If you will permit a
slightly personal digression, that we are doing to this show at all is a long
story, but one that revolves around the fact our partner in gig going crime for
20 odd years is the world’s biggest Rory Gallagher fan, so RTM is forsaking one
of our favourite bands to see a tribute act……
Actually that is little
disingenuous. This is not your average tribute act. This celebration of the
work of Rory Gallagher (the man who Jimi Hendrix considered the world’s
greatest guitarist) contains two of the men who were by his side in the 70s –
bass man Gerry McAvoy and drummer Ted McKenna – together with Dutch bluesman
Marcel Scherpenzneel. Viewed in that respect this Band of Friends is no more of
a tribute than the current line up of Thin Lizzy, say.
Before the Rory stuff
there are Sugar Mama. Impossibly young they might be, but this local band have
some very fine blues chops. Single “Bullfight Blues” is a fine song and their
set is an entertaining one, even if it is slightly marred by singer/guitarist
Sam Anderson having tuning problems with his guitar.
This is a minor problem
though – and one they will iron out with more shows such as this. Sugar Mama
are a band with potential.
So it is then, that about
9.20 Gerry McAvoy and his mates stroll out onto the Bilston stage. Early
portents are not good. He sidles up to the mic, goes to say hello and the thing
collapses. What follows are 30 seconds of pure slapstick as he tries and fails
to make said stand behave, but if that sets us laughing, what follows makes
sure the smiles don’t leave for the next two hours.
The evening kicks off with
“Last of The Independents” and from there becomes possibly the finest
celebration of blues music that could be imagined. “Lets Go To Work” follows
quickly as does “Calling Card” with its funky bass. “Bad Penny” is a revelation
and “Follow Me” has lost none of its appeal despite being over 30 years old and
really, if you can’t enjoy Shadow Play” you aren’t trying.
Although the band as a
whole is flawless, it really is Scherpenzneel who deserves most plaudits. He is
quite stunning in the “Rory” role, and his guitar duel with special guest Gwyn
Ashton is jaw-dropping.
It is a real shame when
“Bullfrog Blues” brings the curtain down, as this had been one of the great
life-affirming gigs of 2012. Not a gig, as such, it was exactly as promised, a
band of friends enjoying themselves - and it was unexpectedly brilliant.
Gentlemen’s who?
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