Why, in your 70th decade would
you drive the lenghth of the M1 and back without sleeping, play two
hours and declare it "a fantastic night"? You'd have
to love the music, adore your fellow musicians and bathe in the
appreciation of an knowledgeable crowd of blues enthusiasts.
Meet the John O'Leary band in Yorkshire. With four decades of
UK blues experience behind him, the front man took his enthusiastic
and energetic young band, placed them in the intimate atmosphere of
the North's newest venue, lit the touch paper and stepped back!
O'Leary and his band left an indelible mark on the lucky members at
the packed Spectrum Blues Club.
With a wonderfully traditional
core to the repertoire - Muddy Waters "Nineteen Years Old",
Rice Miller's "Help Me", Junior Wells "Snatch It
Back", Hop Wilson's "Black Cat Bone" - all renewed
with an infusion of jazzy chords and Latin rhythms, the two hour show
had enough variety to please new and old blues fans alike.
Drawing too from original compositions from their new CD "Sins",
John's searing blues harp was complemented by the slide guitar of
Jules Fothergill, the contrasting style of Winston Delandro on lead,
and a watertight rhythm section of Joachim Greves (drums) and Roger
Inniss (bass).
John 's blues commune showed their
Butterfield affection by opening with "Born In Chicago",
but their key quality was their versatility. The lovely Lorna
Reilly, redefined Marva Whitney's "It's My Thing" ( sic) before
joining John on "Rock Me Baby" and Jules took vocal duties
on "Turn On Your Lovelight" before a guitar dual with guest
axe-man Tim O'Sullivan.
It was full stage, a packed house and a
memorable night......Keith Lee