The Revelator Band - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Whoever stole the launch strap line 'Let's Get This Party Started' was a genius...and so it proved. The Revelators are an incredible stage band. They are terrific entertainers with the beautifully hatted and totally charismatic Captain Barnaby Neale leading the party. You couldn't help feeling that the stage was far too small for him as he bounded around almost hitting the ceiling as he leaped up to tell you about his' Ball and Chain'.
This cracking tight band connected directly with the audience from the first note with tales of bad love, murdered lovers and daft romance. After a particularly black number, an aside about being available for children's parties also went down well! Moving through near punk and blues and using bongos, slide and harp, the band gave the locally influenced crowd a storming version of 'Hell Hull/Hole and Halifax' amid a set that had everyone in the palm of their hand.
The Revelator Band played the Festival last year and it is easy to see why they were back. Full of humour and bursting with talent, they set fire to the Blue Horizons stage and The Party was well and truly Started....Phew!
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
14 Dec 2015
Red Dirt Skinners (Something Blue) - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Red Dirt Skinners (Something Blue) - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
After Saturday night, a visit to Moyles at lunch-time to catch the Something Blue Duo felt like a dawn alarm call but boy, was it worth it. Playing a packed small room, Rob and Sarah Skinner, described recently as being 'impossibly talented' did a wonderfully polished romp through half a dozen styles of blues, blue grass, jazz, folk and americana. A sparkling sax and a range of other instruments left the audience in no doubt as to why they are Blues Award nominees.
The Hat is certain we will be seeing a lot more of this duo.
After Saturday night, a visit to Moyles at lunch-time to catch the Something Blue Duo felt like a dawn alarm call but boy, was it worth it. Playing a packed small room, Rob and Sarah Skinner, described recently as being 'impossibly talented' did a wonderfully polished romp through half a dozen styles of blues, blue grass, jazz, folk and americana. A sparkling sax and a range of other instruments left the audience in no doubt as to why they are Blues Award nominees.
The Hat is certain we will be seeing a lot more of this duo.
Rabbit Foot - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Rabbit Foot - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Unable to move for fear that an HBBF groupie might steal his place at the bar, The Hat stayed on for Rabbit Foot. Was that a smart Non Move! Not only did The Hat get to hear a fabulous set but I fear he fell totally and helplessly In Love with yet another female musician...along with 200 others.. This band is phenomenal. Just three people working a room to make it sound like an arena concert.
Fronted by the beautiful and hugely talented singer Carla Viegas firing up the African drums, Andy Whitely on bass and with Captain Jamie Morgan playing out of his skin on guitar, they really know how to party. There was a wonderful moment when the guitar and vocals exchanged echo 'fours'. Quite brilliant. Tight, fast, exciting but taking time to occasionally take a breath and woo us with a slow number, this group must surely be one of the discovery hits of the festival. It was so good to see the foot tapping and dancing and when Jamie hit the floor with probably the longest ever version of 'All Night Long' in the history of the world, you knew you had seen the Festival Party, there and then...
Unable to move for fear that an HBBF groupie might steal his place at the bar, The Hat stayed on for Rabbit Foot. Was that a smart Non Move! Not only did The Hat get to hear a fabulous set but I fear he fell totally and helplessly In Love with yet another female musician...along with 200 others.. This band is phenomenal. Just three people working a room to make it sound like an arena concert.
Fronted by the beautiful and hugely talented singer Carla Viegas firing up the African drums, Andy Whitely on bass and with Captain Jamie Morgan playing out of his skin on guitar, they really know how to party. There was a wonderful moment when the guitar and vocals exchanged echo 'fours'. Quite brilliant. Tight, fast, exciting but taking time to occasionally take a breath and woo us with a slow number, this group must surely be one of the discovery hits of the festival. It was so good to see the foot tapping and dancing and when Jamie hit the floor with probably the longest ever version of 'All Night Long' in the history of the world, you knew you had seen the Festival Party, there and then...
Ben Poole - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Ben Poole - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
And so to Ben Poole back at Bar Place. From the moment this extraordinary young guy walked on stage The Hat knew we were in for something special. Standing front and rock solid, he took us straight into a long version of 'Have you ever loved a Woman?' and took the mood from slow and sweet to near shred. After that, the rammed audience was transfixed for the complete set.
