A rocking three hours of Scottish blues in a (sweltering) Spiegeltent. Opening proceedings was the SIMON KENNEDY BAND. Drums, bass, an entertainingly enthusiastic keyboard player, and Kennedy leading the way on guitar and vocals. Later joined by singers Rachel Lightbody and Ellyn Oliver.
Jacket Potato, the opening instrumental number, seemed interminable, and I wondered if we were in for a long 50 minutes. But they turned out to be a solid R&B outfit, Oliver added some class to the lead vocals, and the Mirek Hodun on keyboards was hugely entertaining to watch, as well as providing most of the best solos. A fun act to watch and a good start to the gig.
Second in line were hard rocking Chicago Blues band THE JENSEN INTERCEPTORS, who provided the expected step up in class and pace. Led by the bullish Gary Martin on vocals, harmonica and slide guitar, with guitar, keyboards, bass and drums backing him up. A solid rhythm section, strong guitar solos, another energetic keyboard player, and some respectable horn from the front man. Songs from Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters are always a good sign of a well curated set. It was a shame Martin suffered few tech problems, but he battled on. Loud, energetic, accomplished, they paved the way for...
The undoubted star act of the show, the MAGGIE BELL BAND. The now familiar line up of drums, bass and keyboard, plus the excellent Sandy Tweeddale on guitar, and maybe the greatest blues singer ever to come out of this country. Bell might be in her seventies now, but she can still rock it with the very best.
Opening with Free's Wishing Well, and following up with a Tom Waits song, this was top quality R&B. Bell's gargled-with-gravel voice might not quite hit the notes it once did, but her phrasing and timing remain top notch, and her energy irrepressible. Great interaction with the crowd too, Bell is a proper star, and deserving her legend status.
Not afraid to have a bit of fun too. When you can switch from Etta James to a bit of Kylie Minogue there's clearly a wicked sense of humour at work. The gig ended with Steve Marriott's All Or Nothing, the audience on their feet belting out the classic line and illuminated by the presence of a phenomenon.
Bell remains a must see.
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