Little Victor @ Summertyne Americana - Sage Gateshead July 24

Little Victor (guitar, harmonica & vocals)

(Review by Russell)

Gateshead swamp blues boogie on the banks of the Tyne. Sweltering Louisiana swamp temperatures, Little Victor no doubt felt at home. A down home hound dog, playing on the Jumpin’ Hot Club stage, the rain clouds gathered. Little Victor played solo – guitar, harmonica, vocals and footboard.

The outdoor setting didn’t do any favours to the seated solo performer, woefully under-amplified, the footboard high in the mix. The immediacy of Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James’ pulsating slide, Little Victor played stripped-down, back porch blues. Miz Mary, Trouble in Mind (RL Burnside introduced LV to the tune), endearing irregular rhythms, the American’s primitivism a tangible link to John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed.

Little Victor sized up the crowd and reckoned on doin’ some business…waving ‘product’ (CDs) at the capacity audience the first commercial of 2016 for that ‘ideal Christmas gift’ raised a few laughs. Our man observed that Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker were no longer with us, likewise BB King, quickly adding: I don’t feel too good myself! A case of buy now and get that ideal gift signed by the man before it was too late! Nice sales pitch.

Little Victor should be heard in a two-bit juke-joint. The kind of joint where you think the regulars are probably a friendly bunch, but as an out-of-towner you’re never too sure. The beer ain’t the best, but hey, what the hell. Hear him up close playing Sitting on Top of the World – it doesn’t quite work outdoors, in daylight, with the throng milling about. So, the next time Little Victor is in town – with full band in tow? – let’s hear him in that two-bit Tyneside juke joint.                       

Russell.