Hannabiell & Midnight Blue @ Newcastle University - March 27

Hannabiell Sanders (trombone, percussion);  Yilis Suriel, Juan Manuel Loaiza (percussion); King David Ike-Elechi (drums); Luke Gaul (guitar); Stan Woodward (bass guitar); Tom Dixon (tenor sax); Max O'Hara (keyboard)

Was this or was this not the gig of the year? To my ears it will take something extra special to top it. What am I saying? This was extra special!

With King David on kit, Yilis, Juan and Hannabiell herself on percussion (in between trombone blasts) this was the most spellbinding, pulsating and exciting rhythm section imaginable.

Throw King David's partner in Knats, Stan, on bass, Luke on guitar, Max on keys and Tom on tenor, into the mix and the earth moved, the roof was lifted and the walls almost came tumbling down.

It was loud, sure it was loud but, unlike last Sunday at the other end of town, it didn't split my head open - quite the opposite. My brain, my feet, my hands and my pulse rate were all effected and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Hannabiell blew trombone as if she'd absorbed the style of every slider who'd ever lived, rolled them into one, and made the resultant mix her own. She preached in the name of tolerance and understanding - every country in the world would benefit from having Hannabiell as President, Prime Minister, percussionist or dancing trombonist.

She drew the audience to her and each other. It was like a revival meeting - it was out of this world and the ovation at the end was of the standing variety. I'll let you know when I touch down at Cape Canaveral. Lance

Photos. 

Rise Up; Man Funk; In the Bag; African Blues; Republic; Funk for Paco; King?