Shakedownblues brings the best blues and Afro-American musicians to the UK

The Nashville Tennesse Cats

LIVE at Castor Village Hall,
Peterborough Road,
Castor,
Peterborough
PE5 7AX

Saturday 23rd May 2009

A special 2 for 1 deal! With three sets of music during the evening, one by Johnny, one by Doc and the final set by the two Tennessee blues cats playing together - all backed by the seasoned Mo Indigo band.

More than a generation separates Johnny and Doc, but nothing separates them in their feeling for the blues. Johnny Jones was born in 1936 in backwoods Tennessee. He left home when he was about 13 visiting Memphis where he witnessed the blues first hand in the Club Handy on Beale Street.

He followed his mother to Chicago around 1950 and within a short period of time was hanging out at the 708 Club, where he began playing with Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Junior Wells, Little Walter and a young Freddie King. Leaving Chicago in 1957 to form his own road band, working in Wichita, Memphis, Clarksville and ended up in Nashville, Tennessee where he became a successful and prolific studio guitarist.

In the early 1960's he formed a new band along with bassist Billy Cox and Jimi Hendrix. Johnny says "I can tell you many stories about Hendrix - boy he was far out then, I gave him some tuition on string bending, but even then he was out on his own! " Later Hendrix returned to Nashville, and plucked Billy Cox out of Johnny's Band to play bass in the famous 'Band of Gypsies' Woodstock gig

During the Mid 1960's, Johnny played rhythm guitar in a backing band led by Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown for a Dallas TV show 'The Beat'. This band accompanied artists including Etta James, Little Milton and Freddy King. Many of these shows are now available on DVD. In 1968 Jones moved to Atlanta and formed the 'The King Casuals' and recorded his first single 'Soul Poppin' on the Brunswick Label, followed by a nationwide road show backing Jackie Wilson and The Impressions. Jones' follow-up single - dedicated to his old friend Hendrix - was a powerful reading of his 'Purple Haze'. A few years later Johnny became disillusioned by all the travel and the headaches of keeping a band together and he retired from the music. However, in 1976 Bobby 'Blue' Bland came to Nashville to play a Blues Festival and at the last minute needed a replacement guitarist and Johnny was persuaded to pick up his guitar again and this led to him working with Bland permanently through to 1979 at which point he went into semi retirement working only in local bars and reluctant to travel far.

In the mid 1990's Johnny overcame his reluctance to travel and was a resounding success at The Estafette Blues Festival in Utrecht Festival in Holland which was followed by a week in the prestigious Lionel Hampton Club in Paris and led to a series of critically acclaimed CD releases between 1998 and 2000 at which point he again decided that he did not wish to travel anymore.

Doc Blakey was born in 1966 in the racially divided rural community of Columbia, Tennessee. Doc was dragged by his grandmother, Georgia Mae, to her Mission Church every Sunday to sing and play piano, tambourine and guitar. His uncles all worked in various blues bands around town and would usually end up once a month at his mother's house where they would party until dawn.

In his early 20s, he fell foul of the law but before his trial he ran off to Atlanta. Luckily he then met an older and wiser bluesman, in the shape of Theodus Ealy, who recognised his talent and also convinced him of the need to give himself up!

Five years later he left the Federal Work Camp and Theodis was waiting for him. Doc had played and practiced the guitar every day that he had been incarcerated and was itching to record. Theodis, however, pushed him into a punishing regime of live gigs and practice for the next five years until he was convinced that Doc was ready. The superb album 'Blues Never Hurt So Good' was the result. I heard the album and 'phoned Theodis who put me in touch with Doc for his UK Shakedown blues debut. After the Castor show we were chewing the cud and Doc mentioned that his friend Johnny Jones would be a natural for us. 'A hard working showman with a great voice and a brilliant guitarist to boot'. We both became excited by the idea and he promised to put us in touch. Doc went back to the States and I waited for the call. Months passed, telephone messages were unanswered and I filed Johnny Jones amongst the 'almost happened'. Then out of the blue a call from Doc informed me that he had collapsed on stage shortly after returning from England; he was paralysed and rushed to hospital where he spent seven months recuperating. Thankfully he is now fully recovered, back on the road and regularly playing. He also informed me that he had spoken to Johnny who was happy to come to England together with Doc for a couple of Shakedown gigs - who could say no.

Some of this article was sourced from the sleeve notes of the Black Magic CD written by the late Ray Topping

LIVE at Castor Village Hall,
Peterborough Road,
Castor,
Peterborough
PE5 7AX

Thursday 30th April 2009

Louisiana Red was born Iverson Minter on March 23rd 1936 in Warren County, Vicksburg, Mississippi. His mother died when he was a week old and his father was lynched by the Klu Klux Klan when he was five. After this trauma he was raised briefly by his grandmother who like his grandfather was a musician in New Orleans. Shortly thereafter he was taken into an orphanage by the local authorities, presumably because his grandmother had passed away, and it was here in the orphanage that he learnt to play harmonica.

By 1945 he had arrived in Pittsburgh, via a stay in Waco, Texas, and taught himself to play guitar. Two years later he could be found busking on the streets and by the age of 13 was regularly featured on local radio stations. In 1949 the Muddy Waters Band was playing in town at the Skyline Club and Red was asked to sit in with the band. At the end of the set Muddy urged him to move to Chicago where unfortunately, due to some minor misdemeanour, he served a year in a reformatory. In 1951 he was inducted into the air force and served in England and Korea.

One year later he was back in Chicago and as Rocky Fuller recorded eight tracks for Chess Records, two being issued on the very fine Checker 753 single called ‘Soon One Morning/Rock Me Baby. The remaining tracks appeared on a lovely Japanese P-Vine LP 6032 thirty-three years later. In 1953 he again visited the Chess Studios and recorded two tracks with Little Walter on harmonica and Jimmy Rogers on guitar. Only one of these tracks ‘Funeral Hearse at My Door’ being eventually issued on CD. Later that year Red moved to Detroit and with a change of name to Playboy Fuller he began performing with John Lee Hooker on a regular basis at The Harlem Inn. He then recorded a excellent single on Fuller Records backed by Jesse Lee Williams on harmonica and Johnny Walters on piano. Shortly after that, as Rockin’ Red, he recorded ‘Boogie Woogie All Night Long’ with John Lee backing him. This track was erroneously attributed to John Lee Hooker and issued on Hooker’s Crown LP 5232. Times were hard for working musicians and during this period he was often found working outside the music business to make ends meet. However, in 1958 he started a series of club dates through the south and the following year he was found frequently working with James Wayne’s Night Hawks of ‘Junco Partner’ fame in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

In 1960 he moved to New York City and recorded a very fine single for Atlas Records ‘I Done Woke Up/I Had A Feeling’ and two years later was back in the recording studio laying down the wonderful ‘Red’s Dream’ LP 25200 for Roulette. This album was Red’s breakthrough and has been issued and re-issued all over the world time and time again. This was followed in 1964 by a series of recordings for Atco Records, which culminated in the magnificent Atco LP 389 ‘Sings The Blues’. Following this he worked with Jimmy Reed and for a while became involved with the Black Muslim Movement. He married Ealase in 1963 and she bore him three children before her death ten years later.

In 1975 he embarked on a gruelling series of concert and recording dates in France, Germany, Switzerland and Japan and in 1977 he married the famous folk blues singer Odetta and eventually re-located to Germany. Since then he has recorded at least a further twenty-three albums and has travelled throughout the world headlining concerts both in Europe and the States. Whilst I have had the pleasure of seeing Red perform at some of his festival gigs I never really expected to be able to persuade him to play for us at Shakedown. Thankfully Michael Messer has convinced him that touring, as a duo is a great idea, which has enabled us to secure this Saturday gig. Since booking him I have played both the Roulette and Atco albums to death and I am excited by the idea of being able to present an artist that I admired so much.

