Simon Mcbride (Page 2 of 2)

As Wooders says, the bands usually come on at about 9 - 9.15, do an hour, then have a 15 min break, then back for another hour or so - just listening to McBride's album - superb stuff - see you tonight guys.............

Nice review, Simon.

Dazed but definitely not confused.     Simon was on top form and after seeing him perform a solo spot supporting Derek trucks in April, it was great to see him with a band for a fuller sound and the confidence to let rip with some blistering guitar. He really is very talented as a guitarist and his voice is perfect for blues rock.

There were around 150 or so at CSB, although I can’t be sure that all were there to see Simon. An encouraging sign was that, besides the usual “old blokes” there were quite a few young couples who seemed to be having a great time dancing and rocking along. Existing fans or new recruits? I can’t be sure, but it was clear that everyone went away very happy and very impressed by Simon’s performance.

Of the 15 numbers played there were 5 from his debut album including Hendrix’s Power of Soul, plus two more Hendrix tracks; Little Wing and a scorching version of Fire as the first encore which had everyone rocking. Two new tracks were well received, especially Be My Baby. Simon has recently been touring with Jeff Beck (where he picked up many new fans) and this has encouraged Simon to include The Pump (from There and Back) and Led Boots in his set.

You’ve got to ask yourself why he’s not better known. He’s definitely ahead of the pack in the guitar stakes.

Phil

So - I'll join the Simon McBride appreciation society too -  top marks from me for this guy.

Just got my hands on "Rich Man Falling", and it's on it's second play as I write this.

What can I say about this album other than "GO BUY!"

Superb guitar - cool vocals - great songs.

Ian

Eldo56 and Wooders have described the music better than I can so I'll stick to the atmosphere in CSB. You're right Tripsy it certainly was a fantastic night and it was great to meet up with Phil again and meet Simon (Eldo56).

Simon McBride sounded like a seasoned blues-rock star who had booked himself into a small venue to get back closer to his fans. His guitar work was stunning, his singing is spot-on, the band were tight and the audience loved it. Simon has called him “the business” and Phil described him as “ahead of the pack”. You're both right guys and in my view his growing reputation is well deserved.

I did the old “t-shirt survey” on the audience and I spotted Joe Bonamassa, Gov't Mule (I wanted that t-shirt), Chickenfoot ( I was there – I stupidly did not get the t-shirt) and a few other seriously good bands. So although many in the crowd were probably there for a good Friday night out quite a few discerning music lovers must have gone specifically go to see Simon McBride  But the casuals certainly seemed pretty glad they'd heard him judging by the enthusiasm and warmth of their applause. As Phil pointed out it was heartening to see that a sizeable chunk of the audience quite possibly have dads who are my age and they were lapping up whatever Simon McBride dished out. They were rockin' in their seats and some were even dancing    - not this old bloke though

We were standing quite near the stage and you could see the band were enjoying themselves and urging each other on. We chatted to Simon McBride after the show and he's a really nice guy as well as being a fine musician. Kindly he signed my copy of Rich Man Falling which I'd just bought. I told him we'd seen him supporting Derek Trucks and he told me he was pretty nervous that night (or words to that effect ). Here at CSB though he seemed pretty self assured and that shone through in his performance.

The only downside on what was otherwise a great night was me not getting home until 1:20 in the morning   having left CSB and 11:40. So I think I'll be using CSB to catch acts on my “must see” list (like Simon McBride) rather than popping along on the off chance.

Do go and see Simon McBride if you get the chance – you won't regret it.

Ditto on the time, David - yawn

Nice write up, btw. I'm glad you came along and pleased you enjoyed it. We had an inkling he had that something special when we saw him at Shepherds Bush on his own and we weren't wrong. :)It was a night I won't forget.

Here's looking forward to the next gig.

Phil