Yeah, that’s a big name for what’s becoming quite a sizeable event. Running over the week-end (19th - 21st July) I managed to make the tail end of the event, principally because of the unmissable double-header finale of the Heritage Blues Orchestra and Mud Morganfield. With a handful of bands playing free, on the apron of The Sage, it would have been foolish not to have made the day of it, especially with the air scented by Cajun barbequed chicken and jambalaya.
So, by the time I got there, I did actually miss the first act, not the originally billed Kilcawley Family, but Monkey Junk; however, I did manage to catch most of the alt-country set of Jon Langford. Next up was a spikey little band, Polly & The Billets Doux, with the first of what looked like becoming a running theme - “dog-house” double bass; mixing a little country with some folk and soul and a dash blues. That being the key of the event, if you can’t put a name to the genre, but you know it has an American flavour, then it’s in.
Then it was the turn of ex-Notting Hillbilly, Brendan Croker, with what has to have been the most unusual guitar I’ve seen since John Emil last year. It looked as if someone tried to ram an ordinary acoustic into an Irish Harp - sounded good though, along with Brendan’s smoky delivery of blues, country & folk. Following that, the tempo got kicked up several notches as The Shiverin’ Sheiks took the stage, with another dog-house, and for the next 45 minutes 1,500 people partied like it was 1955. These lads delivered a strong mix of original and self-penned rock ‘n’ roll rockabilly with a hint of gospel & country that managed to crack the overcast skies. I don’t know if they were aware, but on the apron, stage left, they had a sizeable number of folks jiving away; guys, it’s Gateshead, not Guisborough! Quite honestly, if it hadn't been for the night's headliners, I may very well have followed these lads to their evening gig in town. Another good find from Greenose and team JJJ
The band with the oddest name, David Wax Museum were up next, and gave a set of what they describe as Mexo-Americana. Not sure what that means, but with fiddles and accordion, it sure had a swampy, Cajun feel to it, and damn if it wasn’t catchy. Closing the Jumpin’ Hot Outdoor Stage was a bit of a legend, Tom Russell. I mean, this guy has been covered by the likes of Johnny Cash AND Bob Dylan. A superb storyteller in his songs, and that dusty, “cowboy noir” delivery over some Tex-Mex acoustic - what a way to end the session.
So, that moved things inside the main hall at The Sage for the powerful voice of Mud Morganfield. This was old-school blues of the highest order; not basking in the shadow of his legendary father but continuing the legacy. With Ronni Boysen (guitar), West Weston (harp), Eric ? (piano), Ian Jennings ("dog-house" bass) and Mike Hellier (drums) he delivered a set of bouncing Chicago stompers and resonating slower numbers that put a spell on his audience (okay, even I know that was another guy….) some golden oldies, some brand new but classics in the making.
Follow that? Okay - how about the 9 piece Heritage Blues Orchestra? Oh man, where do you even start here? This isn’t so much “old-school blues” as blues history and not so much one “professor” as a whole darn faculty! Spanning the range from work-songs and spirituals, through low-down country right up to brassy New Orleans with fiery jazz infused horns. Leading the fray, the superb voice of Chaney Sims, evoking Nina Simone and then Billie Holliday in a heartbeat, you gotta hear her take of St James Infirmary. On guitar, piano & vocals, Bill Sims Jr balanced by Junior Mack - the experience and talent of these two guys alone….. All backed/aided/supported by Vincent Bucher on harp, Kenny “Beedy-eyes” Smith behind the drums and a 4 piece horn section led by Bruno Wilhelm; Michel Feugere, Jean Gobinet & Didier Havet. What they delivered was pretty much their acclaimed debut album, but just so spellbinding in the acoustically perfect sage Hall One - what an experience.
I’d strongly recommend, if you possibly can, catch HBO, even if like me, you’re not greatly into “old-style” blues, you’ll not hear it delivered with such authority, integrity and passion.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - Bladel, Holland, Totaal Festival (Quintet Show)
Wednesday, July 24, 2013 - Utrecht, Holland - Parade (Quintet Show)
Thursday, July 25, 2013 - July 25 - Leiden, Holland Qbus/Muziekhuis (Quintet Show)
Saturday, July 27, 2013 - Cambridge, England - Cambridge Folk Festival
Wednesday, August 07, 2013 - Heritage Blues Trio Woodbridge Wednesday’s (Trio concert)
Friday, August 09, 2013 - Oakville Jazz Festival (Quintet concert)
Friday, August 09, 2013 - Oakville Jazz Festival, Ontario - Towne Square stage This is a QUINTET Show
Saturday, August 24, 2013 - New York City, USA - BBQ and Blues
Saturday, October 05, 2013 - Katowice, Poland - Rawa Blues
When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons. Why were the lemons free? What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