LIVE at Castor Village Hall,
Peterborough Road,
Castor,
Peterborough
PE5 7AX

Saturday 21st March 2009

Muddy Waters Junior was born Larry Williams in Chicago on 27th September 1954 to McKinley Morganfield and Mildred McGhee. Muddy Waters the eldest was given a drum kit by his father at one of Muddy’s infrequent visits to see his son, Larry soon tired of this and took up bass playing instead.

For most of his life Larry Williams was a truck driver with a passion for music. In his spare time he would sing with various pop groups preferably the Earth, Wind and Fire type. As he grew older and particularly since his fathers funeral twenty-four years ago (where he met his half brother Bill Morganfield for the first time) he has come to enjoy and to sing in the old blues tradition. Looking remarkably like his famous father and in possession of a Muddy sound-alike voice Larry has performed as Muddy Waters Junior in various Chicago blues clubs for some time now. Up until now he has kept his profile very low and has quietly built a solid audience with childhood friends like Eddie Taylor Jnr helping him out on the bandstand.

In July 2007 he stepped out into the limelight playing a show together with Big Bill Morganfield at the Muddy Waters Memorial Festival in Westmont, Illinois and straight on to his own set at the Chicago Blues Festival. He then began recording a CD which appeared mid 2008.

Since Muddy’s sensational sell-out Shakedown Shows 16 months ago his career has taken off with regular work rolling in both home and abroad. His name change to Mud Morganfield was forced onto him and maybe a little confusing but his audience is growing fast with festival dates and foreign tours being the norm.

Saturday 28th February 2009

LIVE at Castor Village Hall

Kathleen ‘Kat’ Pearson-Thomas was born circa 1965 in Long Beach California to parents who were steeped in religious music and by the time that she could stand up and walk she was inducted into the church choir. Her parents also had a perchance for party’s and a liking for blues and soul. The combination was a heady mix that Kat soon latched onto and from an early age she became the family DJ spinning Blues, R&B, Soul and Tamla Motown.

Moving to London in her twenty’s she decided to try her luck as a singer in a girl band called Crimson and The Nasty Pinks which got as far as rehearsing and making a video before disbanding. Not to be deterred she swiftly moved into ‘Black Girl Rock’ who appeared on The Word and recorded a single on D:Ream Records that was impressive enough to lead into a tour of the UK, Belgium, Russia and Italy.

She then signed to Columbia Records with a band called Comanchee Park that issued an album ‘Crucify’ and they wrote the music for channel 4’s ‘Naked City’. The band appeared to sell-out crowds in The Shepard’s Bush Empire, The Forum in Kentish Town and The Grand in Clapham before they embarked on a two-year tour of Europe. Dates included the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland before their being caught up in the bloodbath at Columbia Records that down sized the company. Shortly after that they disbanded.

Kat decided to move into the theatre business and appeared in ‘Funny Girl’ at the Bloomsbury Theatre and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ at The Hackney Empire. At the same time she decided to become a photo model and was videoed pouting in the Chemical Brothers hit video ‘Block Rockin’ Beats’ and a slew of other adverts including the famous ‘Bald is Beautiful’ look for Carlsberg Beer. During this time she also appeared on Top of the Pops, TFI Friday and the Jonathan Ross Show as a singer/bass player. She then toured extensively as a dancer throughout Italy with M.A.R.S ‘Pump up The Volume’.

Kathleen then relocated to Spain and it was here at The Mijas Blues Festival last summer that I heard her for the first time. Listening to her she had obviously gone back to her roots singing mainly blues and soul with the odd pop song thrown in for good measure.

The next act at Mijas was Peaches Staton who worked her way through a set of soul standards that did not stretch her and the crowd sat back to wait for the main man Muddy Waters Jnr. However, when it came to the closer Peaches announced a Betty Wright song and asked Kat to help her out.

The band picked up and the two ladies went back to church in a call and response segment - which was riveting. I decided on the spot that it would be great fun to have Kathleen Pearson-Thomas appear at Shakedown Blues and to hear more of the gospel influenced deep soul blues that she is obviously capable of singing. I came back home clutching her business card. A chat with Dave Thomas solidified the idea and Kat was booked. Together with The Dave Thomas Band she will keep us warm on a cold February night.

For all those who have been calling for a female singer – here’s your gig.

Friday 30th January 2009

LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

LIVE at St. Kyneburgha Church
Saturday 31th January 2009
“The Juke Joints Are All Gone Now”
TERRY ‘HARMONICA’ BEAN
Talks to Mike Stephenson

Terry ‘Harmonica’ Bean is one of the new generation of Mississippi blues artists currently breaking through into the blues scene. He has three albums to his name and is looking to cut more...

I’m from Pontotoc, Mississippi – born in 1961. My father’s name is Eddie Bean. There was 23 of us in my family. My mother and father had fifteen kids and she already had four kids before they even started and every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, they played the blues at my father’s house. They would play music, they would shoot craps, drink whiskey and fight.

They’d get to fighting because one of them got broke and when one of them lose all their money they get mad at you and want to fight somebody. That’s the way it was but it used to scare me to death. My mother left when I was a year old, so my daddy raised me and twelve boys. My mother had the rest of ‘em.

I didn’t know nothing about no blues music but my dad did. One of my friends, a white friend of mine down the road from me, had a guitar. His daddy had bought it for Christmas – a guitar and amplifier, they wanted twenty dollars for it. So I ran back to my house and tell my daddy about it. My dad told him to bring it on up, so they did. He got it and paid him twenty dollars for it and he started playing that thing. That’s when it started. Man, my dad was playing that thing and I can look back now and see the sounds that he was doing.

Muddy Waters, ‘cause man he could do that stuff and then I found out he used to play with B. B. King way back in the day but he couldn’t get out and to on the road ‘cause he had to play, and work in the fields.

So B.B. King came down from Indianola around all those places and my daddy used to run down those places but anyway he was doing all that stuff and then I had two brothers start playing. My daddy formed this band and they started playing and he’d have his friends come over. They was just a blues band they didn’t have no name and come to find out that my daddy he had had a band way back before then, him and some of his first cousins. I mean these guys could sing and they started coming back over when he got the band together and sometimes we would go to their house and we’d have a blues thing going.

I decided to break out in 1988 and started coming to the Delta and the first man I met was T. Model Ford. Me and him hooked up and I played with him for about three years just locally. Just coming down from Pontotoc, down to Greenville, and then me and him split up and I got my own thing going. I got a blues band and I’ve got a one man band act too. The band is called Terry ‘Harmonica’ Bean and His Blues Band.

I play some of the Mississippi juke joint places and that’s to black folks. The juke joints are all gone now; they tore them down in Pontotoc County. The last one that was there was Junior Kimbrough’s place and it got burnt down. I like music and if it’s got a good sound to it, I’ll listen to it. Now I ain’t no rapper, I’m not into that, to me that ain’t no music. Music I like is Bukka White, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed and all these guys. I try and keep peoples like Muddy Waters,Howlin’ Wolf and all these guys that have passed on, I try and bring ‘em back.

I cut an album called ‘Here I Am’ by Terry ‘Harmonica’ Bean and His Blues Band that was done in Helena, Arkansas. One side of the CD is done with the band, the other side is a one man band. My first record was called ‘Jus Messin’ Aroun’, I done go no more of them. I’m going to get some more of them done.

I’ve been doing some stuff with Slick Ballinger and he’s signed with a label out of Nashville and he wanted me to join him but I couldn’t because what he does is good but it’s not my thing. I’m looking at something else. I just wanna get out and play. I ain’t looking to get rich. If the good Lord lets me do what I wanna do I’m rich. I’d like to make a little money out of it but I want to get out and play and have fun. What gets me about the blues is that I could be out playing and old peoples come around and they get the beat and they hang around and it makes their day. Because they ain’t heard that stuff for so long and when they hear it, it makes them happy and it makes me happy.

