation. Another thing that really grinds my gears is the venue security who think its fun to bully people about who try to get to the front to make it a better
experience, the tickets are not cheap and I personally thought it was very poor indeed. Not a great ending to the tour I couldnt wait to get home to be honest. Thank goodness for Southend and RAH gigs.
First gig of the month on the 3rd took me to the Jazz Cafe in Camden to see the sublime Tony Joe White. A truely gifted song writer who has penned some outstanding classics as well as songs from his new cd 'The Shine', the audience was enthralled by him and his exceptional drummer. Many musicians were at the sold out event to see Tony play, I for one was amazed by his playing.
5th March was a busy day, firstly down to BATF in Billericay for some class musicians under the guise of the Marcus Malone Band, a wonderful set played to an appreciative audience, go and see this act if you can, he sings and plays the blues in a funky style, guaranteed class act.
Then it was in the car for a trip to North London for the Classic Rock presents Prog evening in Islington. I only saw the last song of the first act, who by all accounts were very good if plagued by tech problems from what was said to me after. The first band I saw was Jurojin who at the start sounded just like any run of the mill rock act, only when the Indian hand bongos and the electric violin join in the sound was my interest tweaked. This was really enjoyable and a route I hope the band explore more of. The main act Touchstone are particular favourites of mine, sounding like Van Halen with a prog twist they had the audience in their control starting with the immense 'Wintercoast', songs from all the releases were played plus a new song to tease the fans with.
The following Tuesday was a trip to a great little venue in High Wycombe, The Nags Head with Marcus Bonfanti Band, featuring Scott Wiber on bass and Alex Reeves on drums. Last time I saw Marcus play here it was a reasonable crowd, this time around it was more than double the audience and in respect of that the band gave us a two hours and twenty minute set of pure class with original and cover material. I believe also that the cd's were sold out as well.
Thanks to my friends 24 Pesos , I had an invite to the BBC Maida Vale Studios for the 25 Year Blues Broadcast Anniversary show recording. They were first on with a storming set. Next was the sensational Kyla Brox who has a terrific voice and accompanied by her partner Danny on guitar. Paul Jones played harmonica on one of the songs , he then joined Marcus Bonfanti as well for one song. Marcus again tonight showed tonight that he is a major talent and a musician I could never get bored of listening to. Last up in the evening was Oli Brown Band, he is a terrific entertainer, playing to the crowd, also very talented with superb musicians backing him up. I managed to bump into the wonderful Cherry Lee Mewis who is another very talented British musician.
The next evening it was into London again to The Borderline to see the fabulous Saint Jude play a brilliant set of early 70's rock tinged music to a sell out audience, these guys n gal are going to be massive. This was one of those gigs you will talk about to friends and say ' I was there' proudly.
22nd saw me at Nambucca in North London to see the fabulous Canadian bluesman Matt Andersen, this guy is just perfection. He has one of those voices every man who has an interest in music would kill to have. He is also a mean acoustic guitar player as well. A very good crowd as well for a Tuesday night and Matt did not let anyone down with a great selection of songs from his cd's.
26th was a very busy day, firstly off to the Annual Charity Jam Day @ BATF featuring an array of Essex's finest musicians doing their bit for the Childrens Charity at the local hospital, hosted by Tim Aves, the local talent did their bit for a very enthusiastic crowd.
Later in the evening I went to Hemel Hempstead to hang out with another one of those excellant Essex bands..Hokie Joint. The boys played a wonderful set of old and new songs to a near sell out crowd, this is one of the best live bands around see them when you can you wont be disappointed.
Last gig of March on the 29th turned out to be a classic night out that will stay in the memory for a very long time. The 100 Club hosted the UK Final of the New Brunswick Blues Challenge featuring regional heat winners from all over the UK. I was fortunate to be at some of the soundchecking with Cherry Lee Mewis, 24 Pesos and Matt Andersen, there was a buzz about the venue even then. On to the contest and for me personally only three of the participants had me interested, those being the superb acoustic playing of Chris James from Carlisle, the wonderful Cherry Lee Mewis Band and the eventual winners the outstanding 24 Pesos. Those who stayed on were treated to a masterclass from guest judge Matt Andersen. A fantastic evening out in London and I wish the Pesos a fantastic trip to Canada in September to represent the UK at the New Brunswick Harvest Jazz And Blues Festival.
