FANZEYEVIEW
The New Generation Blues Package - The Robin 2 - Bilston Thursday May 13th (Review by Dave Evans)
Virgil And The Accelerators, Joanne Shaw Taylor & Oli Brown
In this country we have a tradition of producing great young ‘blues’ guitarists. The 60’s for example spawned the ‘groundbreaking’ Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and John Mayall to name but a few. The batton carried into later generations by Gary Moore, Mick Taylor etc. Now there is a seemingly un-ending flux of new young talent, and The New Generation Blues package has tapped into a new ‘hunger’ for ‘passionately soulful’ music. So are the ‘blues’ in safe hands?…I thought I’d pop along to find out for myself.
I had been looking forward to seeing Virgil McMahon and his band for a while now, ever since I was introduced to this teenage ‘virtuoso’ guitarist by a very knowledgeable friend. I’d heard he had a tendency to bit al little bit of an ‘enigma’ due to his improvisational nature, so the scene was seemingly set for an explosion of youthful outpourings.
Virgil and his bandmates; brother Gabriel McMahon on drums and best friend Tom Sansbury on bass - indeed hit the modest stage with an exuberance that belied their tender years, but taking into account Virgil has been playing the blues since he was five its no coincidence. Opening number ‘ Scuttle Buttin’ ‘ was a great introduction for the 250 or so people that had already filtered into the venue. Virgils weapon of choice the Fender Stat’ was duly given a proper workout, from storming rock chords to soulful and sublime playing, and Tom and Virgil played of each other with effortless ease. Bass player Tom took the vocals for following song ‘No Turning Back’, his infectious enthusiasm endearing, and Virgils admiration for the late, great Hendrix is worn proudly on his sleeve - or indeed fretboard such is his sonic attack. Virgil proudly mentioning his joy at opening up for the great Eric Sardinas. He as well as soaking up all Sardinas has to offer, has been enjoying the wonderful Philip Sayce of late, and his manager Martin mentioned to me earlier how he wanted Virgil to echo the stage craft of the likes of Sayce and co.
Well his managers advice had evidently paid off, as by now Virgil was thoroughly engaging and playing to the crowd, the bands cover of Blind Faiths, Steve Windward penned ‘Had To Cry Today’ was, after an initial and slightly ponderous bass intro - a joy to behold. Virgils Les Paul ‘Gold Top’ throwing out the ‘Stormbringer‘-esque chords with sheer verbatim, and as the solo came to fruition I found myself jotting down descriptions such as ‘fluid’, and ‘inspired’.
In a 40 minute opening band set it is often difficult for a band to get a foothold on proceedings, but with a song like Stevie Ray Vaughans ‘Couldn’t Stand The Weather’, Virgil, Gabriel and Tom strike gold - this is quite a brooding song, with a certain abrasiveness thrown into the melting pot, such was SRVs guitar style, but Virgil is seemingly not one to back away from a challenge, and following Toms raw vocal lead, he sets about the tune with vigour, his playing is confident and edgy - however the momentum is lost for me slightly with a drum solo and a slightly lethargic bass solo, but as a band known for their ‘jams’ it makes Virgils soaring guitar solo all the more worth waiting for, himself keeping the spirit of SRV alive with his faithful Stat’ homage.
There is no doubting the camaraderie between the band members; Virgil commenting how great it was to be in a band with his brother and best friend. Final song a Lonnie Mack cover ‘If You Have To Know’ sees Virgil pedalling a real Memphis blues vibe, again showing a slightly different side to the Strat’ playing ‘virtuoso’. Tom and Virgil share the vocal duties, and once again this allows the guitarist to concentrate on his ‘soulful’ guitar musings. As opening bands go - this was a triumph, the increasing audience aware of witnessing something special, and are wonderfully high spirited when the second artist of the evening hit’s the stage after a very brief interval.