Article appeared in Blues & Rhythm Interview conducted by Mike Stephenson in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in August 2004 Thanks to Roger Stolle of Cat Head record store in Clarksdale

Recommended listening:

‘Jus Messin’ Roun’:‘Rockin’ In The Dirty South’: ‘Here I Am Baby’ all self released and available from CD Baby at www.cdbaby. com or from Cat Head Records.

Saturday 13th December 2008

LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

LIVE at Castor Village Hall
Saturday 29th November 2008

There is no way I am qualified to review what may be termed as a soul blues performance, and I hesitate to call this a review, but last night I witnessed what surely must have been one of the greatest emotionally drenched performances ever to have hit a British venue.

I cannot draw upon comparisons, and perhaps only in the third segment of the set did I recognise some standards, by which time the audience quietened down a little after all the shouting, screeching and hollering. I had fully expected somebody to fling themselves on to the floor in writhing ecstasy, and even this would not have surpassed David Dee’s almost 3 hour performance At times burying his Flying V into his crotch and being rhythmically egged on by the band, he continued to and twist and turn his “shaft” to vocal appreciation of the audience, this visually was only matched by David’s apparent appetite for a fret board lunch, licking the strings and gnawing with his teeth. Most of the time his face was contortioned, with eyes closed as if in deep pain, or again was it ecstasy, then a sudden release of the tension and now moon walking away from the mic., leaping up and down, pivoting, slowly collapsing to his knees and winding back up again with his axe revolving in circles. Stepping off the stage at least 3 times, as many times as he changed costume, semi duck walking towards the raving audience, he took the opportunity of sitting down in the front row, a chair given up by Dave Carroll, and alongside “Soulboy” John Jolliffe and immediately in front of me. Hands shot out all around out to touch the man, and John looked on wide eyed as the MASTER sat back relaxed, picking notes and watching his band from a punters position. A wonderful photo opportunity, which many took up. Dave Williams to the right of me had his arms in the air most of the night, a beam as wide as Gerard is tall, and eyes in the back of my head caught Woodies - Dickie Tapp, the Dave Thomas family, Scottish Mick on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the next soul crunching experience. Even the kitchen staff who had handed out seasonal aperitifs and mince pies to all were dancing in the kitchen.

The Dave Thomas band provided an un-intrusive sympathetic backdrop, merely enhancing each stage of the emotions played out before them and us. Dave was given opportunities to take up lead, and at times David Dee seemed in awe of James Goodwin, the piano-man, judging by his smile. The American, John Higgerson, lead guitar and musical director offered up searing guitar runs filling in David’s strings stroking and caressing style. Drums and bass drove the tempo and dropped the crescendo without falter.

Special credit must go to Ian, the sound man, who had no problem in climbing on stage during a couple of heart wrenching soliloquies to quickly resolve the odd glitch or two.

If this performance was a gourmet feast, it would have been a digestible 24 carat diamond, wrapped in platinum and layered with a thick richness of crème de la soul.

As I say, I have no qualifications to give even a reasonable review of the evening, since no records in my collection would reflect what I heard, and my soul-blues knowledge is zilch plus one, I therefore wait in eager anticipation for the critical detail from others.

My thanks to Bill Millar who having seen David Dee at Utrecht implied I should not miss this one, and great to see so many Woodies who surely must agree that this was $100 to the pound value for money.

Another fantastic Gerard Homan success, a legend in his own time.

Oh, and as per David Dee’s famous hit, so they say, I’m now “Gone Fishing

Ken Major - member for the ‘Woodies’ R&B/R&R/Blues/Soul fraternity

Friday 28th November 2008
Elmore James Jnr
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

LIVE at Castor Village Hall
Saturday 29th November 2008

Elmore James Jnr is a fine laid-back down-home bluesman steeped in the tradition of an earlier generation. He was superbly accompanied at both gigs by The Big Joe Louis Band who appear eat and drink this music on a daily basis. Elmore, for his part, possesses a wonderfully expressive voice and plays a simplistic slide guitar style that is the antithesis of today’s ‘in your face’ rock blues guitarists. The respect and empathy between Elmore and the band was obvious and immediate as was confirmed by the Friday night five-minute standing ovation half way through the first set – despite having no more than forty minutes of rehearsal time.

The format for each set was similar and consisted of Joe taking the first couple of numbers. He then handed over the mike to Elmore who then sang three or four songs before strapping on his guitar and ‘sliding’ gently for the rest of the set. His repertoire was made up of some originals, a number of his daddy’s hits, plus a few choice down-home classics. The form was always 12bar, the key was generally the same and the tempo seldom moved faster than a slow trot. Joe Louis on guitar, Wes Weston on harmonica and James Goodwin on piano revelled in the freedom that this formula gave. On numerous occasions over the two nights the fills, solos and ensemble work were truly inspirational. These were indeed master classes in understated down-home blues.

Highlights in Stamford included the excellent ‘Greenwood Mississippi Line’, a lovely ‘Dust My Broom’ a brilliant personalised version of Jimmy Rodgers song of lost love ‘That’s All Right’ and Wes Weston’s fantastic chromatic harmonica solo that brought the house down. (Sorry I can’t remember the song). Castor’s highlights were Joe’s excellent rocking ‘She Said Yes, I Said No’, James Goodwin’s boogie with the band, ‘Cummins Prison Farm’, Junior’s own ‘Ida Mae’ and a cracking version of ‘Steppin' With Elmore’

These were two delightful evenings of no-frills down-home blues. I am currently listening to the Castor tapes for the third time and I am still surprised by just how magnificent the interplay between Elmore and the band was.

Friday 24th October 2008
Tommy Brown
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 25th October 2008
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

78 year old Tommy Brown from Atlanta, Georgia, with two 50’s billboard hits under his belt and a 72 year professional history as a dancer, singer, drummer and comedian performing in The Village Hall at Castor! You couldn’t have believed it in your wildest dreams – yet here he was singing, dancing, prat-falling and telling jokes whilst cajoling the Catfish Kings to wail and blast behind him. The band were more that happy to oblige with pianist Big Al stomping ‘Atlanta Boogie’, ‘House By The Railroad Tracks’, and numerous high energy tracks almost to death whilst tenor player Geoff Hearne and baritone player Small Sarah roared behind him. The remainder of this excellent band consisted of Dick Middleton, guitar; Kingsnake Roberts. Bass; Tony Gill, drums; and bandleader Harry Lang on rhythm guitar who collectively worked their socks off. Tommy sang mainly his own back catalogue but ‘Chains of Love’. a version of the old Joe Turner hit, was exceptionally beautiful. ‘Weepin & Cryin’ ended the night on a high note and the exhausted audience wended their way back home with a smile on their face. Three hours of heavenly bliss.

This revue first appeared in Blues in Britain.

Friday 26th September 2008
Travis Haddix
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 27th September 2008
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

Sunday 28th September 2008
Supper Appearance at The Great Northern Hotel

It was a real pleasure to see this Ohio based singer and guitarist in the UK with the added bonus of his full five piece horn heavy band. Thanks go to Gerard Homan for bringing this crew to the country, and I expect that Travis and Gerard must have been very pleased by the capacity crowd turnout.

It is quite remarkable that over the past few years Gerard has turned this village hall into a hotbed of a venue where you can hear and see some of the finest, in the main African/American, blues acts on the modern regional blues scene. This during a period when you are hard pressed to find quality USA blues acts in any venues in the UK.

From the outset it was clear that this was going to be a great evening’s worth of music, with Travis and band on top form throughout their three sets. Travis is a truly gifted guitar player of the mellow kind. Having his band with him, who know his every move and who can build a number to the max with pinpoint precision and with the two horn players adding to the dynamics of each song, made the whole evening a consummate blues experience.

The only remaining question is why is this artist, who is also a gifted songwriter, is not better know that he is? Stage choreography from Travis and band, and them wearing matching suits etc, all added to the atmosphere.

