An afternoon featuring two rocking blues bands and... something else. I'm not entirely sure what the latter could be called, but it was certainly memorable and entertaining!
Al Brown and rthe Bluelighters are a 4 piece Scottish band featuring Brown himself on lead vocals and electric guitar, backed by acoustic guitar, upright bass and drums. A good start to the session, being a more than competent blues band, mostly playing standards, who could also put on a bit of a show. Brown has his amusing moments, while the bassman was a joy to watch at times. Decent solos from all four. Brown took the bulk of the lead guitar parts. Which was a shame, as my preference was for the purer sound of the acoustic instrument, rather than the dirtier tones of the electric. But no matter, it was an enjoyable set to get things going.
Next up an Irish blues guitarist and singer, with an excellent voice and strong rocking style. Backed by a drummer, a very cool looking bass player, and another guitarist who pplayed his solos in a more grungy style to the leader, Duffy sang a selection of her own material and the odd classic. Her rendition of Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind was one of the best I've heard, both vocally and in the empathetic nature of her guitar solo. A step up in quality from the first act, for sure, but a trifle over amplified.
King Size Slim are another four piece band, from Hastings on the south coast, comprising drums, upright bass, sax and guitar. On the latter was leader and singer Toby Barelli who, it seems fair to say, is a hard man to classify. Which applies to the band as a whole. Musically they were less striking than either of the preceding acts. But for sheer entertainment they were in a class of their own. Funny, unpredictable, drawing in their audience and making them a part of the show. The songs are decent enough, but it's all about the poerformance. Hilarious and memorable.
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