Set-list; Scuttle Buttin / No Turning Back / Had To Cry Today / Couldn’t Stand The Weather / If You Have To Know.
http://www.myspace.com/virgilandtheacceleratorsband
Very brief as Virgils rhythm section of Tom and Gabriel are Joanne Shaw Taylors accompanying musicians - yes tonight really is about the ‘Power Trio’. Joanne his the stage replete with her ever present Fender Telecaster with its ‘Blues’ adorned guitar strap. Like Virgil this is another artist discovered early on in her career, when she was just sixteen a certain Dave (Eurythmics) Stewart was so impressed with her playing that he took her under his wing. Well its certainly paid dividends as ‘White Sugar’ Joannes debut album is a revelation to behold - and at least half of it is showcased this evening. After a storming opening number ‘ Shake n’ Bake’ with its ‘Messin’ With The Kid’ vibe - a smiling Joanne proceeds to continue the momentum with the sultry ‘Going Home’. This has a real Memphis vibe to it, and is perfectly suited to her throaty vocals - two songs in and Joanne is clearly loving being back home, and her guitar oozing ‘soul’ from its every pore, the blues as is demonstrated here- has to be ‘felt’ not just played.
‘Time Has Come’ follows with a mention of Joannes time spent in Tennessee, Florida and New York, once again the ‘easy going vibe’ obviously comes a little easier having soaked up all America has to offer, but Joanne is a Midlands girl at heart and “I’m so glad to be back in Bilston” is met with a cheer. The smile again is ever present and the infectious guitar workout is a joy to behold.
‘White Sugar’ is represented again with the track ‘Kiss The Ground Goodbye’ this is a beautifully crafted song, full of raw brooding soul. “ one day I have my heart to show..” this is a real out-poring of emotion. Yet Joannes vocals are confident and emotive - where they could easily have been ‘mournful’ and ‘despairing’. This is what Joanne does best, offering her heart and soul on a plate - but without making us the audience feel sorry for her.
Following number ‘Watch Em Burn’ is by contrast a stomping blues number - Joannes vocals are ballsy, gritty and filled with ‘verbatim’, “I hold my head my head high and the tides will turn, you’ll be starting fire - just to watch em burn”, lyrics spat out as a warning. Joannes guitar solo is equal parts Rory Gallagher and Billy Gibbons such is the ‘southern’ yet ‘edgy’ vibe that resonates from her Telecaster. If this is ‘verbatim’ and ’vitriol’ - then ‘ Blackest Day’ is ‘sultry’ and ‘brooding’. Gabriel and Tom providing the solid backbeat to their vocalists ‘bourbon soaked’ soulful playing. This is an example of keeping things to the bare essentials, no frills or special effects - just carefully chosen notes played with ‘feeling’ and pure ‘emotion and a well deserved extended solo is full of Joannes guitar repertoire - but it never overstays its welcome.. It has to be noted for 2 individuals so young - well 3 including Joanne, this is a wonderful example of ‘restraint’.
By the final number ‘Bones’ (a cover of The Hoax), we the audience have been transfixed by ever smiling Joanne Shaw Taylors sublime guitar playing and warm vocals, the venue itself now close to full and are privy to a master class in stage performance. As a final set number ‘Bones’ is the perfect ‘leave ‘em wanting more’ number, full of ‘swagger’ and cocky strutting, Joanne even throwing in a cheeky “do you feel alright?” for good measure, as with the opening band - its all gone in a flash. We are left with the tracks middle eight section guitar feedback still ringing in our ears by the time another brief break heralds the evenings main event.