Pretty much all-original material from the crew was also an added bonus as was Travis’ long time musical director, trumpet player and song arranger Jeff Hager’s flamboyant stage presence. When Travis gets into those beautifully executed slow soulful blues numbers, where the brass do all the things they should do, he is at his best. There were lots of such numbers during the evening, including ‘Winners Never Quit’, ‘I’ve Got A Secret’, Latimore’s classic ‘Let’s Straighten It Out’, ‘Backwood Baby’ and Staghorn Street’.

He finished off each set with ‘Two Heads Are Better Than One’, which became more risqué as the evening progressed. For variety, funk was also heard at times during the sets.

Special mention should be made of the subtle frills during the numbers from piano player Gill Zachary who took some walloping solos of his own. Great evening, great venue, great music, great organisation and come back soon Travis. And it was good to see some young faces in the audience who were clearly enthralled by the music.

By Mike Stephenson
Blues & Rhythm

Friday 25th April 2008
Mojo Buford
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

The evening began with three wonderful instrumentals on the upright piano from the always brilliant Jamie Goodwin. He was then joined on stage by the band which consisted of Tommy Allen on guitar/vocals, Chris Lomax on bass and MoJo’s manager/drummer Doug McMinn. Tommy bravely threw himself into a sing-a-long number that placed the evening’s entertainment into the ‘Stadium Rock-Blues’ camp. Any thoughts that we might have had regarding hearing Mojo’s 60’s Chicago style blues were firmly put to one side. Amps were cranked up and we had to settle down and enjoy some ‘good old rock & roll’. George joined them on stage and entered into the spirit of the evening singing and playing harp for all he was worth. Tommy and Chris kept the excitement high by tweaking the volume and it slowly dawned on the audience that they were possibly in the presence of the next big ‘British Blues Guitarist’. Ever inventive and obliging Tommy even helped George out on vocals during the second version of ‘Mojo Working’ and it was interesting to hear the number played as a country and western tune with some nice T-Bone Walker guitar references. Tommy’s own set was Chuck Berry etc; but he did take time out to play a tribute to his favourite blues artist Tom Waits. Most of the audience loved it and I certainly danced the night away.

The only problem was that George Buford spent the whole evening playing covers of Muddy Waters songs and in this I feel he was done a great disservice. I know much is made of his association with Muddy Waters; however, he was much more than this and has made some wonderful records of his own. It is these slabs of vinyl that ultimately will become his legacy. If the band had taken the time to rehearse some of these Minneapolis classic recordings the evening would probably have been one to savour and remember. So, an enjoyable night but, sadly, a missed opportunity.

Saturday 12th April 2008
Doug MacLeod
LIVE at St Kyneburgha's Church, Castor

If you have seen Doug before you will know how good his shows are. With his interesting introductions and tales of the road leading into personal songs. Some are sad, some humorous, but all are held together by his sparse and ‘just right’ guitar playing. This time there was much more and I’m sure that the atmosphere of the beautiful St. Kyneburgha’s Church had a special effect on him.

If I was to mention the evening’s highlights I would have to list most of the two and a half hours worth of songs. However, there were two numbers which towered above all the others; the first was ‘This Old River’ - a tribute to a friend who recently died of cancer. Halfway through the song his eyes filled and his voice cracked and was so full of emotion that it was as though we were voyeurs at a personal introspection. The second was ‘I Respectfully Decline’ a song of pathos together with a yearning voice and a slide guitar accompaniment that shimmered and shook so very slowly that it almost had the audience in tears. Both numbers ended in almost stunned silence before the audience erupted.

As numerous people said on the night ‘This was the work of pure genius’

Saturday 15th March 2008
Boo Boo Davis
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

I had long awaited Boo Boo’s Shakedown gig and I guess my mild disappointment with the first set may have been a reaction to high expectations. There was also a few gremlins lurking within the new PA system and Jan Mittendorp’s playing simultaneously bass and guitar through separate amps may have added to my unease. Certainly Boo Boo’s accent left me wondering after each number exactly what had I been listening to and his abrupt ending of the set ten minutes early definitely unsettled me. The sound men scurried about during the break sorting out their problems.

The second set kicked in in fine form with a majority of the problems solved. Boo Boo thanked Dave for this on numerous occasions and sang many songs from his three Black & Tan CD’s. Jan Mittendorp and the drummer gelled beautifully and the grooves began to get deeper and by the time they got to ‘Killing Floor’ the audience was entranced. ‘The Snake’ followed and was one of the highlights of the evening with Jan’s unusual droning bass pattern and Boo Boo’s Wolf styled vocals energised the ‘boogie hall’ head bangers. Then seemingly in mid flight Boo Boo again ended this set early and bizarrely wished the audience a safe journey home. Management had to quickly step up on stage to announce that, as usual, there would be a third set.

By the start of the third set it was obvious that Jack Daniels had been added to the line-up and this oiling of the wheels accounted for a more relaxed feel. Boo Boo, Jan and John laid back and worked their way through ‘Gotta Keep Your Car Locked’, ‘East St Louis’, ‘Hard-Times’, and ‘All Night Long’ – a ‘Moanin’ At Midnight’ derivative. For me this was the closest you were going to get to Wolf and the grooves were great for dancing to. Another fine night in Castor.

Saturday 16th February 2008
Shorty Billups
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

Shorty Billups had been in England before, way back in the 70’s, as the drummer with the Oscar Toney Jnr Band, but this was his first appearance in Europe as the star of the show. Flying in from Boston, Mass; especially for this one off Shakedown performance he teamed up with the excellent Dave Thomas Band to work his way through his back catalogue of original material plus covers of standards by people with whom he had worked with over the years. Most of the songs appeared on either his retrospective selection on Solid Gold ‘Alone With Shor’ty’ as he now likes to be called, or the recently recorded ‘Shor’ty’s Got The Blues’ on the same label. An extroverted, snazzy dressing, ladies man, Shor’ty, was everything the audience needed to warm them up on a bitterly cold night.

Throughout the three sets he joked, danced, changed costumes and cajoled both the band and the audience to enjoy themselves and ‘have a good time’. This they did, clapping along with the ‘Hoochie Coo’ and learning to dance a rude version of ‘Walking The Dog’. This was Southern Juke Joint fare and the crowd loved it.

He continued by milking his own hit from the 50’s ‘Bend A Little’ for all it was worth and ‘Five Long Years’ was surprisingly heartfelt with Shor’ty betraying his gospel roots. ‘Heavy Women (Excite Me)’ was a hoot and Johnny Copelands ‘Rain’ was excellent. The band cooked behind him throughout as though it was just a regular Saturday night gig, with the brilliant pianist Jamie Goodwin together with Stewart Aitken on bass and Ricky Martin’s ex drummer Carlos Palarto following Shor’ty’s every move. Saxophonist Laurie A’Court played out of his skin with fine fills and excellent thoughtful solos. Dave Thomas opened each set with two or three numbers, sometimes with Jamie on piano and other times with the full band. For the remainder of the time whilst Shor’ty was on stage he played guitar intuitively never getting in the way and as with ‘Sky Is Crying’ was at times startlingly inventive.

This was yet another wonderful Shakedown session with the barmaids doing a wild and raunchy synchronized boogie to the delight of the beer swilling doctors and solicitors who frequent this unique Blues club.

Blues in Britain Review by R.C in Issue 76

Friday 18th January 2008
Emanuel Young and Howard Glazer
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 19th January 2008
Emanuel Young and Howard Glazer
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

The start of our winter/spring programme brought 69 year old 'unknown' Detroit bluesman Emanuel Young for a weekend of gigs with band leader Howard Glazer. In Stamford Howard took the first 30 minutes to play fine acoustic renditions from his Random Chance CD's. It was well received with the audience doing a sing-a-long with 'Gas Pump Blues' and 'Liquor Store Legend'. In Castor these were played two at a time at the start of each set with a similar reaction from the audience. For the remainder of both evenings Howard was content to play excellent guitar alternating with Emanuel between rhythm and lead. It was obvious that the two had played regularly together and their interplay and empathy was a joy to watch and hear.

