Ray Stubbs R&B All-Stars @ the Mill Tavern, Hebburn - March 12

© Russell

Ray Stubbs (vocals, blues harp); Steve Hall (guitar); Pat Rafferty (keys, accordion); Max Whitehouse (bass guitar); Rob Walker (drums)

Outside it was cold, wet and windy - the perfect blues scenario. However, inside the Mill Tavern it was warm, with bowls of Bombay Mix on the tables and, later, a free buffet of pizza and chips. On the screens that adorned the walls there was European football with the sound turned down whilst on stage were the Ray Stubbs R&B All-Stars with the sound turned up.

Perfect unless you were a Nottingham Forest fan.

© Russell

Steve Hall was making his debut with the band. It seems like only yesterday (1970s/80s) that I was hearing Steve with the East Side Torpedoes at the (then) University Theatre. He's still got it.

Out front Ray Stubbs was giving a makeover to numbers associated with Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Junior Wells, Louis Jordan, Bo Diddley and ZZ Top to mention some.

Pat Rafferty played mighty fine blues piano adding a Cajun touch when he switched to accordion. Brother Stubbs also had occasion to slip in some Louisiana French. Max Whitehouse  provided the all important pulse and, along with Rob Walker who'd left his jazz hat in the band's '63 pick-up, inspired the dancers to take to the floor and shake that thing.

Among the songs played, in no particular order, were: Born in Chicago; Born Under a Bad Sign; Jesus Just Left For Chicago; Hoochie Coochie Man; Let the Good Times Roll; You Ain't Nothin' But Fine. There were more. 

It had been a good night and, even though the bus was late I didn't mind. If it hadn't shown I'm sure there'd have been a nearby hollow log to sleep in. Fortunately the 27 Greyhound did eventually arrive. Lance