Set-list; Shake n’ Bake / Going Home / Time Has Come / Kiss The Ground Goodbye / Watch ‘Em Burn / Blackest Day / Bones.
http://www.myspace.com/joanneshawtaylor
A sharp dressed Oli Brown announces his presence with opening number ‘Evil Soul’, looking impossibly young to be headlining, and at 21 years old- looking a little like a ‘boy band’ member with his carefully coiffured ‘feather’ cut hair, he is seemingly trying to add a bit of a ‘modern’ and ‘streetwise’ edge to The Blues. The following song enters with a ‘skiffle’ like opening courtesy of drummer Simon Dring, the song itself is from Olis latest album ‘Heads I Win Tails You Lose’ album, and it motors on at quite a pace, and like Virgil and Joanne, Oli certainly knows how to make full use of the stage, pushing himself to the lip at every given opportunity. it’s a momentum filled opening, and the Bilston crowd have already warmed to this particular entertainer.
The spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan is once again felt in the following song ‘Makes Me Wonder’, again from his latest album, with is pointed and direct lyrics ….” you’re so damn pitiful…” it’s quite a powerful number. This is tempered in the next song, a brave cover of the classic ‘Fever’. It seems that Joe Bonamassas love of the ‘unexpected’ cover version has inspired many blues artists to ‘chance their arm’ and here Oli and his band make a classic song their own property. This can only come by a true understanding of the guitar, and another early starter - Oli clearly knows he needs to keep refreshing his setlists with a challenge?.
Oli proceeds to impress the near capacity with ‘Speechless’ a real soulful little number, full of wonderful pulsing bass guitar courtesy of Gaz Rackham‘, the song contains a memorable middle eight section, full of sublime guitar touches. The showman in Oli is on show with ‘Stone Cold’ (Roxanne), leading the crowd in an acapello chant of “Rooox-aaaaaaaaane”, and its leads to the comedic moment of the night - yes the inevitable miss-timed replied “ Roxanne”. Oli shows off some very impressive Clapton-esque ‘licks’ and is clearly having the time of his life.
Bass player Gaz shows his class during the Stevie Ray Vaughan feeling ‘Helping Hand’, with some very impressive soiling including a lesson in all things ‘slap bass’ - the comedy provided by the previous number has filtered onto the stage by now, and Oli and his band indulge in a little ‘show boating’, this includes full use of cow-bells and tongue in check false endings. The solo Oli peels of at its end is nothing short of astonishing. The final two tracks ‘Not A Word I Say’ and ‘My Diggity’ couldn’t be more different, the former such is its vulnerability and soulfulness shows that whilst Oli may like to play to the crowd - he is a terrifically gifted player. ‘My Diggity’ is a real blues-funk rocker, that allow for some nice vocal interplay between Oli and bass player Gaz, and the audience are once again encouraged to flex their vocal muscles. The guitar solo mixes a blend equal parts Rory Gallagher, BB King and Jimi Hendrix, Oli teasingly echoing ‘Voodoo Chile’, it’s a wonderful way to end the show….but we all know its ‘encore’ time really…..
…….The band return after a brief interlude to hit us round the chops with ‘On Top Of The World’ and ‘Shake You’, the former sees Oli the ‘showman’ return with vigour. There aren’t too many gigs you got to where the guitarist leaves the stage and joins you in the audience - the joys of wireless mic’ guitars, its is a testimony to Olis skill that a five minute walk around a packed Robin 2 doesn’t detract from the songs quality - and he doesn’t miss a note, now that’s concentration !!. The final track shows the band aren’t afraid to ‘mix it up’ Shake You’ cleverly morphs into ‘Black Betty’ by Ram Jam. it’s a high tempo end to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. And I must also note Oli Brown signature guitars were available to purchase from his merch’ stand such is his rising profile.
Set-list; Evil Soul / Makes Me Wonder / Fever / Speechless / Stone Cold (Roxanne) / Helping Hand / Not A Word I Say / No Digitty / On Top Of The World / Shake You/Black Betty.
http://www.myspace.com/oliblues
Well, tonight was a ‘tour de force’ of ‘Power Trios’, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix experience etc have all proved that if you have the ‘quality’ you will prevail, and the quality was certainly evident tonight. Indeed the ‘blues’ are safe, and, is being witnessed by a new - younger audience. The crowd at the Robin 2 were certainly an equal mix of experience and youth. And as ‘packages’ go this is an undoubted success - 3 bands for £12.50, you’d be mad to miss out !!!.
