The Blues Band consisting of The Manfreds vocalist Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness (also of The Manfreds), Dave Kelly, Gary Fletcher and Rob Townsend brought their latest tour to Newport Riverfront on the wet and windy evening of November 4, 2011.
Newport itself had a touch of the blues that evening, with the Dragons V Blues match at Rodney Parade waterlogged and subsequently called off. Thankfully the adverse weather could not touch the visitors to the Riverfront who enjoyed over two hours of fine music courtesy of The Blues Band.
The Blues Band Begin Newport Concert with A Few Short Lines
The concert got off to a railroading start with Dave Kelly taking the lead vocals with the title track of the bands new album A Few Short Lines. Featuring Dave, Tom and Gary on guitars with Paul on harmonica and Rob's sturdy drumbeat neatly pulling the track together, "A Few Short Lines" set the precedent of further energetic performances.
Next up was an early Manfred Mann B-side with Paul delivering a soaring vocal on "Without You." Paul delivered several excellent performances throughout the evening of which he would frequently switch between maracas, harmonica and tambourine.
The Blues Band Pay Homage To Little Johnny Taylor
Paul’s humour was in fine form too, joking with the audience when introducing Little Johnny Taylor's "If You Love Me Like You Love Me." When receiving an apparent blank response from the audience on mentioning Taylor’s name, Paul joked "If I mention anyone else you've never heard of, I can recommend a remedial course for you. Stay home on a Monday evening and listen to Radio 2." The mention of 'Radio 2' was a cheeky reference to his award winning radio shows of which he features many blues rarities.
Taylor was not the only artist the band paid homage to. Tom McGuinness lead the band on a version of "Sitting On Top Of The World", a track popularised by Howlin’ Wolf. Then, Dave Kelly, joined with Paul, Tom and Gary on vocals for Blind Alfred Reid’s "How Can A Man Stand Such Times and Live?" of which Dave jokingly "...dedicated to merchant bankers everywhere".
The Blue's Band Perform Classics "Little Queenie" and "Tobacco Road"
Much original material was performed too, including Tom McGuinness' middle of the road style "Heading for a Breakdown", Gary Fletcher’s hard edged "You Are True" and Blues Band favourite "Flatfoot Sam."
The audience also lapped up versions of Chuck Berry’s "Little Queenie" and John D Loudermilk’s "Tobacco Road" of which Dave revealed was recorded by the group back in 1981 when record executives wanted a single from the bands third album. "It was a hit, but not for us!" joked Dave.
Other highlights were Paul Jones solo performance of Oscar Brown JR's "Work Song" which originally featured on The Blues Band’s eclectic 1993 album Homage and Dave's acoustic guitar accompanied by Paul's harmonica on "When the Levee Breaks."
Tom McGuinness proved himself one of the most underrated guitar players of our time as he performed intricate guitar solos, including at one point with a guitar perched upon his back.
The Blues Band Perform Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready"
Clearly enjoying The Blues Band's performance; the audience were also encouraged by Paul Jones to join in with the chorus on the melodic and catchy "Suddenly I like You."
The concert rounded off with further tracks from A Few Short Lines and a wonderful version of Curtis Mayfield’s "People Get Ready", proving that a great band playing fabulous music can certainly change the atmosphere of what would otherwise have been a wet and miserable evening in South Wales!
For more information on The Blues Band visit their official website.
