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BLUES AT THE FRINGE WITH…
TOMMY ALLEN & JOHNY HEWITT
At The Llangollen Fringe Festival ‘09
Town Hall, Castle St.
Wednesday 22nd July
Tommy Allen & Johny Hewitt will be performing at The Llangollen Town Hall on Wednesday 22nd July. Tickets Are £7 available from www.llangollenfringe.co.uk and the Fringe Box Office: 0800 046 7665. Doors Open 7.30pm
The evening session got under way on the main stage with a rousing uptempo RnB blast from The Dirty Robbers, led by ex-Cadillac Kings guitarist Oliver Darling - also to be seen in Mike Sanchez’s band, and in the absence of keyboards, the superb Paul Garner on second guitar - also to have graced The Cadillac Kings guitar slot, together with the rhythm section of Craig Rhind (bass) and Matt Cowley (drums). A spirited hour featured mainly tunes from their first album, kicking off with “Ain’t Nothin’ Shakin’ “, and Richard Berry’s oft-covered “Have Love Will Travel”, with a dip into some classic Peter Green for “Watch Out”, from the “Blues Jam in Chicago” album . . . a set highlight. The eloquently titled “Lemon Squeezer” was a taster from the forthcoming second album, with more dips into the first album for a corking “Lonesome Woman Blues” and “Mary Lou”.
Either side of The Producers, Naomi Mather and Rory Ellis played second sets . . . not much to add to Lionel’s fine words, just to echo his sentiments really. Naomi Mather is a real talent, a product of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and she possesses a quite beautiful voice, and is a deft guitar picker and slide player, her “Born At The Wrong Time” EP comes highly recommended, with the second set featuring a reprise of the strutting “Can’t Do Nothing”. Ashamedly I must admit to not having heard of Rory Ellis before the festival… Wow!, he was without doubt most people’s star of the day! Coming across as a Melbourne hybrid of Johnny Cash, Steve Earle and Tom Russell, his rootsy tales of childhood, politics and more were just superb, with his strumming guitar and banjo work beautifully fleshed out by Alex Roberts more intricate guitar and lap slide - this guy having driven six hours from Poole to play the set! A reprise of “Work” saw some audience participation, with another treat being the lovely “Railway Parade”, his deep, rich voice and story telling winning over the crowd.
Back in the mid to late 1990s’ The Producers were without doubt one of Britain’s most popular blues bands, but split, actually playing their last North West gig at Hooker Blues Club in Wrexham . . . fitting then that their first gig back in the area should be here at the festival. Original members Harry Skinner (lead vocals and guitar) and Dave Saunders (bass) are now joined by Ray Drury (keyboards) and Biff Smith (drums). A beautifully delivered set featured some sparkling guitar from Harry Skinner, who also was on top form vocally, with newcomer Drury excelling on the keyboards. New material included “I Got Blues” and “Some People Say”, with a dip into the back catalogue for “Bitter And Twisted And Blue” . . . with the great “Take Me The Long Way Home, another new song, being well received. It’s nice to have such a fine band back on the scene!
Bringing a quite fabulous day to an end were possibly the best live band on the circuit at the moment - The Stumble - who after a recent storming headlining slot at the Warrington Blues Festival, could not fail with their uptempo mix of blues, soul and more! The area in front of the stage soon became a full dance floor as an extended over-curfew (only slightly!) set of favourites were performed. Set highlights were rip-roaring opener of Hound Dog Taylor’s “Gimme Back My Wig”, the stomping “Maudie” and a slide driven “The World Is Tough” - the title cut of the band’s first album. The band got soulful on “Bus Stop”, from the second album, “The Houngan”, but were back with the blues on a ferocious “Meet Me At The Bottom”. They were afforded the first encore of the day, purely due to time demands, and played the show-stopping “All Over Again”, a gorgeous slow blues, with brilliant guitar from Colin Black and impassioned vocal from Paul Melville. This band go from strength to strength, and are pretty unstoppable at the moment. The full line-up is Paul Melville (vocals), Colin Black (guitar and harmonica), Jonny Spencer (guitar), Simon Anthony (saxophone), Dave Heath (bass) and Boyd Tonner (drums).
Thanks from me to the organisers - particularly Pete Evans, Paul Taylor and Ian Williams - and to all volunteers and helpers. This was a great festival - reasonably priced, good beer, etc., and long may it prosper, see you in 2010.
GRAHAME RHODES
All pictures from both reviews supplied by Grahame Rhodes; these and more have been uploaded to the bluesinthenorthwest.com photo archive.