In this country we have a tradition of producing great young ‘blues’ guitarists. The 60’s for example spawned the ‘groundbreaking’ Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and John Mayall to name but a few. The batton carried into later generations by Gary Moore, Mick Taylor etc. Now there is a seemingly un-ending flux of new young talent, and The New Generation Blues package has tapped into a new ‘hunger’ for ‘passionately soulful’ music. So are the ‘blues’ in safe hands?…I thought I’d pop along to find out for myself.
I had been looking forward to seeing Virgil McMahon and his band for a while now, ever since I was introduced to this teenage ‘virtuoso’ guitarist by a very knowledgeable friend. I’d heard he had a tendency to bit al little bit of an ‘enigma’ due to his improvisational nature, so the scene was seemingly set for an explosion of youthful outpourings.
Virgil and his bandmates; brother Gabriel McMahon on drums and best friend Tom Sansbury on bass - indeed hit the modest stage with an exuberance that belied their tender years, but taking into account Virgil has been playing the blues since he was five its no coincidence. Opening number ‘ Scuttle Buttin’ ‘ was a great introduction for the 250 or so people that had already filtered into the venue. Virgils weapon of choice the Fender Stat’ was duly given a proper workout, from storming rock chords to soulful and sublime playing, and Tom and Virgil played of each other with effortless ease. Bass player Tom took the vocals for following song ‘No Turning Back’, his infectious enthusiasm endearing, and Virgils admiration for the late, great Hendrix is worn proudly on his sleeve - or indeed fretboard such is his sonic attack. Virgil proudly mentioning his joy at opening up for the great Eric Sardinas. He as well as soaking up all Sardinas has to offer, has been enjoying the wonderful Philip Sayce of late, and his manager Martin mentioned to me earlier how he wanted Virgil to echo the stage craft of the likes of Sayce and co.
Well his managers advice had evidently paid off, as by now Virgil was thoroughly engaging and playing to the crowd, the bands cover of Blind Faiths, Steve Windward penned ‘Had To Cry Today’ was, after an initial and slightly ponderous bass intro - a joy to behold. Virgils Les Paul ‘Gold Top’ throwing out the ‘Stormbringer‘-esque chords with sheer verbatim, and as the solo came to fruition I found myself jotting down descriptions such as ‘fluid’, and ‘inspired’.
In a 40 minute opening band set it is often difficult for a band to get a foothold on proceedings, but with a song like Stevie Ray Vaughans ‘Couldn’t Stand The Weather’, Virgil, Gabriel and Tom strike gold - this is quite a brooding song, with a certain abrasiveness thrown into the melting pot, such was SRVs guitar style, but Virgil is seemingly not one to back away from a challenge, and following Toms raw vocal lead, he sets about the tune with vigour, his playing is confident and edgy - however the momentum is lost for me slightly with a drum solo and a slightly lethargic bass solo, but as a band known for their ‘jams’ it makes Virgils soaring guitar solo all the more worth waiting for, himself keeping the spirit of SRV alive with his faithful Stat’ homage.
There is no doubting the camaraderie between the band members; Virgil commenting how great it was to be in a band with his brother and best friend. Final song a Lonnie Mack cover ‘If You Have To Know’ sees Virgil pedalling a real Memphis blues vibe, again showing a slightly different side to the Strat’ playing ‘virtuoso’. Tom and Virgil share the vocal duties, and once again this allows the guitarist to concentrate on his ‘soulful’ guitar musings. As opening bands go - this was a triumph, the increasing audience aware of witnessing something special, and are wonderfully high spirited when the second artist of the evening hit’s the stage after a very brief interval.
