CONOR SELBY BAND
Selby is a young singer/songwriter from England, with his (mostly) youngish band in support. Drums, bass, rhythm guitar and keys back up the leader who sings and plays lead guitar. Despite their age, and playing mostly Selby's own material, it soon becomes apparent that what we're listening to is a classic 60s R&B band. And a good one at that.
Much of the 60s feel comes from the organ of Stevie Watts, who shares the solos with Selby's strings, and is a strong presence within the lineup. The 60s vibe is enhanced by the rhythm guitarist, with his floral short and Lennon shades.
There was a '64 Ray Charles song, and a Selby composition relating to his own lifelong love for the blues and what it meant to him. But much of the time the band went straight from one song to another, with no introduction. Which was a shame, as Selby speaks well when the mood takes him. His singing voice is competent, albeit unremarkable, but oh why do UK singers so often adopt US intonations? Be yourselves guys.
A good opening set that got the audience in the mood for what was to follow.
TIM ELLIOTT AND THE TROUBLEMAKERS
It was Scotland all the way from now on. From deepest Livingston came Tim Elliott, veteran front man of Blues 'n Trouble, now well into his seventies. But still a blues man to his core. Accompanied by one one the country's finest guitarists, Sandy Tweedale, and Chris Agnew of the Rezillos on upright bass. With such a strong and experienced line up the quality was no surprise.
They mixed classic 20s and 30s blues with R&B from the 60s (a Yardbirds number stood out), plus some of the Elliott's own songs from his band, into a melange that gave variety and a strong urge to move the body. Tim's voice remains passionate and colourful, while his harmonica playing has real feeling for the genre. Agnew is as solid as they come, while much of Tweedale's playing is mesmerising. Fifty minutes flew by.
MAGGIE BELL
A short break and Tweedale and Agnew returned, this time with another septuagenarian of even greater legend. Maggie Bell has been belting out the blues since the sixties and has a huge variety of material on call. And any set that begins with Free's Wishing Well promises much. Bell delivers. And how.
Rough as a badger's arse, and all the better for it, her vocals remain powerfully distinctive, with constant improvisation and such a strong musical sensibility. An instrument of power and subtlety, best described, as she said herself, as pure gallus.
The voice is backed up by a great stage presence, enhanced by an audience that wasn't shy in showing exactly where their loyalties lay. Bell is a fan favourite, and not just for her voice. An entertainer supreme, she can be hilariously funny, has a deep river of anecdotes, and knows how to get a crowd involved. Even if it meant signing along to a Kylie song!
Long my the Legend of Maryhill keep on rocking.
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