This was the fifth Worthenbury Blues and Roots Festival, building on the wonderful heritage of the Dragon Blues Festivals that graced Wrexham Rugby Club for many memorable years. The venue for the open-air festival is farmland kindly made available by Michael and Elizabeth Brownrigg at the village that lies between Malpas and Bangor-on-Dee in North Wales.
The event comprised a main stage and an adjacent acoustic stage, on which the action alternated in impressively quick succession. The task of opening the show on the acoustic stage fell to Hopson, a trio of local sixth-formers, who were making their first ever public appearance. As if that were not daunting enough, the lads had also been forced to regroup owing to the indisposition of their bass guitarist, Adam Squire, as a result of a broken wrist. Rhythm-guitarist Gavin Hooson bravely filled the gap and joined drummer Alex Squire in the engine room. Led by singer/guitarist John Taylor, the band overcame their first-date nerves and went on to deliver an enthusiastic set that included numbers by Bob Dylan and the White Stripes.
First up on the main stage were Newton-le-Willows-based Papa Legba, with singer/guitarist Alan Crawford very ably supported by his brother, Scott, on bass guitar and Graham Brighouse on drums. Their vibrant set combined some rocked up versions of Robert Johnson and Son House favourites, SRV’s “Pride and Joy” and some beautifully played slow blues, including a fine rendition of Eddy Boyd’s “Five Long Years”. There was also an airing of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and a rousing delivery of Rory Gallagher’s “A Million Miles Away” to provide a terrific impetus to the day’s events.
Back on the acoustic stage, Liverpool-based Naomi Mather entered the afternoon session with the first of two sets, the second forming part of the evening session. Naomi demonstrated her burgeoning talent as a songwriter with a programme of excellent original songs. She accompanied her beautifully clear vocals with highly accomplished playing on acoustic, resonator and lap guitars, showing equal mastery of finger-picking and slide techniques. She also tapped the rhythm on a very effective stomp box. This is a young lady who is surely destined to make a considerable impact across the British blues scene.
The main stage was then taken by storm by Big Blues Tribe, a nine-piece ensemble from the Midlands that boasted no less than a five-piece brass section. Fronted by big-voiced singer/trumpeter Oliver Carpenter, they opened their account very appropriately with “Let The Good Times Roll”, an apt description of what lay in store. Other delights included “King Of The New York Streets”, “St James Infirmary Blues” and a reggae-style version of “I’m In The Mood For Love”, for which Beth Naylor and Abby Brant took over the vocals. They also provided close harmonies on a gospel number before ending a highly entertaining set with an upbeat rocker. The band reported that they were dashing off to a second gig in Worcester. “That’s two gigs in one day,” they boasted. “Come to think of it, it’s only the second gig this year!” one of them added. The truth is more likely to be that they are in great demand, if this performance is anything to go by.
At each of the previous Worthenbury festivals, there has been a surprise package that has stolen the show. This year’s event was no exception to that rule, as Australian singer/guitarist Rory Ellis proved with his two warmly-received appearances on the acoustic stage. Supplemented by the superb playing of Alex Roberts on lap slide guitar, the man from Geelong produced a stunning mix of powerful vocals, brilliant guitar and banjo playing and hilarious chat. His two sets featured many of the tracks from his most recent album, including the title song, “Two Feathers”, a compilation of high quality original songs, which draw heavily on his eventful life. A particular highlight was “No Love In This war”, while “Home Tonight” was inspired by his spending an eternity trying to find an appropriate exit from the Leicester ring road – an ordeal that has been universally endured. Lost in Leicester, perhaps, but found by a host of admiring fans at Worthenbury.
The headlining act of the afternoon session on the main stage was the recently re-formed Down At Antones. Led by founder member, singer/guitarist Neil Partington, the band comprised bluesinthenorthwest’s own Ken Peace (also a founder member of the band) on harp, Nick Lauro on drums and Steve Brown on bass. On this occasion, the band also included Paul Need, guesting on keys in the absence of usual keyboard player, Glen Lewis. The band shuffled into action with Howlin’ Wolf’s “Riding In The Moonlight” and a fine version of “Black Cat Bone”. The jazz standard, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” featured some wonderfully full-bodied harp and tasty guitar and keyboard solos, all immaculately driven by the rhythm section. The nicely varied set included Rice Miller’s slow blues, “Cross My Heart”, and a lovely portion of New Orleans funk in the shape of “Pocky Way”. The icing on the already delicious cake was provided by the introduction of Johny Hewitt to weave his harmonica magic on Lowell Fulson’s “Reconsider, Baby”, followed by top class interplay with Ken Peace on the driving boogie, “Biting The Bullet”, to climax a tremendous set.