Five minutes into Emanuel's first set in Stamford he taught us that 'obscurity' does not always equate with talentless. Similarly, playing standards does not have to result in slavish and boring copies. What we were presented with at both venues was a series of exciting interpretations of songs including 'Let Your Hair Grow Bald', 'C.C Rider', 'Hound-Dog', 'Down The Road I Go', 'I,m Tore Up', 'Wang Dang Doodle', and a wonderful 'Rock Me Mamma'. Each one was sung with so much feeling that you had the impression that these songs were autobiographical. Emanuel has an excellent voice, lovely guitar style and bucket loads of charisma. Why he has remained virtually unknown over the years is a mystery.

There was a wonderful atmosphere at both venues and Ma Grinder's Blues Mission (third edition) was choc-a-block full of great musicians happy to groove all night long. A quick name check Tim Newcombe, piano; Mick Castalano, bass; Carlos Parlato, drums; with horn players Alex Moore, trumpet; and Louis Slack, tenor. The highlight for me was the Castor version of Emanuel's signature tune and brilliantly funky instrumental 'Ride That Train'. What a show!

Friday 7th December 2007
Muddy Waters Junior
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 8th December
Muddy Waters Junior
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

Click here to see a short clip

Mudd Morganfield, as we must now call Muddy Waters Jnr, walked onto the stage in Castor to thunderous applause and proceeded to tear the place apart. Having complained of a sore throat minutes before hand I was astonished to hear his full voice delivery from the off.

Three great sets later the audience would not let him leave the hall and a second ‘Mojo’ of the evening left him and the quite stupendous band exhausted but happy.

Highlights abounded but ’40 Days’, ‘I’m A Man’ and ‘I’m Ready’ were brilliant and it was good to hear him debut the excellent self-penned ‘I’m Satisfied’. This man has great stage presence and will go far.

And the band – well each once deserves a name check with Big Joe Louis delighting the crowd with his duet with Pete Wingfield on ‘See My Jumper’ and his solo ‘Skinny Woman’. Wes Weston’s Walterish harp was fantastic – never too much and never too little and Pete’s ensemble and solo work would have done Spann proud and the powerhouse combination of Matt Radford’s bass and Peter Greatorex drums was everything you could have wanted.

Let’s do it again sometime.

Friday 2nd November 2007
Louis 'Gearshifter' Youngblood
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

Gearshifter in a five hour marathon gave the Shakedown audience all it could possibly want. Tommy Johnson's 'Big Road Blues' sat comfortably next to Tyron Davis' 'Last Two Dollars' and 'Kidman Blues' was followed by 'Bang Bang on the Headboard'.

Pre-war, post-war, R&B, electric, acoustic and soul-blues. You name it - he played it. All of us who were there were privileged to listen to a gentle giant of Southern/Mississippi blues. Forget the dead - Louis is the real deal.

Friday 26th October 2007
Lou Pride
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

According to David Popple Lou looked fitter and Mo’ Indigo was ‘tighter’ than last year. The Play set, according to Dick Cartmel, was more or less the same as before and the capacity audience left wanting more. I was in Vietnam and look forward to seeing him next time round.

Friday 5th October 2007
Joe Jonas & The Whalers
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 6th October 2007
Joe Jonas & The Whalers
LIVE at The Castor Village Hall

Joe’s harp playing was good, but his strong voice and charismatic presence on stage set him apart from the pack. The song list was covers peppered with self-penned numbers – rather than the other way around – but like B.B. King they all came out sounding fresh and exciting.

Friday night had that 'getting to know you' tension between the band and the headliner with Jimmy Reed's 'Baby What You Want Me To Do' being a classic example of this. The band kicked off playing a rather unusual riff whilst Joe was obviously expecting the usual Jimmy Reed riff. This made him chuckle and the audience wondered how it would resolve itself. Needless to say it turned out brilliantly. His 'hits' 'Hustler', 'Big House Shuffle' and 'Mojo Backfire' were aired on both nights as were 'Members Only' and 'Nobody's Business'. These latter two were the highlights on both evenings for me but everyone seemed to have their own favourites. The autobiographical 'Life Was Cold' was featured in Castor whilst the Arts Centre audience were treated with 'Scratch My Back' during the warm up.

A big plug for Dave Thomas with James Goodwin on piano opening up each set. As the sets progressed this duo format just got better and by the time they tackled Jimmy Roger’s ‘That’s Alright’ in Charles Brown fashion (Dave said he picked it up from Mose Allison!) most of us were agreed that we could listen to them all night. Then of course there was the band itself with Stuart Aitkin on bass, Carlos on drums and Laurie on sax – all of whom were tight, restrained and just perfect. The audience left having given both nights a standing ovation and clutching CD’s.

Wednesday 12th September 2007
Roy Bookbinder
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Thirty six years after his last Shakedown session Roy was back, still talking his head off and playing great blues. ‘Tales of yesteryear’ were in dispersed with new and old songs both borrowed and self written. Amongst the latter his poignant tribute to the Reverend Gary Davis ‘Just Waitin’ On The Lord’ was outstanding, his collaboration with Jazz Gillum exceptional and ‘Rag Mama’ was just as I remembered it.

The highlight of the evening was the long humorous introduction into Davis’s ‘Hesitation Blues’ and his take on Pink’s ‘Travellin’ Blues’. The audience went home happy and they cleared Roy out of CD’s much to my irritation as I still have not got the latest album. Maybe next time.

Wednesday 8th August 2007
Franklin & Baytop
LIVE at St. Kyneburgha Church

These artists are relatively unknown in the blues community at large but on the evidence of this concert do not deserve to be so. Both hail from Washington DC but theirs is the music of the Carolina's and Virginia artists that they heard in America's capital whilst growing up. Archie Edwards, Warner Williams, John Jackson and Mr Bones were their mentors but Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Dan Stokes and the Reverend Gary Davis were the originators.

Saturday 23rd June 2007
Big George Brock
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

It was worth being discharged from hospital early to be able to attend this wonderful evening of 'Downhome Style' blues by George Brock who fits his 'Big' appellation to a T. In possession of a large frame, a strong voice and a harsh 'Wolf' style harmonica he would have commanded the attention of the audience even if he hadn't been wearing his snappy light blue suit.

Whilst not being quite with-it most of the night I do remember excellent version of Wolf's 'Smokestack Lightnin' and 'Shake for Me' together with 'Hard Times', '44 Blues' and a Jimmy Reed number with the proceedings ending with a favourite of George Brock's 'Burden Down'. I was worried about Big George's knees during the strange little 'Coven' act in the second half which reminded me of Macbeth but apart from that I also remember that the music was as good as it gets. They even played 'Sweet Home Chicago' and 'Mojo Working' without me getting annoyed - perhaps it was the pills! Bill Able supported sympathetically on guitar and the Birmingham based bass player and drummer fitted in beautifully.

Saturday 26th May 2007
Little Willie Littlefield
LIVE at The Castor Village Hall

The irrepressible bundle of fun that is Willie Littlefield has scant regard for ‘borders’ when it comes to choosing material for an evenings entertainment. With an almost limitless repertoire he usually peppers his sets liberally with transposed versions of country, pop or show tunes that has the audience grinning at the inappropriateness of the material and applauding at the performance. For his second Shakedown performance Willie stamped his feet and pounded the piano to fine versions of, amongst others, ‘Chicken Shack’, ‘Kansas City’, ‘I Can’t Help It’, ‘Gone Fishing’ and the dreadful ‘Spanish Eyes’. If the had worked his way through the telephone directory none of us would have cared. Two wonderful sets left the audience drained but happy by this larger than life ‘great ball of fire’.

Dave Thomas had the unenviable task of being the support act sandwiched in-between Willie’s sets. Dave was a little tentative at first (this was the first time that he had played solo for at least 40 years) but as the set progressed he became increasingly confident. He has a good voice, excellent timing, lovely guitar work and a genuine feel for the music. I loved his ‘Cruising in my Subaru’. We will see him with his band later on in the year backing one of our ‘Downhome’ artists.