Ben played one of the most amazing versions of the Hendrix 'Hey Joe' The Hat has ever encountered and took one of the simplest structured songs around and turned it inside out and upside down. The audience was hushed. It was breathtaking. The sheer breadth of style and skill of Ben was demonstrated throughout the evening - no less than when he did 'Ain't No Sunshine..' when together with his bass man and drummer they blew the room away. Barry
Pethers on bass was phenomenal. Although he took a few jaw-dropping solo breaks, the Hat sees him in that grand tradition of John Paul Jones from Zep and the sadly missed John Entwistle from The Who......those brilliant musicians who just stand there and do their stuff. No flash. Here it is. Enjoy.
Ben moved through different guitars and styles throughout the set and at one point with his band off the stage he even played Spanish style Gibson semi-acoustic that had us stunned with its simple dexterity. It would be easy to get too carried away by this talent and his close band. But why not say I? You will enjoy every moment of this musical prodigy and....I have to report that he didn't take his shirt off until he had been playing for an hour and a half. This is where, on behalf of those to whom fitness is important, I say...Phwoar!
And so to Ben Poole back at Bar Place. From the moment this extraordinary young guy walked on stage The Hat knew we were in for something special. Standing front and rock solid, he took us straight into a long version of 'Have you ever loved a Woman?' and took the mood from slow and sweet to near shred. After that, the rammed audience was transfixed for the complete set.
Ben played one of the most amazing versions of the Hendrix 'Hey Joe' The Hat has ever encountered and took one of the simplest structured songs around and turned it inside out and upside down. The audience was hushed. It was breathtaking. The sheer breadth of style and skill of Ben was demonstrated throughout the evening - no less than when he did 'Ain't No Sunshine..' when together with his bass man and drummer they blew the room away. Barry
Pethers on bass was phenomenal. Although he took a few jaw-dropping solo breaks, the Hat sees him in that grand tradition of John Paul Jones from Zep and the sadly missed John Entwistle from The Who......those brilliant musicians who just stand there and do their stuff. No flash. Here it is. Enjoy.
Ben moved through different guitars and styles throughout the set and at one point with his band off the stage he even played Spanish style Gibson semi-acoustic that had us stunned with its simple dexterity. It would be easy to get too carried away by this talent and his close band. But why not say I? You will enjoy every moment of this musical prodigy and....I have to report that he didn't take his shirt off until he had been playing for an hour and a half. This is where, on behalf of those to whom fitness is important, I say...Phwoar!
Angelo Palladino - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Angelo Palladino - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Then it was back to the Horizons stage for one of their massive baguettes and to listen to the fabulous Angelo Palladino. The Hat loves this artist and is quite bewitched by his idiosyncratic guitar style and absorbing self-penned songs. He played in Hebden earlier in the year and was warmly welcomed back. With a voice that sometimes brought echoes of Leonard Cohen and an easy relaxed way with his audience, he has become a Festival Favourite.
Then it was back to the Horizons stage for one of their massive baguettes and to listen to the fabulous Angelo Palladino. The Hat loves this artist and is quite bewitched by his idiosyncratic guitar style and absorbing self-penned songs. He played in Hebden earlier in the year and was warmly welcomed back. With a voice that sometimes brought echoes of Leonard Cohen and an easy relaxed way with his audience, he has become a Festival Favourite.
Paddy Milner & Marcus Bonfanti - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Paddy Milner & Marcus Bonfanti - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Back at the Blue Horizons stage Paddy Milner and Marcus Bonfanti were getting an excitable packed house fighting for oxygen. These guys start at 100 miles an hour and just get faster. (I am a touch biased as Paddy was playing on The Hat's keyboards and after this beating they will probably never sound the same again). Their collaborations are an exciting new development in the blues world and they clearly have an almost symbiotic relationship that makes them seem to be joined at the hip. Huge love from the audience is reciprocated and this was a devastating set that went from roof-raising, keyboard pounding and guitar shred to subtle, tender and moving. They were here last year. We love 'em. We may have to kidnap them and lock them up to ensure they come back again.....
Back at the Blue Horizons stage Paddy Milner and Marcus Bonfanti were getting an excitable packed house fighting for oxygen. These guys start at 100 miles an hour and just get faster. (I am a touch biased as Paddy was playing on The Hat's keyboards and after this beating they will probably never sound the same again). Their collaborations are an exciting new development in the blues world and they clearly have an almost symbiotic relationship that makes them seem to be joined at the hip. Huge love from the audience is reciprocated and this was a devastating set that went from roof-raising, keyboard pounding and guitar shred to subtle, tender and moving. They were here last year. We love 'em. We may have to kidnap them and lock them up to ensure they come back again.....