Pete Evans, Paul Taylor, Ian Williams and their myriad assistants are to be congratulated on yet another magnificent event. It is entirely fitting that the quality of the line-up and the excellence of the organisational arrangements was matched by a massive attendance and brilliant sunshine.
Lionel Ross
I had a great time at Worthenbury yesterday. I enjoyed playing the spot with Down at Antone’s and I enjoyed all the music and the good friends that I met.
There will be a review shared between regular bluesinthenorthwest.com writers Lionel Ross and my partner in crime Grahame Rhodes. Watch this space for details.
Thanks to all the organisers and the volunteers. A terrific job. My sincere thanks. I didn’t take many pictures for two reasons 1. I’m not very good and 2. I’m lazy. However I did try to capture some pictures that would be a bit different to everyone else’s.
The sweet collection of Gibsons belong to Jonny Spencer of The Stumble. Top bloke.
Roll on Worthenbury 2010.
I’m looking forward to the Worthenbury Festival today. A chance to see some old friends and make some new ones. It’s a great event and is highly recommended.
The weather forecast is not perfect but it is not bad, a bit of drizzle early on then fine later.
http://www.bluesinthenorthwest.com/index.php/2009/06/12/gig-worthenbury-festival-sat-27-june-2009/
See you later.
FRIDAY JULY 17th LISA MILLS & IAN JENNINGS £10
Mississippi born Lisa, our favourite American female blues singer makes a welcome return with Big Town Playboys double bass player Ian. Likened to a mix of Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and Janis Joplin, Lisa has actually played with Big Brother and The Holding Company. She has also performed with Robert Plant, Jeff Beck and Jools Holland and appeared at Glastonbury
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18th THE GUY TORTORA BAND £10
Pasadena native but now living in London, Guy brings his four piece band playing one set acoustic and one electric. A superb guitarist he has built up a strong reputation and has over the last two years played on stage with Eric Clapton, Jon Cleary, Eric Bibb and Pee Wee Ellis.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23rd LITTLE TOBY WALKER £10
Back by popular demand after an amazing gig last year, Toby from New York makes a very welcome return. A superb acoustic guitarist and vocalist who learnt his trade at the feet of Mississippi’s finest - RL Burnside, Eugene Powell, Son Thomas and Jack Owens.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6th WOODY MANN & TOM DOUGHTY £12
This is a major scoop for us -Woody Man has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading jazz guitarists but was taught blues by Rev Gary Davis and played with Son House, Bukka White and John Fahey. On a UK tour at many major theatres (Including Theatre Clwyd)and Arts Centres, we are the smallest venue on the tour so early booking required.
Check his website www.woodyman.com.
Tom Doughty from Cheshire is a very remarkable man. Severely injured in a rta as a teenager, he only restarted playing guitar a few years ago with the instrument attached to his wheel chair. Even with restricted movement he is an amazing guitarist and has developed a superb technique whilst becoming a firm friend of Woody.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21st THE HOKUM HOTSHOTS AT BANGOR ON DEE HALL
This is a gig we’ve arranged for The Bangor Academicals, a charitable group in Bangor. There will be a limited number of tickets available near the date to see these funtime Geordie Blues musicians. More details nearer the date.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 4th DAVE KELLY £10
Top UK guitarist Dave leaves Paul Jones and The Blues Band at home for this solo gig when he will play all sorts of songs and tunes that have influenced him and made him the UK blues legend that he is.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 18th THE DERRIN NAUENDORF BAND £12
Top Aussie acoustic guitarist Derrin was one of the 1st musicians to play at Worthenbury and is long overdue. This time appearing with his trio, a band that took last year’s Maryport Festival by storm, Derrin is now one of the biggest names on the world blues/roots scene and this will be a memorable night – again cancel all Christmas parties for this night!
There is nore information in the full programme that you can download from here.
Don’t forget that you can see the all new Tommy Allen Band featuring Johny Hewitt at the Academy in Buckley tonight.
See the original post for more information.
Saturday 27th June
in Worthenbury Village
Come and enjoy yourself in a relaxed all day party atmosphere with real ale tent, hog roast, side stalls. Bring your deckchairs, barbeque, wine coolers and enjoy some brilliant music.
Put the date in your diary now
The Festival is certainly attracting a lot of newcomers with ticket pre-sales already beating all previous pre-sales with three weeks still to go.
Tickets have already been dispatched to Jersey, Gloucester, Ross-on-Wye, Tamworth and Yorkshire as well as many locally.