This month was going to be a very difficult one gig -wise for me , due to stuff going on that I won't mention.
10th saw me at Farnham Maltings Cellar Bar Blues to see the fabulous King King ft Alan Nimmo, in support of their wonderful debut cd 'Take My Hand' , the band played an exceptional double set of songs from the cd and older ep plus a blinding version of Stevie Wonder's 'I Wish'.
Sunday 13th was a pick-me-up day for certain reasons. I didnt make it to a planned gig the night before in Camden or a birthday party in London on Sunday evening , so I went along to Tim Aves The Blues Is Back radio show at Saint FM studios in Burnham, Essex, to film the impressive talent of Mississippi MacDonald in session. It was a pleasure to be there at the show chatting to a couple of really pleasant people.
19th was a real treat, Europe back in town for a dvd recording gig for the Balls & Banners Tour. Ably supported by Voodoo Johnson, in a sold out show Europe kicked some major ass playing songs from the latest cd plus old favourites and classics. I was lucky enough to go to the aftershow where I bumped into some old friends and met the band and had a chat.
22nd was a trip to the Half Moon Putney to see the wonderful Saint Jude. This gig was a sell out with the added bonus of friend Marcus Bonfanti joining the band for a set of tracks from the cd plus new and a cover. Their next London gig is at The Borderline, get a ticket while you can it is going to be rammed.
On the downside I had a text message from a musician saying that The Unfortunate Sons are splitting up after a short career, much to my disappointment, and of course are still friends, just the music they all want is varying too much. That's a shame as they were a terrific live band.
CD release: King King - Take My Hand
First gig of the year took me to Blues At The Farm in Billericay Essex to see the entertaining Larry Miller Band, Larry is quite a showman, not only a fine guitarist but loves the interaction with the audience and he didn't disappoint us all. This time around he had a different line up of musicians and keyboards have been added. Good to see more bands adding keyboards to the live music. If you want entertainment and quality music , go see Larry.
Thursday 13th saw me taking a tube journey into Ladbroke Grove to The Elgin pub to see Marcus Bonfanti play in his side project band, a trio called The Unfortunate Sons. What a great 30 minute set they played, which I video'd. Great chat before and after with all of the band , they are hopefully going to be on tour in Feb this year , perhaps on a high profile support slot. Added to this they are going to be recording an album very very soon. This is an exciting new project that I predict will be massive this year.
Due to a nasty bout of dodgy takeawayitis I was forced to miss a gig with The SPIKEdrivers on friday, I hate missing any gig but this band is special and will have to catch up with them soon.
Saturday 22nd saw me, at the now saved again, 100 Club. Saint Jude were headlining with Bijoumiyo as support. Bijoumiyo were a very funky outfit playing some awesome freestyling funk, the only drawback was that towards the end of the set it was becoming a bit monotonous and needed something like a saxophone to break it up a bit, great band though and worth checking out. The sellout crowd were ready for a wonderful performance from Saint Jude fusing the styles of The Faces/Stones/Black Crowes with their own twist, it was a great night out in London.
Stormy Monday Blues at The Bulls Head Barnes for my first taste of 2011 with the mighty 24 Pesos. Unfortunately only a small crowd in attendance to see one of the best bands around, playing songs from their two releases plus a smattering of new tunes as well, the boys put on a great show of two sets of 45 minutes with great musicianship and humour.
Thursday 27th was a night to remember. By sheer coincidence my car was booked in for a service & MOT (Passed :) ), so I had the time to enjoy the South East Semi Final heat of the New Brunswick Battle Of The Blues Competition, held at New Crawdaddy in Crays Hill Essex. Six bands were featured, Mississippi MacDonald, Bare Bones Boogie Band, Ben Poole Band, Kat & Co, 24 Pesos & Pearl Handled Revolver.
