Maryport Bitter and Blues Festival 2006
Saturday Afternoon 29th July 2006 - Main Marquee Stage
Reviews by Courtland Bresner    Photos by Alan White

Saturday afternoon opened with one of the new young guitarists from the USA, Hamilton Loomis and his band. Hamilton plays a modern style of Texas blues playing both guitar and harp. His set, which consisted of original numbers from his “Kicking It” CD, was greatly enjoyed by the audience especially his walkabout through the marquee and his duels with Vince on sax. Songs included in the set were 99 Miles from Nowhere, You Got to Wait (written with Bo Diddley), Just for You and No. No, No. His standing ovation was truly justified.
 

Kyla Brox and her band were up next. As a variation to her usual set Kyla and bassist Danny (on acoustic guitar) kicked off with Today I Sing the Blues and Backwater Blues. The band joined them on stage for the rest of the show which included covers Don’t Mess With My Man, and original songs. Kyla, as always played flute during a couple of numbers. Marshall on guitar and Tony on sax provided tasty solos throughout the set especially on Guilty.
 

The Matt Schofield Trio completed the afternoon session with a strong set of jazz tinged blues. Matt's band is unusual in that there isn’t a bass player, all low register work being performed by organist Johnny Henderson. Songs included this afternoon were Satisfaction Guaranteed, Sifting Through Ashes, Sitting on Top of the World and The Letter. Hamilton Loomis joined the band during the encore.