Cherry Lee Mewis - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Cherry Lee Mewis - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Cherry Lee Mewis manages to get some skiffle on to her terrific most recent CD and her reputation for being able to mix up the genres was endorsed by this set. If you've got Mud Morganfield, Seasick Steve, Albert Lee and Walter Trout on your credits, you know that this lady can do anything and brilliantly - and she did, delivering a cracking set with one of the tightest bands of the week-end. A Festival Favourite, Cherry topped a fabulous evening with style, class and a stage full of Sassy, Sassy and Sassy....
Cherry Lee Mewis manages to get some skiffle on to her terrific most recent CD and her reputation for being able to mix up the genres was endorsed by this set. If you've got Mud Morganfield, Seasick Steve, Albert Lee and Walter Trout on your credits, you know that this lady can do anything and brilliantly - and she did, delivering a cracking set with one of the tightest bands of the week-end. A Festival Favourite, Cherry topped a fabulous evening with style, class and a stage full of Sassy, Sassy and Sassy....
Stuart James - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Stuart James - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Sprinting the fifty yards back to Blue Horizon (joke), The Hat was overwhelmed by Stuart James. He has played with Dr Feelgood and Joe Bonamassa and ain't no slouch. Playing hard-drive rock blues, Stuart takes no prisoners and just smashed it brilliantly to the delight of a packed house. The Hat has to report a Magic Festival Moment. Just as Stuart kicked into the Rory Gallacher number 'Baby I Want You', our Paddy Maguire (Rory's biggest fan) walked in. It was Rory's birthday as well. Paddy's beam could have powered the Main Stage for a week.
Sprinting the fifty yards back to Blue Horizon (joke), The Hat was overwhelmed by Stuart James. He has played with Dr Feelgood and Joe Bonamassa and ain't no slouch. Playing hard-drive rock blues, Stuart takes no prisoners and just smashed it brilliantly to the delight of a packed house. The Hat has to report a Magic Festival Moment. Just as Stuart kicked into the Rory Gallacher number 'Baby I Want You', our Paddy Maguire (Rory's biggest fan) walked in. It was Rory's birthday as well. Paddy's beam could have powered the Main Stage for a week.
Jenna Hooson - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Jenna Hooson - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Unsurprisingly, the Women of The Blues night was one of the most eagerly anticipated of the Festival and they delivered - and some. Then Hooson nearly burned down the Picture House. Never has front lady Jenna Hooson been on better form. The understated Richard Kershaw is one of those rare guitarists who can do it all but in such a subtle way that you are hardly aware he has got all the good notes – and the Hooson backline is as solid as a titanium rock. Audience on its feet, dancers throwing shapes and cries for more. From Janice Joplin roar to self-penned love blues 'Every Now And Then' - what else can you ask. No wonder this band is rocket-powered upwards in the business.....why has no-one signed them up?
Unsurprisingly, the Women of The Blues night was one of the most eagerly anticipated of the Festival and they delivered - and some. Then Hooson nearly burned down the Picture House. Never has front lady Jenna Hooson been on better form. The understated Richard Kershaw is one of those rare guitarists who can do it all but in such a subtle way that you are hardly aware he has got all the good notes – and the Hooson backline is as solid as a titanium rock. Audience on its feet, dancers throwing shapes and cries for more. From Janice Joplin roar to self-penned love blues 'Every Now And Then' - what else can you ask. No wonder this band is rocket-powered upwards in the business.....why has no-one signed them up?
Boneyard - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Boneyard - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
The Hat was obliged to test the'Howlin Fox' beer and then was helped down the road to Marshall's Bar where Boneyard were kicking up the dust. You would never have noticed that they were having to deal with the absence of their Hammmond keyboard man and using a stand-in drummer. Coming from Leeds, the smart and fast front duo had a clear rapport with each other and the audience who loved the local banter and backchat.
During a wonderfully varied gig, they gave us a terrific version of' 'Superstition' with guitarist Sam Hirst soaring through a long and impressive guitar break and we were treated to some classic John Lee Hooker with an up-tempo twist on 'Boom Boom'. These guys can probably play anything and just to prove it they got everyone up with the Nashville Teens number 'Tobacco Road'. A great set to a packed house at Marshalls Bar...and it was free! Wow!
The Hat was obliged to test the'Howlin Fox' beer and then was helped down the road to Marshall's Bar where Boneyard were kicking up the dust. You would never have noticed that they were having to deal with the absence of their Hammmond keyboard man and using a stand-in drummer. Coming from Leeds, the smart and fast front duo had a clear rapport with each other and the audience who loved the local banter and backchat.