The winner goes forward to the final to be held at 100 Club, London on March 29th and I am delighted to say that 24 Pesos won the heat by playing a faultless set that left the crowd breathless. Great competition that will eventually see the successful act going on to play at the Harvest Jazz And Blues Festival in New Brunswick Cananda in September 2011 as Uk's representative.
Finally for this month on Friday 28th I went to see an old school friend play in the rock covers band that he plays lead guitar for . This was in a local pub in Braintree, the band Fleeced, it turned out to be a bit of a school reunion meeting school-mates I haven't seen in 30 + years.
Finally, the FANZEYEVIEW top 5 cd's of 2010, in no order:
24 Pesos - Busted Broken & Blue
Marcus Bonfanti - What Good Am I To You ?
Voodoo Six - Fluke?
Touchstone - Live In The USA
Todd Sharpville - Porchlight
The second half of the year proved to be busier than I have I ever been with the music. The first weekend was a belter, firstly off to The Hydrant in Brighton to see Furyon on their cd launch with my mate Gill, on probably the hottest night of the year they put on a great rock show at a packed out venue, ably supported by The Treatment. The next day was another road trip, this time with my friend Roni, all the way to the Cranleigh Arts Centre , to see The Hoax + Scott McKeon. This was one of my top 5 gigs of the year, everyone played their hearts out and it was great to meet so many Hoax fans from around the area.
Next stop was another trip to the New Crawdaddy in Crays Hill for my first time experience of The Cadillac Kings, really enjoyable night with a few friends for some banter, the latest cd is worth a listen.
Next weekend it another double header, firstly a chance to catch Dale Storr at High Barn Gt Bardfield as part of Tim Aves' Third Thursday Blues evenings. An accomplished New Orleans style piano player , Dale was joined by his musical friend Ian on trumpet for a really good set, was also great to have a chat with Dale later on. Off to The Horn in St Albans to see Touchstone at their cd launch for 'Live In The USA' a terrific cd it is as well. This was an excellant evening, chatting with fans and the band before they put in a sterling stage performance.
By a weird twist of fate I was offered a job near Heathrow Airport and resettled myself in lodgings nearby, also meaning easier access for me to the London gig scene. The first benefit for me of this was a couple of days later when I went to the Jazz Cafe in Camden to see Mud Morganfield & The Dirty Aces supported by 24 Pesos. I have been trying to see the Pesos for some time and this was my chance, they did not disappoint, fantastic live band I would recommend everyone to see. Guesting on a few songs with Mud was the superb Ian Siegal, this was a special evening and one I won't forget in a long while.
While all the press noise was about the High Voltage Festival in East London, on the Saturday I took the opportunity to go to West London for the Ealing Blues Festival for the princely sum of £1 entrance fee. Some great talent on view including Wolfpack, The Spikedrivers, Northsyde, Storm Warning, Ben Waters, Sonny Black. It was great to see the event very well attended and met up with some other Essex blues die hards in the two music marquees, I also managed to video some of the Wolfpack set.
My new work location was proving very fruitful, I went along the The Grey Horse in Kingston, for a now regular jam session held on the last Tuesday of the month, hosted by Robin Bibi. He was joined by Val Caldwell and Paul Cox, guesting for the evening and the crowd enjoyed what was on offer, I recommend going along to this when you can.
My last gig of July took me to The Metropolitan in North London for an acoustic sessions evening. The only reason I went was because Marcus Bonfanti was playing not one but two sets. First he was playing with a new venture who's fledgling band name was 'The Bastard Sons Of The Blues' they have since changed their name to the more consumer friendly 'Unfortunate Sons', personally I prefer the former name.. :) After that set he did a solo spot and we then sat around drinking with his family and friends.
During August and September I slowed the pace down a bit, I had no plans for the first two weeks of August until a message I received on Facebook about the Beer Festival at Earls Court. So on the first Thursday I went along there to see my favourites The Blockheads raise the roof off the old court, it was a wonderful event and the first time I had attended the beer festival organised by CAMRA.
After a conversation with Tony Newton (Voodoo Six), I ventured down to the Purple Turtle, Camden with mate Nik for a record company bash for rock band 'Big Num',not only was it great to catch up with Tony and Matt from V6, Big Num themselves were awesome and gained at least Nik and myself as fans after their great performance.
