REVIEWS & PHOTOS

Review: The Blues Blasters at Warrington RnB Club: 25 Jan 2008

The Blues Blasters are a Stockport-based outfit, who tend to restrict their gigs to that area of the country. However, unlike many bands that choose not to travel far, they possess considerable ability and put on a very entertaining show. It was fitting therefore that their first visit to the Warrington club attracted such a large audience.

They began the first set with three numbers penned by the band’s singer/harmonica player, Chris Gee: the fast-moving “Louisiana 12 Bar”, “Big City, Small Town” (a medium-paced shuffle) and the upbeat rocker, “Honey (You Should See Me Now)”. “Route 66” led the way to another couple of fine, original numbers: the heavier-rocking “Rollin’ Stone” and “Love Me Just A Little”, which featured some lovely piano from Paul Minshull. The slow blues, “Full-time Lover”, allowed lead guitarist John Brett to strut his stuff, while “Ain’t No Place like Home”, with its boogie-woogie beat, was embellished by some tasty harp work from Chris Gee. “Oh, Carol” then promoted John Dickinson to lead guitarist before the set ended in shuffle mode.

The second set opened with a superb version of “You Never Can Tell” and the original boogie, “You’re Humbuggin’ Me”, one of many numbers that appear on the band’s most recent CD. A helping of western swing saw John Brett switch to slide guitar, which he retained for a fast-moving portion of rock and roll. They were contrasted with a slow and bluesy number, with John Dickinson back on lead guitar. The bouncing “Learn To Treat Me Right” was followed by a splendid shuffle that featured a catchy bass line from Andy Schemet and some fine interplay between Brett and Minshull. The rocking “Voodoo Man” made way for the swinging “Old Time Boogie”, two more helpings of rock and roll and a foot-tapping instrumental. The set was concluded with SRV’s “The House Is Rockin’”, which delivered more great keyboard playing and culminated in a fine harp solo. Special mention should also be given to drummer, Henry Quick, who was impeccable throughout the show.

It was a very enjoyable way to start 2008 at Warrington and the band fully lived up to their billing description coined by MC and Promoter, Ray O’Hare, ‘blues with a smile’.

Lionel Ross

1 Response to “Review: The Blues Blasters at Warrington RnB Club: 25 Jan 2008”

  1. 1 Ken
    Monday 28 January 2008 at 08:11
    Indeed! It seems that the Bluesblasters are indeed formed from the ashes of the great band I used to see The Marauders.

    Great to see them still shuffling the blues 20 years since those great nights at the White Lion in Huddersfield.

The Hop Pocket, Chorley.  December 20, 2007.
 
This was the first time I'd ever seen The Blues Blasters. To my undying shame, I have to confess I'd never actually heard the name before. Well I have now! Once seen, never forgotten. During many years earning a living behind the scenes on live concerts, I've toured with some world renowned musicians, including Jeff Beck, Marl Knopfler, Nils Lofgren, Genesis, Level 42 - I could go on. I even worked with the Fabulous Thunderbirds at their peak in the late 80's, so I know how good it gets.
 
All I can say is that I was absolutely blown away by this band. For that is what they truly are - a band. The Blues Blasters songs are carefully selected, the pace never lets up, the rhythm section is as tight as I've ever come across and all the lead instruments are superbly played. What's even more impressive is their addictive sense of fun and what really did it for me was how effortless this seasoned bunch of troubadours made it all look. Last time I enjoyed a band this much, Ry Cooder was out front, John Hiatt's band provided the backing and 2,600 fans were crammed into a hot and sweaty Manchester Apollo.
 
Enough already. If you want an unforgettable night out, bring your mates, wives, girlfriends, neighbours and invite that bloke across the street who you never really liked. Oh, and bring your dancing shoes too!
 
Thank you chaps, it was an absolute delight.
 
Steve Swithin - now just another punter......

BJ’s Blues Club at the Hop Pocket, Chorley. Thursday April 26th 2007

One of the most popular bands to perform at BJ’s Blues Club (and quite rightly so!).

