Ian Siegal - The Cluny 18-3-12

Among with 100 other people, I caught Ian Siegal’s Sunday matinee show at The Cluny, Newcastle. What a great atmosphere this band generates; they came on stage at 1pm but by mid-way through the first song you wouldn’t have known, or cared, if it was 1pm, 11pm or 1am.

Ian kicked off with some searing slide guitar to a Bo Diddley / Texas beat that would stop Hamilton Loomis in his tracks before diving into a couple of Chuck Berry’s with a Louisiana feel that had you checking in the dark corners for alligators. Ian’s voice was as rich and dark as his red wine tipple (for “hydration purposes” he assured us…) as he plunged into songs old and new. Stony Ground was for me, a real stand out in the 60 minute main set, as well as his Howlin’ Wolf.

If you thought 60 minutes was short, the “encore” was a further 40 minutes, allowing for a quick string repair just after Leopard Skin Hat. That lead into Ian’s great take on Dylan’s Like A Rolling Stone; apparently Bob needs the PRS money: performance like that though makes you wonder why Dylan doesn’t cover Ian….. have to say, from some of the banter between songs, Ian's wit was in fine form too.

As ever, you can’t overlook Andy and Nick for solid support and almost psychic reading of Ian as you never know what he may launch into at any given moment. Great show; and if you're in Newcastle toinght, and have £5 to spare - hastily arranged Ian Siegal solo gig tonight at Newcastle’s or rather GATESHEAD's Central Bar, 8pm start and “no repeated songs”.... York’s loss is our gain…

Mike