A couple of weeks later three gigs appeared in a week for me, first to The Jolly Farmer in Purley to see USA artist WT Feaster and very glad I was that I made the journey, great guitarist and band that I am sure will be back here in May 2011. A Roots Extravaganza was billed at The Green Note in Camden the next evening, Lotte Mullan, Jinder and Marcus Bonfanti. A vegetraian food establishment, just along from Dublin Castle and Jazz Cafe venues, this was a cosy affair and it got very cosy with the amount of people who turned up. On my weekend at home in Essex I took the opportunity to see Wolfpack at The Onley Arms in Stisted, another well attended and thoroughly enjoyable nght out.
The next Saturday saw me and gig mate David at Charlotte Street Blues to see the brilliant 24 Pesos do a full set of songs which I managed to video a few. The crowd were up and dancing along from the start and it was a great atmosphere, I managed to have a chat with the band before the gig and what a lovely bunch of chaps they are, talented musicians who know how to write a great tune or two, perfect band for the venue.
Into September and straight away down to The Borderline to see Touchstone again. I brought my mate Nik along to see them and the band showed why they are so good on stage , terrific songs and musicianship, another memorable gig .
Charlotte Street Blues again for what proved to be my last visit to the doomed venue, to see Clare Free Band and what a lovely evening it was. great chatting to her before the gig and videoing some songs for her, worth checking out if they are in your neighbourhood.
Home again for the weekend and this time perennial Essex favourites Automatic Slim were playing at Blues At The Farm near Billericay, so I dragged my mate Gary along for a great afternoons entertainment at a really good venue.
October has me attending no fewer that twelve gigs. First up was to the Jazz Cafe Camden to meet up with some regular gig friends to see Sandi Thom + Marcus Bonfanti, what a night, great support slot from Marcus and Sandi with her band did us proud. What topped the night for me was Marcus joining them onstage for a blistering version of 'This Ol World', never heard the song played better.
Off to the Half Moon Putney next to see probably my gig of the year with Canada's Matt Andersen an acoustic bluesman who writes and sings the most wonderful songs. It had been a year since I last saw him and managed to have a brief chat with him before he went on stage to wow the crowd. I did manage to video a couple of his songs for my own enjoyment. He is back over in the UK again in March 2011 do not miss him.
A double header with Joe Bonamassa was next on my list and down to Folkestone on the Kent coast it was to meet up with my gig friends. Bumped into the band as soon as I got there for my cd's etc to be signed and a chat with them as well. Friends then started turning up so much chatting and catching up before we headed for a fish and chip supper overlooking the beach. Above the venue is a cafe area so we sat about having tea when Joe and drummer Bogie came over and sat down with us for a chat. The gig itself was superb with a set of great songs and super musicianship. Next day it was Joe again at Corn Exchange Cambridge, the show itself was a better performance from Joe and the band I thought and was good to meet up with friends old and new.
The Marcus Bonfanti Band were playing at Nags Head in High Wycombe so I duly went along with video camera for a thoroughly entertaining evening, the first time I had seen Marcus play with his band since February, its a good opportunity to hear songs that he doesn't do in his solo set.
Next night I was back at Purple Turtle in Camden to see 24 Pesos, I was in the company of session bass player Spy Austin for most of the night chatting about mainly reggae music. The Pesos played a blinder of a set, I managed to video the lot from the gantry.
A short work week meant that I could get back home and get along with Fergie Fulton to St Annes Castle to see our friends PAUL play. A great night out with some great after show shenanigans that got partly videoed.
On the Saturday I went along to co-host Jono's Rock N Blues Show for Blast Radio where we played the interview I recorded with Tony Newton for the Voodoo Six Fluke? cd launch show, great fun to do and hopefuilly will do again one day.
Next week saw another trip to see Automatic Slim at a packed out St Annes for a great night out.
Next up was a trip the The Maltings at Farnham to see Oli Brown Band play , accompanied by friend Jane it was a very good gig with Oli doing his best to woo the crowd with his guitar playing and personality.
