With the country still in the midst of lockdown and no sign of any live music in the foreseeable future if at all this year I thought I would take the opportunity to look back in the archives, sounds posh I know but it’s just an spreadsheet, and revisit gigs I attended on this day down the years. I will keep this going until I can attend my first gig again in person so hopefully this also brings back memories for my gig going chums who have joined me on this great musical journey down the years.
A busy day today with four of the best for my trip down memory lane for you down the years
1998, Barbican Blues festival, Barbican, London
A great day of blues at the Barbican with Joe Louis Walker, Eric Bibb and Taj Mahal. It’s a mixture of shows in the hall and the foyer during the day and I remember especially the JLW set in the foyer and I think I have a plectrum from the show too. It all culminates in a great show with Taj Mahal in the main hall. I think this may have been the first time I had seen him and just to watch a master in action is a pleasure.
2011, Vintage Trouble, Jazz Cafe, London
If ever there was a band that are a different animal live than on record its Vintage Trouble. This was maybe their debut UK tour on the back of the debut album. On record they are an OK rhythm and blues rock band but live they are a stunning proposition. A really tight band and an enigmatic front man who is constantly on the move during the set. Brilliant stuff and they repeated this when I saw them at Glasto a few years back.
2014, Buena Vista Social Club, Hotel Nacional, Havana, Cuba
As is usual when we travel I always look to see if there is some music we can find. And Cuba is no exception. We are in Havana for a few days and when I saw BVSA were doing a show in the historical Hotel Nacional we were not going to pass this up.
I have no idea of the average age of the band but it must be a good twenty or thirty years older than us. But despite their years the two main singers defy their age as they croon and swoon around the crowd. Special props to the lady lead whose name I have forgotten. I can only imagine she has had a hip replacement because I have no idea how she could be throwing those shapes in her eighties.
It’s a lovely dinner dance style affair and after our meal the band then take the stage for ninety minutes of the finest salsa, etc.
2018, Como Mamas, 100 Club, London
I reviewed this gig at the time here and there’s nothing more to add for a fine night of gospel blues with these beautiful women.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon. Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.