Ramblings of a Promoter

About 1 o’clock in the morning, with myself and a few other diehards finishing off a bottle of red wine, Willie climbed onto the stage and began quietly playing a set of rolling California Blues from the 1950’s. After about thirty minutes I requested Charles Brown’s ‘Drifting Blues’ and was rewarded by over an hours worth of material by Brown, Floyd Dixon and Amos Milburn. A truly magical end to the night and his almost uncanny recreation of Charles Brown’s ‘Trouble Blues’ reminded me of what attracted me to the music.

Friday 27th April 2007
Eddie Taylor Jnr
with Big Joe Louis Band
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 28th April 2007
Eddie Taylor Jnr
with Big Joe Louis Band
LIVE at The Castor Village Hall

David and I had seen and heard Eddie Taylor Junior on stage in Lucerne and we nervously wondered if we could re-create the relaxed sound of The Chicago All-Stars in Stamford. A couple of minutes into the warm up by The Big Joe Louis Band with Orlando Shearer, bass; Peter Greatorex, drums and 'on form' Wes Weston, harmonica (his solos were a great hit with the audience) we knew all would be well. The band was tight and controlled and when after two numbers Eddie joined them on stage he slotted in seamlessly like a hand into a well fitting glove. His understated singing and guitar work wove a spell on the audience and band alike. The journey through the classic Chicago song book was exhilarating.

It was more of the same at Castor with the line-up augmented by the excellent Matt Empson on piano who added yet another dimension to the band. With Eddie at the helm this band was simply the best at playing Chicago blues, swings and shuffles that I have heard in the UK for years. Highlights from both nights included Eddie's own 'Worried About My Baby', 'Trying To Play A Mind Game' and 'Red Hot Mama' his Dads 'Bad Boy', 'Big Town Play Boy' and 'I Feel So Bad' together with Big Joe's solo performances of 'Skinny Mama'. I should also mention that after the show at the Village Hall, I suddenly realised that they had managed to play 'Mojo Working' and 'Sweet Home Chicago' on both nights without me getting irritated by these hoary old chestnuts. How did they manage that? I guess it must be class.

Two wonderful nights spoilt only by Air France's incompetence regarding Eddie's lost luggage including his father's guitar. The luggage and guitar were eventually delivered to him three days after his return to Chicago.

Sunday 4th March 2007 - 4.30pm
Doug MacLeod
LIVE at Quayhole Kates

Back to Quayhole Kates where Shakedown was revived a couple of years ago; Doug MacLeod presented us with a wonderful program of country style blues with great attitude and finesse. Relaxed and engaging, his often autobiographical songs and stories flowed seamlessly for almost three hours. His deep, first hand knowledge of various regional styles were taught to him on the road by the early masters with whom he travelled and he adheres to their many and varied admonition's such as 'Don't Sing About Nothin' You Ain't Experienced' or 'It Ain't How Many Notes You Play It's How You Play Them That Makes Folks Listen'.

Mining his considerable back catalogue we were treated to classic MacLeod's like the haunting 'Long Black Train' from his first 1984 album on Hightone, the song for his lady of the night 'Raylene' from the Stomp CD in 1989, 'Bus With No Destination' about a love going nowhere from the 1996 Audioquest CD and the humorous ode to larger ladies 'Turkey Leg Woman' from the 2006 Black and Tan CD. 'Still Some Smoke' from 1987 would have made it perfect - buy hey you can't have everything!

See you again next year Doug.

Friday 9th February 2007
Doc Blakey
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 10th February 2007 - 8pm
Doc Blakey
LIVE at Castor Village Hall

www.youtube.com/user/docblakey

The audience on Friday night in Stamford was sadly depleted due to weather forecasts of 'black ice'. Those intrepid fans who did venture out were treated to an excellent evening of incendiary blues from the 40 year old bluesman from Nashville, Tennessee whose debut album has made him a front runner in the 'new blues artist to watch' awards.

Indispersed covers with self penned songs from his 'Blues Never Hurt So Bad' CD, he gelled well with the 'new' Blues Crusaders line-up of Jeremy Watson; bass, Rex Gates; drums, Simon Russell; piano, James Goodwin; hammond, Nick Moore; trumpet, and Lewis Slack; tenor. Doc had come over determined to enjoy himself and wonderful jams on 'Going Down To Louisiana', 'Blues Never Hurt So Bad' and 'Hey Little Angel' had him egging an already manic Simon and Jamie into excelling themselves. There was a lot of showboating but it added to the atmosphere. There was even a spontaneous 'dance' routine onstage with a member of the audience.

The next night in Castor saw Bruno on bass and a couple of hour's rehearsal had him bedded down nicely. The famous village audience arrived early and from the off it was obvious that much of the showboating of the night before was 'out of the programme' and musicianship was now the order of the day. This allowed Doc to play harder and with more focus and the horn players were also able to show off their considerable talent. The song list was basically the same as the night before with the addition of a beautiful minor keys blues 'In My Lonely Room' which Doc had written in bed during the small hours of the previous night whilst jet lagged and thinking of his wife. Pure magic. Muddy's 'Blues Had A Baby' was given a fine makeover as was Lowell Fulson's 'Reconsider Baby'. Strangely Albert King's 'Crosscut Saw' didn't cut the mustard with the band not quite getting the proper groove. Highlight, apart from the new song, was the excellent 'Have The Nerve To Say Goodbye'.

Saturday 13th January 2007 8pm
Artie Blues Boy White & Travis Haddix
LIVE at Longthorpe Memorial Hall

On the 12th of January I made an epic 500 mile round trip to see these two fine artists in the Longthorpe Village Hall, Peterborough in England. They were backed by the Mike Carr Blues Band, which in fact was an excellent modern jazz outfit whose take on blues was very much from the perspective of the likes of Jimmy Smith & Brother Jack McDuff. (Purists note that there is precedent for this. Think Albert King doing Let's Have A Natural Ball and you'll get the idea.) There were three sets of over an hour each. Travis played guitar in a different style to his (excellent) cd's, eschewing effects, for a lovely clean BB King style which perfectly complimented the band's style. Much the same crew had played the Stamford Arts Centre the night before and there had apparently been one or two teething troubles… I'm pleased to say that these had been ironed out by the following evening and I had a great night. Artie has recorded a number of Travis songs, allowing for plenty of synergy. First Thing Tuesday Morning for example is a real killer slow blues and they both did it here. A wry sense of humour permeates it, and many of Travis' songs, which I greatly enjoy. In addition to the original material there were also classics by the likes of Louis Jordan & BB King.

Travis did a top job as master of ceremonies and band leader. He did well to jump around on the crowded stage without demolishing it!

He is an engaging, friendly guy and a dynamic performer who works the crowd very well, on and off stage. Catch him live if you can! You can contact Travis via his website at www.travishaddix.net. Any of his cd's are well worth having especially his self produced ones and you can get them off the site. His excellent 'Company Is Coming' made the long, long drive back to Devon a whole lot more fun. Still waiting to hear from the traffic cops though..

This was Artie's first trip to the UK. I hope that it isn't the last and that he enjoyed it. I certainly did. There aren't many guys left who can sing a slow soul blues like he can. Artie also has a number of excellent cd's available via his website at www.artiewhite.com.

Andy Aitchison from his interesting blog http://screaminandcrying.blogspot.com visit it and see the photos.

Friday 12th January 2007 8pm
Travis Haddix & Artie Blues Boy White
LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

It's difficult to dislike Travis 'Moonchild' Haddix. After the Mike Carr Trio, featuring the leader's splendidly battered vintage Hammond organ, had warmed themselves and us up with the Jack McDuff swinger 'Lou's Place', Haddix strode on stage with a beaming smile and a cheery wave. He got a warm round of applause from the near sell-out crowd at this comfortable, acoustically limpid venue before playing a note.

