Reviews
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Extract from review of Vin Garbutt concert supported by The Blues Connection
Jan 14th 2009 @ Faldingworth Live Review by Tim Leaning.
Just returned from a wonderful evening of music and laughter at Faldingworth Live.
A band I never heard before going by the name of Blues Connection had what I would have thought was daunting task of starting the evening .
They are Helen on vocal and percussion,
Pete(Mr Helen) ,on Guitar
And Lightning Lips (Bob?) on various harmonicas.
There they were, the three blues persons facing the ravening hoards of Vin Garbut fans that were the audience.
Well if you had been there you would know they were bloody brilliant.
Got a real full sound from a beautifully played guitar, great vocal harmony's and what can be said about the harmonica that isn't covered by "Lightening Lips"?
They soon had everybody "Ridin' and Rollin" from the off.
Then a classic with "Buddy can you spare a dime", left us "Sitting on top of the World".
All great versions.
Then crazy fingers Pete put together a Ragtime medley on his Taylor that would have had your fingers in knots anyway….. They finished with some more songs by Blake and the rather lovely "I'm all right" that showed off Helens rather wonderful voice to great effect. (Well I was affected).
They were truly professional throughout and carried off a greatly enjoyed, if rather short set, for an appreciative crowd.
Well done chaps.………….
It was a great night and the Faldingworth team as ever deserve our thanks and support.
Cheers All.
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‘Jazz Scene’ for Thursday 14th February 2008.
From C.J.Worsdale.
[Extract from review]the recent ‘Blues Connection’ gig at the Rockingham Arms.
The threesome’s repertoire included many highlights and numerous sources of inspiration—from Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee to Doc Watson, Bonnie Raitt, Memphis Minnie , Blind Blake and Muddy Waters (who’s famed anthem ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ provided the rousing closer to the evening) and featured the wailing harmonica of Bob ‘Lightning lips’ Reid (who has only been playing publicly for around six years) on his own composition ‘Blues Man,’ along with the nimble fingered country blues and ragtime picking of Pete Wray and-of course-the heartfelt sonorous vocals of Helen Wray…Her rendition of [‘T'ain't Such A Much’] being particularly apt to mention on Saint Valentine’s Day and a worthy yardstick for us all in these troubled times!! All of which was deserving of a packed house—