During a wonderfully varied gig, they gave us a terrific version of' 'Superstition' with guitarist Sam Hirst soaring through a long and impressive guitar break and we were treated to some classic John Lee Hooker with an up-tempo twist on 'Boom Boom'. These guys can probably play anything and just to prove it they got everyone up with the Nashville Teens number 'Tobacco Road'. A great set to a packed house at Marshalls Bar...and it was free! Wow!
Bluekings - Hebden Bridge Blue Festival 2012
Bluekings - Hebden Bridge Blue Festival 2012
Down at the Picture House the Bluekings had the unenviable job of stepping in at the last minute after a cancellation and they saved the day with aplomb. Dashing in from Weatherby Yorkshire, these guys put the pedal to the metal and never let go. A fabulous wall of sound of solid blues, they rocked through the classics with their harpist vocal front man getting the stomping feet going. Thank you guys!
Down at the Picture House the Bluekings had the unenviable job of stepping in at the last minute after a cancellation and they saved the day with aplomb. Dashing in from Weatherby Yorkshire, these guys put the pedal to the metal and never let go. A fabulous wall of sound of solid blues, they rocked through the classics with their harpist vocal front man getting the stomping feet going. Thank you guys!
Babajack - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Babajack - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Babajack played to a jumpin' house at Bar place. Where d'ya start? Fronted by Beccy Tate on percussion and vocals, this acoustic blues band play across every boundary. With songs like 'Gallows Pole' and 'Rooster Blues' we ran the gamut of emotions.Trevor Steger effortlessly moved from slide to harp to winebox and laid his Tom Waits voice on us like fire on dry tinder. Passion and tenderness and rockin' from these guys. You can see why they are on the Blues Awards nomination list...
Babajack played to a jumpin' house at Bar place. Where d'ya start? Fronted by Beccy Tate on percussion and vocals, this acoustic blues band play across every boundary. With songs like 'Gallows Pole' and 'Rooster Blues' we ran the gamut of emotions.Trevor Steger effortlessly moved from slide to harp to winebox and laid his Tom Waits voice on us like fire on dry tinder. Passion and tenderness and rockin' from these guys. You can see why they are on the Blues Awards nomination list...
Tom Attah - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Tom Attah - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
For some obviously colourful reasons, The Hat enjoys the jokes that the charismatic Tom Attah tells as part of his relaxed rapport with the audience. However, the fall-about patter does nothing to stop you from being totally aware that this is a seriously accomplished guitarist who understands the meaning, history and styles of blues playing and delivers them to you in an articulate and intelligent way.
He is not above riffing off into tales of Leeds, acting and burlesque and his number on nice Lucy the dancer otherwise known as Bam-Bam brought the house down - and yet the next minute he wheels out Son House and Howlin', the audience silences and we know we are listening to a proper bluesman. Top drawer.
For some obviously colourful reasons, The Hat enjoys the jokes that the charismatic Tom Attah tells as part of his relaxed rapport with the audience. However, the fall-about patter does nothing to stop you from being totally aware that this is a seriously accomplished guitarist who understands the meaning, history and styles of blues playing and delivers them to you in an articulate and intelligent way.
He is not above riffing off into tales of Leeds, acting and burlesque and his number on nice Lucy the dancer otherwise known as Bam-Bam brought the house down - and yet the next minute he wheels out Son House and Howlin', the audience silences and we know we are listening to a proper bluesman. Top drawer.
Todd Sharpville - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Todd Sharpville - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
The Festival headliner Todd Sharpville delivered everything expected and more. Playing with a group of absolutely top flight musicians in the shape of Paddy Milner on keyboards, Pete Clark bass and the astonishing Mark Teixeira on drums, he held the stage and our gaze for every second.
He has great craic with the audience and you can see the rapport with his band players. There were some wonderful moments.When they played 'Everything will be alright', Paddy felt obliged to top and tail it with an outrageous dsplay of keyboard virtuosity; and Todd's version of 'I need you so bad' was taken from slow poignant brilliance to a no holds barred rip-em-up - and oh, what a delight to see a drummer get the opportunity to take a proper break and show his mind-blowing spectacular skills.
Gifted musicians having fun is a no-brainer as a spectacle. How could you not enjoy Paddy doing some ostentatious double handed keyboard slapping on 'Red Headed Woman' and almost turn it into a square dance! And don't forget Genghis, Todd's dog, who is clearly a HebdenFest Groupie. Also The Hat is anxious to say how nice it was to hear Todd, who has a great line in stage chat, take time to thank the festival organisers and pay tribute to the vibe they have created in such a short time. Brilliant Band, Nice People. Hot Night. Wang Dang Doodle....
