King Bees @ The Hotspur - Dec. 3

Michael Littlefield (guitar, vocals); Scott Taylor (harmonica, vocals); Dom Hornsby (piano, guitar, vocals); Ted Harbot (double bass); Giles Holt (drums)

As a rule the Hotspur pub on Percy Street in Newcastle city centre doesn't present live music. There is an exception to the rule, and that is when there is an occasional, make that rare, appearance by King Bees. Tyneside's premier Chicago blues band rocked up for a few beers (it's a drinking band) and to play a few classic numbers. 

The joint was packed, burgers and pizzas from five o'clock attracted some, at eight o'clock the best blues band for miles around attracted many. Front men Michael Littlefield and Scott Taylor sing the blues better than most - come to think of it, who does it better? - and the rhythm section is an attraction in itself: Dom Hornsby rattling the 88s, playing rhythm guitar and singing Kansas City-style, new boy Ted Harbot an asset on string bass, Giles Holt, an exceptional drummer in the idiom.

The King Bees' signature Juke got the show on the road. From Little Walter to My Babe (Willie Dixon for Little Walter), Sonny Boy's Keep it to Yourself, Taylor, harmonica in hand, gave a virtuosic performance. To his left, Littlefield sang the sweetest of blues, his guitar playing spot on, Caldonia a much-loved number. 

Jimmy Rogers' Walking by Myself, a Freddie King number, a fan asking for Jingle Bells - he got Got My Mojo Working, an encore, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, a second Hoochie Coochie encore, we'd been listening to the best blues band in town. Catch them next at Lindisfarne Social Club in Wallsend on Friday December 17. Russell