I was at the show at the Cluny (sorry I missed you Mike) as regretfully I was unable to make the Edinburgh show last night. Interestingly they played at least two different songs at the second show, so they are mixing it about between gigs.
Here's a review by someone else at the show at the Cluny as a taster:
Royal Southern Brotherhood / Mitch Laddie – Newcastle Cluny, Saturday 21st September 2013
There are many names in the world of music that rightfully hold legendary status, but when you have a band that contains names like Allman and Neville among it's ranks, you can be forgiven for being a little uncertain about how such greatness can shine without overshadowing their respective band mates. On a night when you could taste the anticipation in the room, a packed Cluny was soon to have that nagging doubt emphatically dismissed...
Opening the show tonight was the very talented Mitch Laddie, proving in half an hour that he is worthy of the praise being heaped upon this exciting young guitarist, his rhythm section locked in with the kind of timing you usually associate with a Swiss watch, new fans and old enjoying the irresistible hook lines of What Is Hip to name but one highlight in a short but sweet set.
As they filter through the crowded balcony area, I find it hard to believe that I am finally standing in the same room as a Neville and an Allman and actually catch myself doing a double take – surely this can't be a dream? - and as they emerge from the wings to a deafening roar, the expectation of what is to come raises the hairs on my neck. Without a doubt, this is one of the most interesting line-ups of any recent super-group, and the sheer depth of talent in the Royal Southern Brotherhood ranks immediately pays dividends...
It's unusual to see a percussionist up front, and even more unusual for that percussionist to be a lead vocalist – but when that percussionist is Cyril Neville, normality is suspended by greatness. Not only does Neville have an AMAZING voice, but his stage presence is incredibly charismatic and he immediately builds a rapport with the audience, bringing with it all of the talent and experience of a life spent among one of the most respected groups of all time.
Devon Allman's vocals have that natural drawl that accompanies white boy country rock but are tinged with just the right amount of southern black soul, while his guitar sounds like it's channelling every one of the legends that inspired his playing and shaped his style. Blues rock is one of those genres where “feel” counts above all else, and both Gotta Keep Rocking and Moonlight Over The Mississippi are nothing short of spine tingling!
Mike Zito comes with a deservedly stellar reputation gained through playing ability that justifies his place among his peers, and it was some of more subtle moments that shone, while the rhythm section of Charlie Wooton and Yonrico Scott perfectly complement the expressiveness of what surrounds them.
When viewed on paper, you sometimes wonder if super-groups will work, but on stage this one borders on the righteous – though when you really dig into the heritage its hard to have imagined otherwise. A joy of a band to watch, even the instrumental workout between bass and drums proved infectious and far from the usual toilet break boredom – much more about two friends jamming than time filling – though the drum solo that followed felt a little unnecessary despite it's obvious skill.
An extended work out of Sweet Jelly Doughnut had the crowd singing along and turned into a dirty blues improvisation between two guitarists that obviously enjoy bouncing ideas off each other, and after the strains of New Horizon close a superb set, the obligatory few moments cheering are rewarded by a staggering encore of the Rolling Stones classic Gimme Shelter.
Approachable and friendly, Royal Southern Brotherhood capped off what had already been a superb night by donating a signed copy of their album to be added to the upcoming auction to raise funds for local disabled athlete Emily Smith, who is looking to represent Team GB at the Paralympics in Rio 2016. The band play in Edinburgh tonight, and had I been able would have made the trip to see them again because, as the band commented themselves, this opening night of their UK tour was certainly one to remember.
(c) 2013 Paul .M. Sinclair
"The recently formed Edinburgh Blues Club has identified an appetite for the personal communication between musicians and audience that the blues long ago perfected." The Herald Newspaper (Scotland)
http://www.edinburgh-blues.uk
