Saturday Afternoon 30th July 2011
www.maryportblues.co.uk

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The Revolutionaires  -  The Hitman Blues Band  -  Sandi Thom
 

The Revolutionaires from the North East of England, with the exuberant front man Ed Stephenson on guitar (Gretsch White Falcon) and vocals backed by sax, bass and drums took to the stage and delivered a fine set of early rock’n’roll, boogie and R’n’B featuring songs from the likes of Little Richard, John Lee Hooker, Roy Brown, Louis Jordon and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Songs included in the set were “Shake It Baby”, “Keep A Knocking”, “Riot In Cell Block No 9” done in the John Lee Hooker style, “The House Was Rocking”, “Down The Road Apiece” with Ed on piano, “Baby Please Don’t Go” and “Hip Skakin’ Boogie”. The final number included the obligatory bass and drum solo with Ed performing Chuck Berry style duck walks. A great start to the day.  

The Hitman Blues Band from New York City featuring front man Russell Alexander on Stratocaster and vocals backed by bass, drums, keyboards and the Hitman Horns took to the stage to deliver a great set of original material. The band looked very professional in their black suits and the appearance suited the delivery of the performance. The between number banter by Russell was very entertaining with the anecdotes leading into the song introduction or topic. The set featured songs from his current album “Pale Rider” and included “Go Fishing Where The Fish Are”, “Miss Catherine” about New Orleans Voodoo, “Blues Enough” inspired by judging a blues talent contest, “Life’s Too Short Not To Love You”, “Back Hand Drive” hiding sexual overtones and “Green Thing” about cash. The deserved encore was a completely rearranged version of the Son House classic “Death Letter Blues” which included a bass line stolen from Michael Jackson.  

Closing the afternoon session was Sandi Thom on guitar and vocal supported by a band consisting of guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. This was Sandy’s last gig as a 29 year old and she delivered a fine performance of mostly original songs including “I Was Born In The Belly Of The Blues”, “Heart of Stone” with intro on harp, “I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker” which Johnny Walker once championed on Radio 2 and “Keep On Moving”. Covers included the Sonny Boy Williamson classic “Help Me” with Sandy on harp, “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac and the Leadbelly/Animals classic “House Of The Rising Sun”. On the final number “Runaway Train” Sandy switched between guitar and harp.
 

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