With that in mind, it is important that people wishing to buy tickets do so sooner rather than later as changes to licensing of such events has meant that the ticket numbers are strictly controlled to 470. As 550+ attended last year, we don’t want to disappoint genuine blues lovers with “Sold Out” signs.
The line-up has also recieved many favourable comments with firm northern favourites The Stumble headlining and the remarkable top 90s blues band The Producers making their northern come back at the event.
Retro 50/60s blues and rock ‘n’ rollers The Dirty Robbers open the evening session whilst Chester based Down At Antone’s deliver their classy blues act as afternoon headliners.
Other electric acts appearing are the nine piece Big Blues Tribe with a 5 piece brass section and a big, big sound and the very promising blues rock trio Papa Legba with the opening act a young 4 piece blues band Hopson, all still in the local 6th form college.
The acoustic acts are the superb touring Australian guitarist Rory Ellis who has an amazing baritone voice and is joined on lap steel guitar by Alex Roberts. Finally recent graduate from LIPA Naomi Mather who has been getting great reviews for her blues guitar playing and vocals completes a great line-up.
Details
1.30pm to 6pm and 6.30pm to 11.15pm - £20 all day ticket, £15 from 6.30pm
Under 12 free, 12 to 16 half price. Caravans/campers £5 for the night, tents £3 for the night.
Is there a festival anywhere that gives better value for money – last year we sold out all 500 tickets so be sure to reserve your tickets as soon as possible.
Worthenbury is a beautiful rural village to the south east of Wrexham. The village is between Whitchurch and Wrexham just off the A525 very close to Bangor-on-Dee.
Contact details 01978 780807 or 01978 312755
This month, the beautiful venue in Buckley The Academy features The Tommy Allen Band. This is Tommy’s new venture, more electric than his duo gigs with Johny Hewitt but more bluesy than Trafficker.
I heard on the grapevine that the aforementioned Johny Hewitt is in the band a playing a mean harp. So you can look forward to lotsa guitar, lotsa harp and two great vocalists. Tommy always has a good rhythm section so I am certain that it will be a great night.
A beautiful room with lots of close parking.
0871 288 7287. £10.
Saturday 30th May
5.00pm Back To Blue -Litten Tree Pub
6.00pm Alison Kay Band -Imperial Pub
7.30pm Gutbucket Blues Band -Theatr Colwyn
8.30pm Stormy Monday -Theatr Colwyn
9.30pm Down at Antones -Theatr Colwyn
11.00pm Back to Blue -Litten tree Pub
Sunday 31st May
2.00pm Parry Wray Experience -Royal Pub
3.00pm Small Town -Central pub
4.00pm Jac Flash -Litten Tree Pub
5.00pm Stormy Monday -Imperial Pub
6.00pm Comfy Chairs -Prince Madoc Pub
7.30pm The Crawl -Theatr Colwyn
8.30pm The Blues Gang -Theatr Colwyn
9.30pm John O’Leary Band -Theatr Colwyn
11.00pm Jac Flash -Litten Tree Pub
GIG AT WORTHENBURY, SAT MAY 30th
FRUTELAND JACKSON with BOB HALL and HILARY BLYTHE
Goin’ Up The Country blues and roots club is delighted to welcome top American acoustic blues guitarist Fruteland Jackson to Worthenbury village hall on Saturday May 30th as part of his extensive tour of the UK and Europe.
Mississippi born but now resident of Chicago, Fruteland is a regular performer at the top venues and festivals of the USA but this is only his 2nd visit to this country.
His music is composed of all the traditional aspects of blues but it encompasses more modern issues and subjects. He is a superb guitarist and possesses a haunting voice and is very active in promoting the blues and its history amongst the younger generations in the national “Blues in the schools” programme.
Fruteland is accompanied by Bob Hall on piano and Hilary Blythe on bass.
Bob is one of the world’s top blues pianists and was a founder of the legendary Savoy Brown Blues Band in the early 60s. He has also played with Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones and many of the legendary American blues men like John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter.
The doors open at 8pm and the music starts at 9pm . Tickets are £11 and obtainable by ringing in the evenings 01978 780807 or 01978 312755.
Eddie Gartry Blues State UK
The Academy Buckley
22 May 2009
This week sees mid Wales British RnB outfit Eddie Gartry Blue State at the Academy in Buckley.