Set-list; Scuttle Buttin / No Turning Back / Had To Cry Today / Couldn’t Stand The Weather / If You Have To Know.
http://www.myspace.com/virgilandtheacceleratorsband
Very brief as Virgils rhythm section of Tom and Gabriel are Joanne Shaw Taylors accompanying musicians - yes tonight really is about the ‘Power Trio’. Joanne his the stage replete with her ever present Fender Telecaster with its ‘Blues’ adorned guitar strap. Like Virgil this is another artist discovered early on in her career, when she was just sixteen a certain Dave (Eurythmics) Stewart was so impressed with her playing that he took her under his wing. Well its certainly paid dividends as ‘White Sugar’ Joannes debut album is a revelation to behold - and at least half of it is showcased this evening. After a storming opening number ‘ Shake n’ Bake’ with its ‘Messin’ With The Kid’ vibe - a smiling Joanne proceeds to continue the momentum with the sultry ‘Going Home’. This has a real Memphis vibe to it, and is perfectly suited to her throaty vocals - two songs in and Joanne is clearly loving being back home, and her guitar oozing ‘soul’ from its every pore, the blues as is demonstrated here- has to be ‘felt’ not just played.
‘Time Has Come’ follows with a mention of Joannes time spent in Tennessee, Florida and New York, once again the ‘easy going vibe’ obviously comes a little easier having soaked up all America has to offer, but Joanne is a Midlands girl at heart and “I’m so glad to be back in Bilston” is met with a cheer. The smile again is ever present and the infectious guitar workout is a joy to behold.
‘White Sugar’ is represented again with the track ‘Kiss The Ground Goodbye’ this is a beautifully crafted song, full of raw brooding soul. “ one day I have my heart to show..” this is a real out-poring of emotion. Yet Joannes vocals are confident and emotive - where they could easily have been ‘mournful’ and ‘despairing’. This is what Joanne does best, offering her heart and soul on a plate - but without making us the audience feel sorry for her.
Following number ‘Watch Em Burn’ is by contrast a stomping blues number - Joannes vocals are ballsy, gritty and filled with ‘verbatim’, “I hold my head my head high and the tides will turn, you’ll be starting fire - just to watch em burn”, lyrics spat out as a warning. Joannes guitar solo is equal parts Rory Gallagher and Billy Gibbons such is the ‘southern’ yet ‘edgy’ vibe that resonates from her Telecaster. If this is ‘verbatim’ and ’vitriol’ - then ‘ Blackest Day’ is ‘sultry’ and ‘brooding’. Gabriel and Tom providing the solid backbeat to their vocalists ‘bourbon soaked’ soulful playing. This is an example of keeping things to the bare essentials, no frills or special effects - just carefully chosen notes played with ‘feeling’ and pure ‘emotion and a well deserved extended solo is full of Joannes guitar repertoire - but it never overstays its welcome.. It has to be noted for 2 individuals so young - well 3 including Joanne, this is a wonderful example of ‘restraint’.
By the final number ‘Bones’ (a cover of The Hoax), we the audience have been transfixed by ever smiling Joanne Shaw Taylors sublime guitar playing and warm vocals, the venue itself now close to full and are privy to a master class in stage performance. As a final set number ‘Bones’ is the perfect ‘leave ‘em wanting more’ number, full of ‘swagger’ and cocky strutting, Joanne even throwing in a cheeky “do you feel alright?” for good measure, as with the opening band - its all gone in a flash. We are left with the tracks middle eight section guitar feedback still ringing in our ears by the time another brief break heralds the evenings main event.
Set-list; Shake n’ Bake / Going Home / Time Has Come / Kiss The Ground Goodbye / Watch ‘Em Burn / Blackest Day / Bones.
http://www.myspace.com/joanneshawtaylor
A sharp dressed Oli Brown announces his presence with opening number ‘Evil Soul’, looking impossibly young to be headlining, and at 21 years old- looking a little like a ‘boy band’ member with his carefully coiffured ‘feather’ cut hair, he is seemingly trying to add a bit of a ‘modern’ and ‘streetwise’ edge to The Blues. The following song enters with a ‘skiffle’ like opening courtesy of drummer Simon Dring, the song itself is from Olis latest album ‘Heads I Win Tails You Lose’ album, and it motors on at quite a pace, and like Virgil and Joanne, Oli certainly knows how to make full use of the stage, pushing himself to the lip at every given opportunity. it’s a momentum filled opening, and the Bilston crowd have already warmed to this particular entertainer.
The spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan is once again felt in the following song ‘Makes Me Wonder’, again from his latest album, with is pointed and direct lyrics ….” you’re so damn pitiful…” it’s quite a powerful number. This is tempered in the next song, a brave cover of the classic ‘Fever’. It seems that Joe Bonamassas love of the ‘unexpected’ cover version has inspired many blues artists to ‘chance their arm’ and here Oli and his band make a classic song their own property. This can only come by a true understanding of the guitar, and another early starter - Oli clearly knows he needs to keep refreshing his setlists with a challenge?.
Oli proceeds to impress the near capacity with ‘Speechless’ a real soulful little number, full of wonderful pulsing bass guitar courtesy of Gaz Rackham‘, the song contains a memorable middle eight section, full of sublime guitar touches. The showman in Oli is on show with ‘Stone Cold’ (Roxanne), leading the crowd in an acapello chant of “Rooox-aaaaaaaaane”, and its leads to the comedic moment of the night - yes the inevitable miss-timed replied “ Roxanne”. Oli shows off some very impressive Clapton-esque ‘licks’ and is clearly having the time of his life.
Bass player Gaz shows his class during the Stevie Ray Vaughan feeling ‘Helping Hand’, with some very impressive soiling including a lesson in all things ‘slap bass’ - the comedy provided by the previous number has filtered onto the stage by now, and Oli and his band indulge in a little ‘show boating’, this includes full use of cow-bells and tongue in check false endings. The solo Oli peels of at its end is nothing short of astonishing. The final two tracks ‘Not A Word I Say’ and ‘My Diggity’ couldn’t be more different, the former such is its vulnerability and soulfulness shows that whilst Oli may like to play to the crowd - he is a terrifically gifted player. ‘My Diggity’ is a real blues-funk rocker, that allow for some nice vocal interplay between Oli and bass player Gaz, and the audience are once again encouraged to flex their vocal muscles. The guitar solo mixes a blend equal parts Rory Gallagher, BB King and Jimi Hendrix, Oli teasingly echoing ‘Voodoo Chile’, it’s a wonderful way to end the show….but we all know its ‘encore’ time really…..
…….The band return after a brief interlude to hit us round the chops with ‘On Top Of The World’ and ‘Shake You’, the former sees Oli the ‘showman’ return with vigour. There aren’t too many gigs you got to where the guitarist leaves the stage and joins you in the audience - the joys of wireless mic’ guitars, its is a testimony to Olis skill that a five minute walk around a packed Robin 2 doesn’t detract from the songs quality - and he doesn’t miss a note, now that’s concentration !!. The final track shows the band aren’t afraid to ‘mix it up’ Shake You’ cleverly morphs into ‘Black Betty’ by Ram Jam. it’s a high tempo end to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. And I must also note Oli Brown signature guitars were available to purchase from his merch’ stand such is his rising profile.
Set-list; Evil Soul / Makes Me Wonder / Fever / Speechless / Stone Cold (Roxanne) / Helping Hand / Not A Word I Say / No Digitty / On Top Of The World / Shake You/Black Betty.
http://www.myspace.com/oliblues
Well, tonight was a ‘tour de force’ of ‘Power Trios’, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix experience etc have all proved that if you have the ‘quality’ you will prevail, and the quality was certainly evident tonight. Indeed the ‘blues’ are safe, and, is being witnessed by a new - younger audience. The crowd at the Robin 2 were certainly an equal mix of experience and youth. And as ‘packages’ go this is an undoubted success - 3 bands for £12.50, you’d be mad to miss out !!!.