His music didn't disappoint either. Launching into Louis Jordan's 'Let the Good Times Roll', he displayed a warmly soulful voice and a sharp, clean guitar attack, which he maintained throughout the evening. His songs were notable for their fresh interesting lyrics, and songs such as the slow blues 'Cracking Up Over You' and the loping shuffle 'Sugarlump' showed his capabilities both as performer and composer. His lively onstage manner suggested a man in his forties who'd looked after himself well - can the 1938 birth date in his biography be correct and, if so, can I have some of what he's on!

Artie 'Blues Boy' White, though only a couple of years older, hasn't fared so well. He came onstage painfully slow (this reviewer learned later that he'd suffered a stroke last year, and jetlag wasn't helping him), sand a snappy 'Jody' followed by a string of hilarious and adults-only-jokes, but had to sit down for the rest of his first set which included the cheatin' blues 'Outside Help'. Once could not help but feel for the man; he looked disorientated and needed much musical and moral support from Travis Haddix.

In the second half, a now orange-clad Haddix treated us to more rousing singing and playing on songs such as the slow 'Not A Cloud In The Sky' and the rocking 'Let The Rough Side Drag'.

A similarly resplendent Artie White seemed a little recovered on 'When The Weather Gets Cloudy' and finally, on Elmore James' 'Woke Up This Morning', he found some of the power and feeling which has made him a favourite of this writer since his days at Ichiban Records. But all too soon the show was over.

Apparently at the following evening's gig at a local village hall, a de-jetlagged Artie sang out loud and clear. I wish I'd been there to witness him.

Promoter Gerard Homan is the only guy in the UK bringing non-stadium blues artists over here on a regular basis, and he deserves every success.

Mike Atherton's review in Blues & Rhythm #217.

Thursday 14th December 8pm
Robert 'Wolfman' Belfour
LIVE at Mary The Virgin Church, Marholm

Friday 15th December 06 8pm
Robert 'Wolfman' Belfour
Live at Stamford Arts Centre

Another sell-out concert, this time in the beautiful 12th century Marholm Village Church. It had been sold as an intimate candlelight concert and so it came to pass. Before the concert Robert had decided that, for religious reasons, he did not wish to sing gospel music. He was also somewhat unsettled by playing in the church and it took the Reverend William Burks assurances that it was fine to go ahead with the blues concert to calm him down.
Robert kicked off with Junior Parkers' 'Further On Up The Road' and then worked his way through his extensive repertoire including 'Pushin' My Luck' , 'Hobo Blues' 'Bad Luck and Trouble', 'Baby Please Don't Go'. 'Breaking My Heart', 'I Got My Eyes On You' and best of all the brilliant re-working of that hoary Muddy anthem 'Mojo Working'. Whatever the source of these songs, by the time Robert had finished re-moulding them they sounded like originals.

The following night in Stamford the repertoire was similar but included some surprises like 'What I Say' and 'Down Home Blues' and a great version of Howlin Wolf's 'Smokestack Lightnin'. All too soon, the final number was called and Robert re-tuned his guitar into 'cross Spanish' and launched into a truly stunning version of 'Mattie Mae' which then garnered a fantastic 'Boogie Chillun' as an encore. This was rural dance music from the Mississippi Hill Country at its finest and his intricate 'note playing' style had the audience entranced. Wonderful.
If, like everyone living in Marholm, you did not attend the concerts, he will be in London in April. Try to see him

Friday 24th November 8pm
Lou Pride
with The Mo' Indigo Blues Band

LIVE at Stamford Arts Centre

We knew that Lou Prides' sell-out concert would be good but we had no idea that it would be brilliant. From the very start he held the audiences attention with a 'voice to die for' and an engaging patter. Sometimes serious, 'Words of Caution' and sometimes hokum, 'John Lee' (Hooker), his show was all that we could have wished for. Highlights for the audience included the lovely 'Bringing Me Back Home', the plaintiff 'You Were Never Mine' and his huge hit 'I'm Comin' Home in The Morning'. I even enjoyed the inevitable 'Sing-a-long-with-Lou'. A big hand for Mo' Indigo who kept it together and never played a note too many.
The audience left with a big smile on their faces and a truck load of CD's were sold. For all those who were unable to buy a ticket, don't despair, we will bring him back.

Friday 20th October 8pm
Millage Gilbert
Live @ Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 21st October 8pm
Millage Gilbert
Live @ Village Hall, Castor

Millage is a good guitarist and harmonica player who possess an astonishing voice and an eye for the ladies. He and the Big Joe Louis Trio had played together at the 'Ain't Nothin' But' Blues Bar in London the previous night so that most of the tentativeness and wrinkles had been ironed out by the time they took to the stage in Stamford. Still, the first set remained restrained with Millage taking few chances with material and the band settling down to an evening of 'Sky is Crying', 'Last Night', Jimmy Reed and the Excello song book. In amongst the usual suspects, however, was the wonderfully salacious 'Hoochie Mama' and the brilliantly predatory 'Rooster on a Hen' performed 'down-home' style! This was exactly what the audience wanted and demand for his CD's in the break was heavy.

Then Big Joe took to the stage with a stunning solo version of 'Skinny Woman' which took me, Millage and the audience by surprise. Millage sat up, laughed, clapped and took up the challenge. Digging deep we were fed up with superb versions of Roosevelt's '44 Blues' (I've not heard this played live since Little Bros. Montgomery's Halcyon gig 30 odd years ago!) Calvin Leavy's frightening 'Cummins' Prison Farm' (I've never heard this live!) and his own great 'Waitin' at the Station'. Millage was flying and the band, tight and crisp, were simply marvellous. This was all it was meant to be.

The following night was billed as 'Soul-Blues' a genre which has sadly been all but ignored by both blues and soul aficionados in the UK. In the event, however, Millage did not understand our obsession with labels and he simply played the blues. We did have excellent soul blues in the form of 'I Play The Blues For You', 'Let's Straighten It Out', 'Cheatin' Love' and 'I Intend To Take Your Place', together with his own 'I Don't Need Your Help To Get The Blues' and my own favourite 'I Wonder Why', but we also received a bucket load of 'Scratch My Back', Jimmy Reed and a lovely 'Born in Mississippi'. Did it matter? Well not to the Shakedown audience who have come to accept these mixes as a matter of course.

The Blues Crusaders need a special mention for manfully climbing the 'soul-blues' barricade with only the minimum of rehearsal. Thankfully Jeremy's 18 hour marathon of listening and charting Millage's recordings paid off handsomely with the odd minor hitch that only the truly finicky noticed.

Thursday 10th August
Ethel Caffie-Austin
Live @ St Kyneburgha Church, Castor

Ethel and Delnora took some time to settle, but after Ethel had told us about her grandfather who was born into slavery and also of how she would scold her guitar playing father at church for playing 'blues licks' - she had the audience in the palm of her hands. This was all by way of an introduction to a medley of old time spirituals. Then, as she sang a beautiful version of 'Motherless Child' she quietly wept. An unbelievable moving moment.

As the surprisingly intimate concert progressed it became obvious that Ethel was deserving of her 'First Lady of Gospel' billing. A fine singer and excellent rock solid piano player she seemed intent on touching hearts and minds as she worked through a potted history of Black Gospel music with Delnora on 'sticks', washboard and tambourine. highlights included 'His Eye Is On The Sparrow', Mahalia's 'Move on up' - which was quite stunning - the old chestnut 'Amazing Grace' and the James Cleveland penned number - the name of which eludes me - which conjured up Aretha Franklin.

Midway through the second set, Delnora told us that three years ago she had been in a meningitis induced ten day coma from which she was never expected to recover. Since then she had not sung in public, (which explained her pitch problems). She then sang an emotional 'Thank You Jesus' for her miraculous recovery. After which she sat down and wept uncontrollably whilst Ethel ran through a rockin' version of 'Down By The Riverside'.