Back home for the weekend and straight down to Blues At The Farm for an old favourite of mine Denny Newman, I always try and get to see Denny play at every opportunity I get , the man is just class. After a quick shower and change of clothes it was along the A120 to Colchester to see Hokie Joint at The Moonlight Festival, what a great setting for a concert and so many fellow Hokie friends in attendance. After a quick bite to eat and dropping off home in Epping for a mate I continued my journey back to the lodgings in readiness for the next night which was the George McFall memorial gig at Boom Boom Club in Sutton. What a great array of talent on display to a packed out venue organised by collaborator Pete Feenstra. I was joined there by a few gig buddies who were enjoying the night as much as me. Artists who performed included Otis Grand, Chantel McGregor, Marcus Malone, Todd Sharpville, Gwyn Ashton, Ray Minhinnet and hosts of others.
The beginning of November saw for two gigs in a row with Voodoo Six on the tour to support new brilliant cd Fluke?. Two different venues , firstly The Underworld at Camden for a storming gig with support from The Treatment, probably one of the best V6 gigs ever, next day was at The Haymakers in Cambridge, this was more of a large pub gig which I love. Good crowd and a surprise or two from some old friends attending I hadn't seen in a long while. Was great to sit around and chat with the band for most of the night there.
24 Pesos again, this time at Zoom At The Moon in Herne Hill was enjoyable to sit about having dinner with the band before they went onstage. I videoed all the gig that night and there is some great stuff on there.
A half day at work on the Friday saw me driving back home to Essex, on the M25 I remembered that Voodoo Six were playing in Peterborough so I took the A1 turning and off to The Met Lounge I went for the night. Bumped into Grav on arrival and into the venue we went to meet up with the rest of the band and some old friends from my previous visit to the town.
Another milestone gig of this year came in the return to London of Philip Sayce this time joined on support duties by friend Marcus Bonfanti, I was joined by my regular London area based gig friends for a terrific evening. I managed to have a chat with both Marcus and Philip before and after the show. This was a special gig that saw , I believe, everyone in attendance with smiles beaming on their faces.
After another hometown gig with friends in the company of Wolfpack, it was back to London to see Joanne Shaw Taylor at Boom Boom Club in Sutton. She was joined on drums and bass by the McMahon brothers and played a set surprisingly of older material and not much new stuff that I wanted to hear. Later in the week I had two gigs with 24 Pesos first up at The Maltings in Farnham which was a great gig , but the best was for the Saturday when they played their first gig at Blues At The Farm in Billericay and made the venue their own. i had been telling all concerned at the venue long beforehand about how special these guys were and judging by the applause they got , everyone there thought so as well. My mate Gary who I took along was an instant fan and it was good to see him enjoying his music again.
A low key December for me due to the weather and flu bug that keeps occuring in this country. first Saturday was a trip to The Fox at Twickenham with my friend Chloee to see Marcus Bonfanti do a support slot and due to band illness, he played lead guitar for Saint Jude. What a great night this was in a cosy upstairs room above the pub the place was soon packed out, Saint Jude are a class act and you should go and see them.
Down to Brighton the next week to see UFO supported by good friends Voodoo Six, again joined by friend Gill we enjoyed two great sets of material from both bands at the very good Concorde 2 venue on the seafront.
The following Sunday I went along to Tim Aves Blues Is Back radio show to witness Marcus Bonfanti Band live in session of which I took all the video. A grest session of four songs played live and interview inbetween the two songs sets.
Final gig of the year doesn't get any better than Black Country Communion at Shepherds Bush Empire. Joined by regular gig buddies plus some from Germany and USA we were at the front to firstly witness Joanne Shaw Taylor play a more uptempo set with loads of new songs this time, to an appreciative audience. BCC showed that they are a real supergroup with a stunning set of songs from the cd and a few covers of songs from band members pasts and associations.
That is my gig year in full, the gig calendar is already showing signs of promise with the first gig on 15th Jan 2011
Jan - June
Well folks 2010 has been a brilliant year for music and live gigs for me, I am breaking the year into two segments.