Is it their musicianship, charisma, professionalism or stage antics that make them so irresistible? I would suggest all the above actually!

Starting off (as always) with the guitar of John Brett and ‘Lousiana 12 bar’ the Bluesblasters launched into a tirade of rockin’ blues that had the very enthusiastic and knowledgeable blues audience rocking with the band every step of the way. 

I’m not going mention the whole set list, but my personal favourite is the Fabulous Thunderbird’s number ‘Full time lover’ featuring the awesome lead guitar of John Brett. Apart from the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Chuck Berry,I should mention that the majority of the high calibre Bluesblasters material is actually self-penned by Chris Gee.

The band consists of the rather quiet (but nonetheless magnificent) John Dickinson on rhythm guitar, Andy Schemet on bass guitar/backing vocals & fun, the small but potent force of Henry Quick on drums, Paul Minshull on world class keyboards, Chris (Wizz) Gee on absolute supreme vocals/harmonica and John Brett on stunning lead guitar and lunacy.

 It’s easy to get carried away with superlatives during a review, but the Bluesblasters lend themselves to superlatives. Even though their two cd’s are excellent (my 3 year old dances to nothing else!) the stage show of the Bluesblasters just has to be experienced.

What really strikes me about the Bluesblasters is that they look they’re just having a bit of a laugh on stage. However, when you’re that good, you simply make it look easy! 

                                        Brian (BJ) Jeffery      www.myspace.com/bjbluesclub

BJ’s Blues Club at the Hop Pocket, Chorley   www.hoppocket.co.uk               

                                 

at the south Manchester festival 2004

BLUES BLASTERS 29/5/04

Another new band another success, the BB'S brought their own brand of rockin blues to the kings and did they rock, yes they did. They put some self penned numbers in and kept the sounds chugging away, the audience were on the dance floor shaking a leg or two as the band relentlessly played rockin tunes without losing the pace once. Normally with blues bands they lapse into the slow numbers but not these lads, two numbers self penned which stood out were Red Red Eyes and the final number which was a good semi slow ballady type called Always Missing You..A very pleasing debut and well worth a second booking.

Bluesblasters 21/1/05

The popular blues band returned with a foot stompin toe tappin finger crackin gig. All the numbers played were up tempo and catchy and the piano player must have been on something as he was heard on every number. Its good to see a band enjoying themselves and also good to see people on the dance floor. Although not a blues fan myself this kind of blues suits me I call it good time blues. The band left to cheers from the crowd and that says enough for me. 

    7th Jan 06 Blues Blasters

A brilliant six piece band comprising of Chris (Wizz) Gee on vocals/harmonica, Andy Schemet bass, Henry Quick drums, John Brett guitar, John Dickinson guitar and Paul Minshull on keyboards. Between them they have 150 years of gigging experience. Their vast experience showed in the two sets as most of the songs they performed were penned by themselves, and very good too. Starting with "Louisiana 12 Bar, "Big City Small Town" and "Honey You Should See Me Now" they followed  with a great song by Lightning Hopkins "Nothing But The Blues". Also in this first set we were treated to some great songs from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Chuck Berry and others. As the first set drew to a close more and more folk came in and sat eagerly awaiting the start of the next set. The lads got underway with a great Chuck Berry song "Never Can Tell" after which they went into overdrive, with more from The Thunderbirds and lots more of their own songs. "Mercury Blues" by James Harman featured Johnny on slide guitar along with the Thunderbirds "Why Get Up". "Red Red Eyes" "She's Ready Now" and "4 Time Boogie" all their own songs were excellent. As they finished for the night, the band members in turn walk off stage whilst playing "My Heart Is Always Missing You" leaving Chris to finish it alone, great end to a great night. Come back soon, Cheers Bill. 

                          

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT ROBBIE COLTRANE HAS IN HIS CAR STEREO:

 

      Taking time out before going onstage,Maryport,Lake District,UK

A Still taken from a Dvd recording

HOME  LINE UP  GIGS  CD & DOWNLOADS  LINKS 

>
</script>

CONTACT US: bluesblasters@yahoo.co.uk