The show ended with a five minute standing ovation - which said it all.

See Paul Warings review in Blues & Rhythm 213

Friday 22nd September
Robert Penn
Live @ Stamford Arts Centre

Saturday 23rd September
Robert Penn
Live @ Village Hall, Castor

A hyped up Robert Penn tore through an eclectic mix of blues, soul, motown and 'What a wonderful world' in an amazing 'solo' set at The Stamford Arts Centre. Towards the end of an exhausting two hours I felt as though I was listening to a human jukebox. Terrific Stuff.

See review in Blues & Rhythm

The next night at The Village Hall was more of the same but this time with the fine Blues Crusaders augmented by the wonderful Snake Davis, tenor and Alex Moore on trumpet. Throughout Robert manically directed the band and with a sell-out audience egging him on, this was the nearest thing Castor will get to a chitlin circuit show this side of the pond. Some of it was show-boating but there was loads of great blues amongst the crowd pleasers.

Highlights over the two days were his self penned 'When You Touch Me'; 'I Got Love For You Baby' and 'Tired of Sneaking Around With You'. When it was all over there was lots of talk about him headlining a Castor festival next year. Let me hear you say yeah!

See review in Juke Blues

Thursday 18th May
Little Willie Littlefield
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor

A complete sell out and Willie was utterly brilliant. Please come back again. Reviews will appear in Juke Blues and Blues & Rhythm.

Sunday 23rd April
Doug MacLeod
Live @ The Lakeside Café, Nene Valley, Peterborough

This time around word had got round and the show was sold out. Doug arrived with three minutes to spare, sat down and launched into Long Black Train - his Shakedown signature tune. Having captured the audience he laid back and entertained for three short hours. Sold two boxes of CD's.

Friday 17th March
Wallace Coleman
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre with The Blues Crusaders

Saturday 18th March
Wallace Coleman
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor

A phenomenal Wallace Coleman sang through an absolutely brilliant exhibition of Down Home Blues playing whilst dragging the band kicking and screaming back to the 50's. See Dave William's review Juke Blues # 208.

Frank Ace
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor with The Blues Crusaders

Saturday 18th February
Frank Ace
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre with The Blues Crusaders

The village hall show was meant to be a relaxed run-through for the Saturday concert. In the event, Frank and the band treated the audience with three hours tour de force featuring most of the 'Get On Line' album and a few standards. Exhausting. See Fred Rothwell's write-up in Juke Blues # 61.

The following day was more of the same although, oddly, Frank chose to sing some inappropriate standards like the awful stadium anthem 'Hey Hey The Blues Is Alright' in the first set. After the break it was back to 'Get On Line' material plus first class versions of 'Members Only' and my own favourite 'I Play The Blues For You' with a tight hot groove in which The Blues Crusaders excelled. See Phil Wright's write-up in Blues & Rhythm # 208.

Friday 20th January 2006
Reverend Robert B Jones - Holy Blues II
Live @ St. Kyneburgha's Church Castor - solo performance

Saturday 21st January
Reverend Robert B Jones
Live @ Stamford Arts Centre - solo performance

The church concert was a sell-out, served great mulled wine and was a setting to die for. Robert was the consummate entertainer. Brilliant guitarist, excellent singer, wonderful story teller and a very good song writer. The complete package. He even brought his wife Bernice over to knock out the audience with he powerful voice. Oh, I forgot to add that they are lovely people! For the following day, see Dave William's write-up in Juke Blues #61. Peterborough Evening Telegraph gave the church concert 5*.

Sunday 11th December
Michael Roach
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre - solo performance

Another great performance. Unfortunately I was on holiday in the Maldives. Quelle domage!

Saturday 3rd December
Willie Richardson
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor with Blues Crusaders

Looking a little frail, this 70 year old from St Louis stole the audience's heart with three hours of solid blues mixing standards with self penned numbers. By now Jeremy Watson has taken control of Ma GrInders and 'The Blues Crusaders' were born. Highlight, musically, was a spine chilling 'Sky Is Crying' whilst he endeared himself to the village audience by bursting into tears on the last number and announcing that he was too overcome to carry on. 5* write-up in Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

On returning home, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away on the 28th April 2006.

Sunday 20th November
Otis Taylor Band
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor

Not strictly blues, certainly blues influenced. Superb musicians and wonderful music.

See write up in Juke Blues # 60

Sunday 13th November
Harrison Kennedy
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre - solo performance

Big, hairy, with shades and a tweed jacket, Harrison delighted the audience with numbers from his 'Sweet Taste' and 'Voice Story' CD's. he saved 'Give Me Just A Little More Time' for the audience participation closer. Good fun and highly entertaining.

Tuesday 6th September
James Wheeler
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre with Big Blue House

The audience was bowled over by the wonderfully aggressive rhythms emanating from James' guitar - whilst the excellent Blue House Band drove through his varied songbook. Stunning.

Friday 16th September
Texas Johnny Brown
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre with Ma Grinders Blues Mission II

Like Johnnie Bassett, this man can play anything and it exudes class. See Dave Evans review Juke Blues # 60.

Saturday 8th October
Mississippi T.W Harmonica Bean
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor with Big Blue House

Sunday 9th October
Mississippi T.W Harmonica Bean
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre - solo performanc

Great rough and ready Mississippi Blues with lashings of Little Walter style harmonica with a cooking Big Blue House (who substituted for MA Grinders). Had the audience pleading for more after three hours of hard work. The following day Terry was keen to chill out with the audience and played lots of standards from his various CD's together with a couple of brilliant lengthy Mississippi hill-country style blues numbers. Another three hours which seemed like three minutes.

Saturday 18th June
Alvin Anderson
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor with Ma Grinders Blues Mission II

Sunday 19th June
Little Pink Anderson
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre - solo performance

Alvin rocked Castor with Ma Grinders on the hottest day of the year and the audience loved him. The following afternoon he sat and played guitar and sang mainly standards from his Music Maker CD mixed with soul. However, the highlight of both shows was a beautiful yearning self-penned blues ballad - sorry can't remember the title - which sent tingles down the spine. He should write more.

Sunday 22nd May
Doug Macleod
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre - solo performance

One of the few white artists that I collect. It was a pleasure to meet him. The show was all you could have wanted it to be. He even did a knockout version of 'Long Black Train' from his 1st Hightone LP! Only 35 people attended, but sold 28 CD's.

Saturday 7th May
J.C Billy Davis
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor with Ma Grinders Blues Mission II

Excellent showman (three costume changes). Good repertoire taken from his Blue Teardrops and Scorpio albums. The newly formed 'Ma Grinders Blues Mission' really beginning to come into their own.

Sunday 24th April
Ernie Payne
Live @ The Stamford Arts Centre - solo performance

Great show - I love his 'Nothing Wrong With Texas That Leaving Won't Fix'. Not sure that it is blues - think John Hiatt. Small audience - sold a whole bunch of CD's.

Thursday 24th March
Johnnie Bassett
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor Ma Grinders Blues Mission II

Sublime as always. Sold buckets of CD's. Villagers hanging from the rafters!

Saturday 19th February
Robert Penn
Live @ The Village Hall, Castor with Ma Grinders Blues Mission II

From the off, Robert grabbed the audience by the proverbials. Charismatic stage presence coupled with an abundance of talent. He excelled himself on 'Touch Me' and my own favourite 'If You're Going To Walk Over Our Love Take Off Your Shoes'. Superb performance and another 5* rating in Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

Thursday 6th January 2005
Travis Haddix
Live @ Quayhole Kates, Stamford with Lloyd Watson's Band

Wonderful show which earned a 5* rating in Peterborough Evening Telegraph. Finest moments were excellent versions of 'Andy's', 'Acute Blues Syndrome' and 'Cut Off Your Money' from the 'Blues from Staghorn St' Album. Lovely guitarist and a good friend. Lloyd, as always, gave his all.