Starting at the beginning with January 2010, my first gig was at Dingwalls in London's Camden district for a brilliant gig with The Hoax, ably supported by new rising stars Virgil & The Accelerators. Looking around the crowd it seemed to me to attended by more musicians than punters, luckily for us all the gig was filmed for the dvd release later in the year.
Next up for me was a local gig at St Annes Castle in Gt Leighs Essex to see the wonderfully talented Bex Marshall, performing solo tonight she blew the audience away with some stunning songs and guitar playing, setlist from her new cd called Kitchen Table.
The last day of the month provided me with a first viewing of an artist that would shape my musical year and a person who I can now call a friend. The man is the fabulous Marcus Bonfanti, a musician and songwriter supreme who has a voice that all the women I talk to just swoon over. I saw him jamming at The Elgin in London's Ladbroke Grove at a jam session with Alex Reeves and Scott Wiber, which I videoed a considerable amount of, I had a great chat with Marcus at the bar and helped arrange what turned out to be a glorious radio session on Saint FM with Tim Aves, more of that later. Soon after the jam session I was travelling up to the Buzz Club in Barnet to see Virgil & The Accelerators headline with a little help from mentor Otis Grand. It was great to see the young talent on the stage clearly having loads of fun.
The first Saturday of February saw me attending another double header, firstly the great songwriter that is Guy Tortora at Blues At The Farm in Billericay Essex , you people should check him out. Afterwards I drove to the Blues Kitchen in Camden to see Gwyn Ashtons Two Man Blues Army a great gig with a great guitar player and drummer in Kev Hickman.
The week after I had another chance to see the wonderful Bex Marshall at an intimate gig in Kelvedon Essex, in a bill with two other acts she shone through, I videoed the whole set.
My first rock gig of the year came at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London with Europe supported by Diamond Head, this was a great gig, Europe were outstanding playing songs throughout their catalogue plus tracks from the superb Last Look At Eden cd.
At the end of the month I took another trip to The Elgin to see Marcus Bonfanti again , this time he had just released his new cd 'What Good Am I To You', I again videoed all of the 2-3 hrs of live footage, and it was a brilliant afternoon. later that evening I went again to the Buzz Club to see Gwyn Ashtons Two Man Blues Army again in another gig that will standout for a long time in my memory.
March started off with a bang as my old friends Voodoo Six made a triumphant return to live music with new singer Luke Purdie at the sellout at The Borderline London. I was joined by friends old and new at this gig with V6 playing new material from the new ep and some tracks from the upcoming cd, the band took the roof off. Just a mention for the support band The Treatment, ones to look out for in 2011.
Next was a fairly local gig at The Twist in Colchester for rock band Nightvision who I interviewed for my mates magazine. Another of the great rock talent this country produces, they hail from Lincolnshire and are worth checking out.
A week later and a man from Atlanta Georgia came over to the UK called Andrew Black. Very talented bluesman who played a terrific set at St Annes with Tim Aves and Phil Hilborne, the next night he was playing at The Bull in Colchester again with Tim and his backline, this was a live internet broadcast and was very well received. A week later I was with Andrew and his manager Lucy Piller at Beaverwood Club in Chislehurst, this time joined on stage by Robin Bibi, great night.
Four gigs in six days next , firstly again in Chislehurst for Virgil this time supporting the force of nature that is Popa Chubby, next afternoon were my favourites The Blockheads at a special BBC6 radio session for Craig Charles in the famous Maida Vale studios.
Two days later I was extremely fortunate enough to be present at The Radio Theatre for the BBC recording of Paul Rodgers & Bad Company concert, great to mix with the band having photos taken and chatting.
Last gig of the month was an afternoon trip to Churchills in Southend to see the marvellous King King ft Alan Nimmo, these guys played a terrific set that nobody wanted to finish.
