On one of the great musical nights of
the year, it is with a little sadness that I paused to consider that
a superb musical bill of fare such as this could only come about
because of the passing of one of Britain’s most colourful and
innovative musicians, Dick Heckstall Smith.
On a brighter note, even the normally
reticent Dick would surely have loved the fantastic vibe, and the
spirit of co-operation both and off stage for what proved to be a
magnificent night’s music.
All artists involved had some direct
musical input into Dick’s life. And while Jack Bruce, Mick
Taylor, Gary Moore and Colosseumwere the obvious
headliners, there was an equally inspiring undercard worthy of Dick’s
lasting musical legacy
The John O‘Leary Band further added
to the evening’s many displays of virtuoso playing with a dazzling
display of Chicago Blues. And while Paul Butterfield’s "Born
In Chicago" may not have been the most interesting choice of
song of the night, John’s lovely harp work, and sweet timbred
vocals fitted perfectly in between Jules Fothergill’s considered
slide and Winston De Landro’s impeccable guitar lines. Roger Innis
on bass and Joachim Greve on drums provided the perfect rhythm
section as the band tore into "Snatch It Back".
Jules and John remained on the stand to
augment Mick Taylor’s band. After a languid opening Mick quickly
found his inimitable guitar tone, and swapped some delicate lines
with the impressive Fothergill before delivering one of the evening
many highlights with a show stopping rendition of the Stones’s "No
Expectations". On this number alone – which comes from 1968’s
"Beggars Banquet" album – Taylor showed just why he is
still considered to be one of the guitar greats.....................
..............the audience left the
venue as drained as most of the musicians. A great night for
Dick Heckstall Smith who will be sorely missed.
Pete Feenstra, Get Ready To Rock