THE LYNDON ANDERSON BAND
‘Blues at Burtonwood’ at Burtonwood Catholic Club: 24.04.09
The second gig at Ray and Barbara O’Hare’s new venture and venue at Burtonwood Catholic Club, saw a first visit to their club for Newcastle’s Lyndon Anderson Band – the man himself being one of these shores finest harmonica players and singers, ably accompanied by Davey Dormand (guitar), Christine Wilson (bass) and Kev Hodge (drums).
A healthy turnout of regulars and locals were treated to two sets of red-hot blues, with some funk, jazz and soul influences on numbers from the band’s two album – featuring many originals and choice covers. The band loosened up with the instrumental “Gumbo Groove”, before some Junior Wells on “Quit That”, with Anderson’s tremendous harmonica and big voice to the fore.
The first set highlight was his own “Cast The First Stone” – a long, slow soulful number, with a staggering vocal and some delightful jazzy harmonica work, with a lengthy solo from Davey Dormand – whose playing was a joy all night, from superb rhythm work, some Ronnie Earl in his solos, and an ability to lay down Chicago and Texas grooves when required.
Other first set treats were the West Coast swing of “Lollipop Mama”, here delivered William Clarke style, but maybe a bit faster; and another Junior Wells tune in the shape of his classic “Snatch It Back And Hold It” – very fine indeed!
A varied set second again saw the styles mixed up – from Frank Frost’s “Backscratcher” with Lyndon Anderson laying down his harmonica to play some guitar; the Texas shuffle of “Haven’t Got A Clue” and the New Orleans soul of the great Allen Toussaint’s “Get Out My Life Woman”.
Robert Nighthawk’s “Sweet Little Angel” saw some lovely slide from Davey Dormand, with the original “I Wanna Know” swinging like crazy. A most enjoyable night ended with James Harman’s “Leaving For Memphis” and a merited encore saw a romp through Slim Harpo’s “Shake Your Hips”.
I would heartily recommend Lyndon Anderson and his fine band to anyone – catching them for the first time I was very impressed. He is a most inventive and original player – blending the harmonica work of the masters with his own more contemporary style, coupled with his big voice and fine band. As mentioned previously Davey Dormand’s guitar sparkled all evening and the fine rhythm section of Christine Wilson and Kev Hodge made them one of the tighest outfits I have heard for a good while!
GRAHAME RHODES
http://www.l-a-b.net/
www.myspace.com/lyndonandersonband
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