April started with me watching a gig in Harlow, courtesy of The Blockheads who, like the audience, really enjoyed this gig. Then it was straight down to Brighton for the first of two consecutive nights with Bad Company, accompanied by my mate Doug we literally bumped into Simon Kirke on arrival and then Mick Ralphs, it was great chatting to those guys as well as a few words with Joe Perry who was on support duties. The gig was superb with the crowd going wild as the band played a set of the hits and best album tracks. At the gig also was Deborah Bonham who is a very lovely lady to chat to, then a special mention for Paul Rodgers' wife Cynthia who managed to get the memorabilia that myself and Doug had all signed up by her husband who was busy with media stuff most of the day (Thank you) . Next day it was Bad Company at Wembley Arena, the band were awesome I am just not a fan of the venue to be honest.
Next up for me this month was a trip to the Islington Academy where my friends Voodoo Six were supporting The Union, also on the bill was the exceptional Saint Jude, another band to watch out for in 2011.
May saw me attending eight gigs . First up was a local gig in my hometown of Braintree to see Wolfpack fronted by Tim Aves playing a set of modernised Howling Wolf tunes plus a few others thrown in for good measure, great crowd to support the band on a hot night out. Next time out for me was to The Borderline to see my mate Marcus Bonfanti supporting Sandi Thom, I hadn't seen Marcus in a while and it was great to catch up. I was joined at the gig by some regular giggers and we were treated to a guest appearance from Sandi's boyfriend Joe Bonamassa, we managed to have a chat with all concerned after the gig and photos and sigs . Next night it was to the 100 Club for the talented guitarist Philip Sayce another guy I highly recommend to you all, his band as well as himself play with high energy and fantastic musicianship.
I had a sudden spare day a week later so made a phone call and managed to get a ticket for the soldout The Stables in Milton Keynes to see The New Generation Tour, this featured Virgil & The Accelerators, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Oli Brown. All three acts played very well and were very received by the audience. the venue while set out very well has a horrible policy of no cameras allowed in the stage area, the lighting wasn't that great either .
Next gig was another fairly local one at The Barhouse in Chelmsford with my mate Fergie to see old friends P-A-U-L from Detroit, this is a great band playing lowdown n dirty rock/blues. Next day I was off to Hemel Hempstead to see my old pal Marcus Bonfanti this time joined on stage by the superb Paddy Milner who treated us to some wonderful New Orleans piano, later joining with Marcus for a thrilling finale of songs.
Next down to the Jazz Cafe again for my second installment of the New Generation Tour, another great turnout for this with some of the Bonamassa crew in attendance having just flown in for their tour. naturally the next gig for me was at Hammersmith Apollo (Odeon) for Joe Bonamassasupported by Sandi Thom ft Marcus. Storming gig where the band excelled with a set of brilliant songs.
June was a busy month again starting off with Dani Wilde at The New Crawdaddy in Crays Hill in support of her excellant new cd 'Shine' worthy of purchasing if you haven't got it already.
First Sunday was a trip with Marcus for a session on Tim's Blues Is Back radio show, playing four tracks live on the air went down really well with Pete Crisp doing a great engineering job, I managed to video it all as well. Devil Girl from that session is now available online at usual places as part of the Station Sessions cd released recently.
A couple of days later I got a message about a free ticket for a gig in London, it turned out to be one for the second night of the Bon Jovi residency at the O2. I hadn't seen this band for a few years but they were just awesome on that night playing a couple of songs I thought I'd never hear, another great memory of the year.
A couple of days later I was again at Crays Hill to see Wolfpack again, I did manage to film most of this set and bloody good it was as well.
The following saturday was a trip back to Blues At The Farm for Hokie Joint a rousing afternoons entertainment which was enjoyed immensly by their loyal following.
Another good gig was part of Tims Third Thursday Blues night at The High Barn in Gt Bardfield with Aussie Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers ft Sam Kelly, Spy Austin & Paul Jobson. This was a terrific nights music with a good crowd on another hot evening.
My last gig for the first half of the year was again back at The Barhouse again with P-A-U-L with the World Cup in full swing , they pulled in a good crowd for a great set.
Notable dvd releases for this year were:
Oil City Confidential - Dr Feelgood
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll - Ian Dury & The Blockheads
Full Moon Lightning - Floyd Lee
2010 Blues Odyssey - The Hoax
I can highly recommend all of these dvds
|
RSS Feed