Blues Afternoon (Blue Milk, Blind Boy Paxton, Brandon Santini with Mud In Your Ear), Spiegeltent, George Square, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

 A young Glasgow based blue quartet for openers.  Dulux Dog lookalike Jonny McGiffen on guitar and lead vocals, Ike Malinki on bass, Taylor Whyte as the drummer and Leo S Glaister blasting out harmonica.  They didn't say much to begin with, just threw out a couple of numbers to show what they could do, and became chattier, funnier and more relaxed as the set went on.  McGiffen's vocals don't do clarity, but have an edginess and directness that's engaging.  The arrangements are richly textured and solos nicely matched.  They play to a high standard but have the sense to stay within their own limits.  I liked that on Black Magic Woman there was no attempt to out-Carlos Mr Santana, and the result was excellent.  The harmonica gave a real blues feel to the music, and the drum solo from Whyte was a highlight.  Even from his position at the back of the stage it was clear he's a charismatic character.

I'm sure I wasn't the only new fan the boys picked up on the day. 

Things quietened down for the middle act, a solo performance from Blind Boy Paxton.  What a character!  A naturally laconic comedian and raconteur, multi instrumentalist, with an unmistakably Mississippi Blues voice.  Anyone who enjoys the blues, and a good time, would love this man.

From the off he's engaging, dryly humourous and laughing at his own jokes.  Around him he has guitar, 5 string banjo and fiddle.  And from his voluminous overalls produces a variety of items - harmonicas, jew's harp, clackers.  There's a piano over the the right of the stage.  Looking back it's amazing how he managed to fit all those in, whilst singing and joking and storytelling too.  A genuine all round entertainer in the most laid back style.

And the music?  Of a very high standard, with his fiddle solo being a special treat.  Great singing, great playing, and a great time for the entire spiegeltent.  Not to be missed if you ever get the chance.

Another American to end the afternoon, harmonica master Santini and  with hugely experienced Edinburgh blues duo Mud In Your Ear.  The latter consisting of Allan Jones on guitar and Richard O'Donnell on keyboard and guitar.  Slow and mournful, fast and driving, quirky and funny - an eclectic mix of tunes and songs and tempos.  All three took their turns as lead vocalist, all three bringing different styles and qualities.  Jones has a never ending well of stories about the blues, Santini can also tell a good tale, and this was another set where the audience were drawn into involvement.  All three are excellent and imaginative soloists, but there was no doubting Santini's star quality when he made that tiny instrument wail and warble like an extension of his voice. It was all over too soon.

A comment that applied to the whole afternoon.  This was the best Blues Afternoon I went to in this festival, and maybe the best I've ever experienced.  Three great acts, all with very varied approaches to the blues, with the constant thread being that most essential blues element, the harmonica.  Wonderful.