Newbury's blistering night of Blues and Boogie
A Night of Blues 'n' Boogie
at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore
on Friday, September 17
Review by BRIAN HARRINGTON
Let me start by saying that this triple-header event delivered everything it promised and more. Some truly excellent music by musicians at the top of their game. Wonderful.
Dino Baptiste opened proceedings with some incredible keyboards with Tasha Buxton-Lewis providing excellent percussion.
Dino is heavily influenced by his childhood heroes, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard and has worked with many iconic artists, including Mick Jagger and Lulu. His blistering set caused at least one audience member I overheard to ask whether Dino has more than 10 fingers! Opening with the self-penned The Boogie Man he also included a couple of great covers like Do The Mess Around (my favourite Ray Charles track) and Kansas City.
Next up was Mark Harrison, appearing solo and acoustic tonight, with his distinctive and highly individual compositions. A hugely accomplished guitarist, Mark has a great line in repartee and his songs, inspired by the itinerant black bluesmen of the 1920s and 30s often feature subject matter than many shy away from. Highly interesting and unique. I particularly enjoyed Tribulation Time, Go Nice, a quote from the Rev Gary Davis (who taught/mentored Bob Dylan) and Turpentine.
After the interval Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion took to the stage. Opening with three tracks from their latest album Chameleon. This was a great set characterised by Zoe's incredibly dynamic vocals, which soar from a whisper to a high powered wail, and Rob Koral's superb guitar work alongside some swirling Hammond and excellent percussion. No wonder they have won a string of awards.
I loved If Only I Could Be With You and I'll Be Here For You from the new album and the jazz infused I Want To Get Something Started With You.
After the excellent Down in The Caves, Dino, Mark and Tash returned to join Zoe and the band for a encore/finale blues in E.
A great night.