The Festival headliner Todd Sharpville delivered everything expected and more. Playing with a group of absolutely top flight musicians in the shape of Paddy Milner on keyboards, Pete Clark bass and the astonishing Mark Teixeira on drums, he held the stage and our gaze for every second.
He has great craic with the audience and you can see the rapport with his band players. There were some wonderful moments.When they played 'Everything will be alright', Paddy felt obliged to top and tail it with an outrageous dsplay of keyboard virtuosity; and Todd's version of 'I need you so bad' was taken from slow poignant brilliance to a no holds barred rip-em-up - and oh, what a delight to see a drummer get the opportunity to take a proper break and show his mind-blowing spectacular skills.
Gifted musicians having fun is a no-brainer as a spectacle. How could you not enjoy Paddy doing some ostentatious double handed keyboard slapping on 'Red Headed Woman' and almost turn it into a square dance! And don't forget Genghis, Todd's dog, who is clearly a HebdenFest Groupie. Also The Hat is anxious to say how nice it was to hear Todd, who has a great line in stage chat, take time to thank the festival organisers and pay tribute to the vibe they have created in such a short time. Brilliant Band, Nice People. Hot Night. Wang Dang Doodle....
Russ Tippins - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Russ Tippins - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
A trip across the road to the Main Stage encountered Russ Tippins. Have you ever had one of those moments when you walk into a gig and the guitar stops you in your tracks and you have to stand still until the number finishes? This happened to The Hat on encountering Russ in the middle of playing a slow blues. The spirits of Page and Moore soared round the place as his guitar gently wept and you knew you were in the presence of something very special. His back line of bass and drums was, in the view of the Hat one of the tightest and best at the Festival and when he broke into the ripping fast 'Electrickery' this trio simply flew as one. This is a guy who can give you an acoustic Classical Gas in a small bar and yet plays such dynamic guitar he can, and in my view, should be filling major venues. Major, major man.
A trip across the road to the Main Stage encountered Russ Tippins. Have you ever had one of those moments when you walk into a gig and the guitar stops you in your tracks and you have to stand still until the number finishes? This happened to The Hat on encountering Russ in the middle of playing a slow blues. The spirits of Page and Moore soared round the place as his guitar gently wept and you knew you were in the presence of something very special. His back line of bass and drums was, in the view of the Hat one of the tightest and best at the Festival and when he broke into the ripping fast 'Electrickery' this trio simply flew as one. This is a guy who can give you an acoustic Classical Gas in a small bar and yet plays such dynamic guitar he can, and in my view, should be filling major venues. Major, major man.
Lucy Zirins - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Lucy Zirins - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
Lucy Zirins giggled and charmed her way into our hearts as usual but her wonderful 'I am just a wee lass from Burnley' schtick didn't divert us from knowing that this is a hugely talented singer-songwriter who has the power to rip our hearts out with a sad song and put a smile straight back with a cheery and wistful tale of when things are ok. Listening to Lucy is like sampling a fine wine after drinking the regular stuff. Beautiful songs, beautifully sung. A small glass of 'Tearing Me Down' is something special. Gotta go get some more but be careful, you may just have to get more hankies...
Lucy Zirins giggled and charmed her way into our hearts as usual but her wonderful 'I am just a wee lass from Burnley' schtick didn't divert us from knowing that this is a hugely talented singer-songwriter who has the power to rip our hearts out with a sad song and put a smile straight back with a cheery and wistful tale of when things are ok. Listening to Lucy is like sampling a fine wine after drinking the regular stuff. Beautiful songs, beautifully sung. A small glass of 'Tearing Me Down' is something special. Gotta go get some more but be careful, you may just have to get more hankies...
13 Dec 2015
Dave Arcari - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
The Hat can only describe Dave Arcari as a man who does not play blues for the faint-hearted. You really would want him on your side in a Guitar Street Battle. Although off-stage he is a sweet and charming man, on stage H.G.Wells intervenes and he turns into a roaring and towering, spectacularly talented raw blues musicman.With the occasional beer in hand and an intimidating head-on engagement with his captured audience, this is exciting music. Scotsman Dave plays brilliant slide guitar and Delta blues and yet just when you are not looking he manages to inject it with wild trash country and even punk. Hugely entertaining, he has played Glastonbury and across Europe. I have no idea what they made of him in Estonia but Hebden loved him.
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