The Blues Room, Harry Smith's Bar, St Albans - 6/2/10

From a big stage arena, and a crowd of thousands to a very intimate venue in St Albans....

This venue is being promoted by the talented Vicky Martin, front person of the band 'Elephant Shelf' (check 'em out they've got this Berlin, decadent transgendered cabaret, blues thing going on, with female vocals and electric violin - interesting!), plus journalist and graphic artist. This venue is also being sponsored by our own Blues Matters label....

We set up in a fairly cramped space, but our spirits were soon lifted by an excellent turn out, including loads of people who'd seen us on the big stage at Skegness the previous weekend.

Overall it was a rocking gig and a decent little venue. The Band's hot streak in terms of both performance and crowd pulling power continued. It's great to have Manide back on a regular basis and both Kelly and Mandie were on great vocal form. All rose to Roger's mighty dum solo and there was even a second encore as we extlled the virtue of Human 'Sacrifice' to the good people of St Albans (I bet that livened up a few after show parties! - mind you finding a virgin in St Albans can be an issue - apparently!)

We'll be back in July
Gary

Submitted by Gary on Tuesday, 2 March 2010

The Roadhouse Jam - Grove Tavern - Sth Wimbledon - 4/2/10

After a quiet first two jams at this location, the January jam had been cancelled due to the snow and terrible icy conditions....

With tempreatures still around freezing, we turned up expecting another night of 'attendance apathy'. We were pleasantly surpised......

More and more people turned up including loads of faces/freinds from the Woodman days and by the time the music started there was a great crowd.

Roadhouse played a nice opening set with Kelly 'on point'. This was followed by great, young singer, Rachel Clark auditioning for a role in the Roadhouse ladies squad. She did a fine job and as a consequence will be working with the Band this year.

Many great musicians then put in an a appearance. Highlights inlcuded 13 year old Chloe singing with the great Robin Bibi. She did a fine version of 'House of the Rising Sun', on which Robin's slide playing was outstanding.

We had great performances from Tim Matthewman, Burlesque, Geronimo and an excellent finish from Jimmy Dublin playing with the superb Andrew Heart on the bass.

A great crowd, a rocking night and here's to the next jam on the 4th March...

Gary

Submitted by Gary on Monday, 1 March 2010