regretting finding him the next morning.
It’s the Assembly Hall tonight and even though is essentially a council of...fice the venue aint bad. We were however greeted by rows of seats and took the decision we’d rather stand at the back. It’s a rock n roll show for heaven’s sake even though we were definitely in the younger quartile of the audience.
For the uninitiated Dave and Phil Alvin formed the seventies rock and roll band the Blasters. You may not have heard of them but you will know their songs combing good old fashion rock and roll with blues and rockabilly. Marie Marie is probably their biggest hit albeit for Shakin Stevens.
The new album is a tribute to Big Bill Broonzy and their first studio album in thirty years. It’s fair to say that they haven’t got on in the past and sibling rivalry being what it is you can still see an offishness especially from Phil. Dave can’t resist a little dig about him writing all of the songs but that jibe aside they make beautiful music together. It’s been ten years since we have seen them on stage together and that’s far too long.
Phil Alvin has a uniquely beautiful high range top of the scale country blues voice that is complemented by dextrous guitar pickin’ from his little bro. It’s a five piece band who work together perfectly especially the female drummer in her country plaid dress.
There are too many highlights to mention but I will single out an oldie ‘Border Radio’ but also a fantastic cover of James Brown Please Please Please. They have done great justice to the old blues guy and Phil’s harmonica playing is also spot on. They move effortlessly between country, rock n roll, blues, rock a billy and as John said provided a master class in Americana.
I have written before about the alchemy that makes a great gig. Well tonight had it all, good friends, a little beer, (OK a lot), a bit of Jack, good venue, spot on sound and some superb musicians playing classic songs. It was an emotional night but I loved every minute
Gig of the year, quite possibly and I don’t mind if I do. Keep on rockin y’all