BURNLEY NATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL

Friday, 21st March - Sunday, 23rd March 2008

Blues Matters

The Lancashire town of Burnley has played host to one of the most enduring Blues Festivals in the country. This year it celebrated its 20th anniversary and, in typical fashion, showcased a mixture of British and International talent.

As usual, the epicentre was The Mechanics Theatre, with the first floor auditorium hosting the Main Stage and Oliver's Bar on the ground floor, one of several of the town’s fringe venues.

We arrived on Friday afternoon in time to see Tin Pan Alley in Oliver's Bar. A very capable three-piece outfit playing a variety of covers from the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters and Guitar Slim. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay too long as we had to check into our hotel before returning for the evening session on the Main Stage.

The session opened with Thorbjorn Risager and his seven-piece Danish band, who were making their first appearance in the UK. Songs from their debut went down well with an appreciative audience - a classic '50s R&B feel.

Earl Thomas was a huge hit at last year's festival and was equally as impressive this year. An eight-piece band comprising of three horns, keyboard, guitar, bass and drums backed him, giving a funky feel to his brand of soul/Blues. Earl has charisma and great stage presence, and is an energetic dancer with all the right moves.

Little Charlie & The Nightcats closed the evening's entertainment. Now led by Rick Estrin on vocals/harmonica, Little Charlie Baty came out of his retirement from touring especially for the occasion, and was back in the lead guitarist role. A four-piece swing Blues band, with Rick's vocals giving an authentic '40s feel - Charlie's superb guitar sound completed the illusion. Their repertoire included 'Going To Take My Inlaws Out', '16 Tons' and 'Dump That Chump'. A great start to the weekend!

Saturday afternoon began with a debut appearance from Dani Wilde and her band. A proficient guitar player, Dani's vocals ranged from a belting staccato voice one minute to wringing with anguished emotion the next, and her powerful and emotional voice belies her youth. Dani is stage confident without being arrogant - a natural born Blues babe! Her debut album title track is an emotive slow number, 'Heal My Blues', and other numbers performed included 'I Love You More Than I Hate Myself', 'Get a Job' 'Bring Your Loving Home To Me' and 'Rock Me Baby'.

Next up, The Backbones, a four-piece outfit from Holland comprising of harp/vocals, guitar, bass and drums. Led by Big Pete on vocals/harmonica, they produced a high-energy blend of Blues, and an original set of numbers. They displayed superb musicianship, which was much appreciated by the crowd who enthusiastically applauded each solo.

We have seen Connie Lush & Blues Shouter many times, but this was the first time with the new band line-up, which included a new guitarist/sax player and drummer. Connie powered through her back catalogue, grooving and shaking all around the stage in her own inimitable style - warm and friendly, as always. Connie is going from strength to strength, proving that she deserves the accolade of best British female Blues singer.

It's a while since we last saw Angela Brown & The Mighty 45's, and we'd forgotten just how good they are. Angela has a big personality and a stage presence laced with humour. She has bags of energy, and her raunchy, rocky, soulful, funky, resonant tones and vocal versatility, together with her comical facial expressions, made the set fun and enjoyable. Angela entertained us with numbers including 'Blues On The Move' and 'People Will Be People'. A great set!

Johnny Mars and Michael Roach shared the next set. Mars was first on stage giving a virtuoso harmonica performance on songs such as 'Messin' With The Kid' and 'Hoochie Coochie Man', before Michael Roach took his place with a vocal/guitar lead on 'Bring it With You When You Come', It's A Pity', 'And You Say', and a few other numbers, before they shared the stage for the finale. The backing seemed improvised and held together by Roger Innes on bass, but the horns and keyboards overpowered the vocals. This gave the impression of an extended jam session, which lacked chemistry. Angela Brown joined them on stage to close the set.

The evening ended on a touch of nostalgia with Mike Sanchez and Little Willie Littlefield, who played together at the very first Burnley festival. Mike was on first and, after a quick introduction of his band’s members, he gave us and a rapid succession of boogie-woogie numbers to the delight of the crowd.

Little Willie followed, playing superb piano Blues evoking images of a smoky old bar back in the '50s. With his shoe on top of the piano, and later on top of his head, he charmed his way through the set - 'Kansas City' being especially appreciated by the audience. He also demonstrated his talent on the double bass. Mike joined him on stage for the finale and we realised we were witnessing something rare and unique that won't be around forever.
Following last year's superb performance in Oliver's Bar, The Stumble had made the step up to the Main Stage to open the Sunday afternoon session. The lads were on top form and dressed for the occasion - Chicago style! They made a belting start with the up-tempo 'It's A Lie' and 'You Upset Me Baby', before slowing the pace for the astounding 'All Over Again'. We were even treated to a preview of the new album, with new songs 'Sugar Don't Taste So Sweet' and 'Apple Of My Eye', and we were surprised and delighted further when guitarist Colin Black demonstrated his skill on harmonica. Even early in the afternoon, the audience were up and dancing, such is the infectious appeal of The Stumble.

The flavour of the genre changed with Boo Boo Davies, an archetypal bona fide Delta Bluesman on vocals and harmonica, accompanied by Jan Mittendorp on guitar and John Gerritse on drums. An unusual formation but somehow Jan made up for the lack of a bass player. Traditional Blues always gets a great reception at Burnley and Boo Boo's set was no exception - a treat for the purists! He thrived on conducting an audience that happily joined in with some of his songs.

The Sean Webster Band followed, with young British Blues at its best. The clarity and simplicity of Sean’s guitar work makes it all the more powerful, wringing out every note. The trio is completed with a great rhythm section of Tom Latham on bass and Dave Raeburn on drums. Most of his set was taken from his excellent albums but the highlight for us was his tongue in cheek rendition of 'She Got The Devil' - in the style of a certain Mr Siegal!
We looked forward to New Orleans pianist Henry Butler, when we discovered that he was a former pupil of Professor Longhair, but Henry's style differs greatly to that of his mentor, and had a much more jazzy/classical bias. This was evident when he played Longhairs 'Mardi Gras' and 'Tipitina', substituting the crashing left hand chords for a more subtle rhythm. The highlight was an emotive version of the song 'Somewhere' that he had recorded as part of a project to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Nick Moss & The Flip Tops were a real treat for lovers of Chicago Blues. For years, Nick has shared the stage with the legends, and the band's original numbers were laced with obvious influences from that pedigree. Whilst they have retained the tradition, they were fresh and contemporary, taking electric Blues into a new era. They showed great versatility, particularly with Gerry Hundt, as he switched from bass to mandolin to harmonica, giving a superb performance on each instrument, while keyboard player Willy Oshawny was exceptional throughout.

Burnley traditionally closes the festival with a finale to remember, and this 20th anniversary was no exception. An explosion of high velocity Texas guitar Blues, courtesy of Duke Robillard and his band, as he ripped through some of his extensive back catalogue. A true master of big band showmanship.

The only disappointment of the weekend was only catching snippets of some top class entertainment downstairs in Oliver's Bar.

Well done, Burnley - here's to the next 20 years!

Tony Winfield & Sue Hickling
Blues Matters