(Review by Lance/photo, video footage by Mary B).
The material was familiar yet sounded as fresh as if it were the first time round. Mo may not look the archetypal blues mama but when she starts hollering you know the sound and the feeling coming out of that diminutive frame is the real deal! If variety is the spice of life then tonight The Caff was a blues/rock delicatessen. Son House, Sonny Boy, Big Mama, Stevie Ray, Ray Charles, Chuck and many more provided the piquancy that filled the air. Was this Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Memphis or New Orleans? No, it was Newcastle. Outside, on Forth Lane, a reveller danced to the music as if it were New Years Eve. Come to think of it - every Friday night in Newcastle is New Years Eve!
The band had a few deps tonight which didn't detract one iota from the finished product. Deon Krishnan looked like a middleweight contender but once he unleashed the six string bass guitar he was up there with the heavyweights. The analogy is apt as, back in the 1920s, the pub across the alley was once managed by former world heavyweight champion Tommy Burns - there should be a blue plaque outside.
There should also be four blue plaques outside The Caff after tonight!.
Gary Dunn could be mistaken for a bank clerk or a junior doctor. He ain't, he's a northern guitar legend, a Prince of Plectra, he rocks and rocks good.
Paul Smith is one of the punchiest drummers around - jazz, blues, rock, big band - whatever the groove, with PS in the driving seat you'll get there in the end.
From the above you'll gather that this was one mind-blowing, blues-busting, night - if you doubt me check out the YT clip of Yellow Moon.
Lance.
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