A SURPRISE FROM THE HEART OF WALES…… Amidst the scenic hills and picturesque landscape along the Welsh/English border, (where the magic mushrooms grow and beer is still £1.80 a pint) a very interesting secret has been harboured. Until now, that is. Recently, this area has been reverberating to the sound of a particular brand of blues music. Coincidentally, this same locality appears to be the home ground, and meeting place for a band of very dedicated musicians. A group it seems, who have one important and mutual obsession in common, a lifetime of devotion to playing blues music; their way. Apparently, these guys have all toured the World, individually backing many famous names along the way, but for them to congregate in this obscure neck of the woods seems peculiar. However, to their local fans, their unique brand of hard blues is extremely welcome. Pretty young boys, brought up in a world of karaoke, they are not. But their reverent approach to blues music, irrespective of fashion, sets them aside from most of today’s ‘programmed’ entertainers.
Ian Williams has kindly supplied some pictures from last night’s Kent DuChaine gig at Goin’ Up The Country at Worthenbury Village Hall.
You can see the full set at the bluesinthenorthwest.com photo archive.
KENT DuCHAINE AT GOIN’ UP THE COUNTRY BLUES & ROOTS CLUB, WORTHENBURY VILLAGE HALL , FRIDAY MAY 8th
Kent DuChaine, one of the busiest American blues men to visit the UK, makes a welcome return to Worthenbury next Friday.
He has played with many of the greats like John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and Bukka White and for 3 years accompanied Johnny Shines who was the legendary Robert Johnson’s partner.
Playing a 75 year old battered National Steel guitar called Leadbessie, he is a powerful guitarist and vocalist and is also a great storyteller.
The doors open at 8pm and Kent is on stage at 9pm. For further information please call 01948 7702158
The final line up has been announced for the 2009 Colwyn Blues Festival.
Saturday 30th May
5.00pm Back To Blue -Litten Tree Pub
6.00pm Alison Kay Band -Imperial Pub
7.30pm Gutbucket Blues Band -Theatr Colwyn
8.30pm Stormy Monday -Theatr Colwyn
9.30pm Down at Antones -Theatr Colwyn
11.00pm Back to Blue -Litten tree Pub
Sunday 31st May
2.00pm Parry Wray Experience -Royal Pub
3.00pm Small Town -Central pub
4.00pm Jac Flash -Litten Tree Pub
5.00pm Stormy Monday -Imperial Pub
6.00pm Comfy Chairs -Prince Madoc Pub
7.30pm The Crawl -Theatr Colwyn
8.30pm The Blues Gang -Theatr Colwyn
9.30pm John O’Leary Band -Theatr Colwyn
11.00pm Jac Flash -Litten Tree Pub
Down at Antones
LOUISIANA RED & MICHAEL MESSER
‘Going Up The Country’ at Worthenbury Village Hall: 25.04.09
A chance to see one of the older statesmen of the blues is not be missed, especially when the gig is fairly local, so well done to Pete Evans for bringing the legendary Louisiana Red to a sold-out Worthenbury Village Hall, in the company of ace British slide player, Michael Messer – a visitor last year in his own right.
Louisiana Red is one of those colourful old bluesmen whose life almost echoes the history of the blues – born Iverson Minter in Bessemer, Alabama in 1932, losing both parents very early in his life and being brought up by various relatives, recording his first records before a stint in the army, before hitting the road in earnest – indeed, he has around 50 albums to his name now!
He battled manfully with his voice at this gig as he was getting over laryngitis, and it’s probably fair to say that his guitar fingerpicking has probably diminished with his advancing years, but coaxed along by Michael Messer’s sympathetic accompaniment he delivered two sets that featured classic blues and many of his own songs.
His recording career has seen many autobiographical songs, he started the evening with probably the most famous, “Red’s Dream”, and later did “Ride On Red” – a song the late, great Rory Gallagher recorded – and the self-explanatory “Story Of Louisiana Red”.
The first set actually opened with Michael Messer solo on the blues chestnut “Rolling And Tumbling”, showing off his fine slide guitar work, before being joined by Louisiana Red. Other highlights were some classic covers – Robert Petway’s “Catfish Blues”; Mississippi Fred McDowell’s very well know “You Got To Move” – with Red recalling Mick Taylor’s slide playing on the Rolling Stone version; and the legendary Robert Johnson’s “Last Fair Deal Gone Down”.
Louisiana Red seemed to be determining what to play next on the spot, so it was credit to the skills of Michael Messer as he dropped in behind Red’s guitar work, quite often with some excellent slide work, coupled with some humorous exchanges about various type of bottleneck’s.
Second set standouts were the opening Muddy Waters tune, “I’m A King Bee”, a nice “I Wonder Who” – another song Rory Gallagher featured; and a nice version of “Stella”. Where Red’s fingerpicking struggled somewhat, he played some tasty slide and seemed to be quite touched by the audience’s response!
GRAHAME RHODES
Pictures from Ian Williams. For more, check out the bluesinthenorthwest.com photo archive.
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