Ray
Stubbs (harmonica, guitar & vocals), John Hedley (guitar), Mike Waller
(keyboards), Max Whitehouse (bass & vocals) & Brian Ferry (drums)
(Review by Russell)
The Central Bar, Gateshead, 1:30
pm. Sunderland versus Newcastle United on
satellite television. A rare sighting of cask Double Maxim on the bar, pint
ordered, keenly aware of the delicious irony of a Wearside beer being available
on Tyneside on this of all days. Howay
the Lads! Toon! Toon!
Approaching 3:30 pm the optimistic
mood had changed to one of despair, recrimination, sack whoever came to mind.
The Mackems had taken the honours, bragging rights secured until the next time.
One or two more pints and the pain lessened.
Upstairs, Gateshead ’s
Godfather of the Blues, Ray Stubbs, had rounded up his All-stars ready to play
some blues. Fans were thin on the ground as the band rattled through a classic
set - Howlin’ Wolf (lots of the Wolf), Junior Wells, Sleepy John Estes, Albert
King, Muddy Waters. Stubbs led from the front, in cracking form - harp and
vocals (second set some National Steel work alongside kingpin John Hedley).
Bassist Max Whitehouse cruised, Brian Ferry thundered out of the traps and Mike
Waller knocked out consistently bluesy solos. Hoochie Coochie Man, Born Under a Bad Sign, Jesus Left Chicago, all with Stubbs’ characteristic raw vocal
delivery and killer South Side harp. Football forgotten (almost), this was just
what the blues doctor ordered. I’ll have
another pint of Double Maxim, please.
Russell
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