The Jukes have been rehearsing at The Manor for the last couple months but I hadn't had a chance to see them live yet. My bad. I know how good they are from rehearsals but I've been hearing reports from their live gigs that say they ratchet up a few notches and turn on a killer performance.
They opened the show last night. Modest but appreciative crowd at that point but I have to say, The Jukes were damned fine. They inhabit the Chicago blues as if they lived in the suburbs and visited the clubs and bars of their heroes every week.
Forum members Bluebass and StrayFalcon kind of run the show from opposite ends of the stage. Between them reside vocalist Mark, drummer Gavin and guitarist Andy.
Mark's gravelly vocals and blues harp are perfect for the sound. Shit he's good. Gavin, a big burly guy, is notable for having the smallest drum kit on earth. I mean it's tiny. I've seen snares bigger than his kick drum. But shit he's good. Andy Sweetman lives up to his name on guitar. Just effortless. Strat and fender blues deville sounding right on and given a lift now and then by his custom FuzZiebRo boost pedal.
Bluesbass brings a big tight bottom end to the sound.
Strayfalcon is always remarkably restrained for most of the performance but when he cuts loose on lead he is truly otherworldly. The bastard!
Highlight of their set was an original composition which proved there is still plenty of scope in blues for new and exciting material. More of the same boys. Back yourselves boys. For my money that was the best, freshest song in your repertoire.
Next up was Midnight Blues band.
BG, DC and Recycledpet on bass. The power trio of NZG.
RP as always, is a rock. Solid bass lines and reminding BG how each song starts. A legend. But what is it with bass players and hats?
Legendary also is DC on guitar. That guy is all class. Tasty lead and remarkable sound from a Rockit amp and a Boss ME-50 multi effects pedal (?). Must be the vintage strat. Hehe.
:BG finally wheeled out the Bomardier home kill amp rig. It actually looks bloody impressive. Just two identical boxes stacked together. No visible controls. In all honesty I don't know what he's worried about. It sounded bloody brilliant to me...even with a strat! A really thick, warm tone. Pretty original too. Doesn't sound like a clone of anything. Shit hot.
As for performance, BG seems to start a bit tentatively which is a shame. His vocals are one of his best assets and his guitar work is frequently inspired. It's just a shame that it takes a few songs before he finds his footing. Dude you're BG (Bloody Good). Back yourself brother. Start with a bang. Then play a song....
Had to leave at that stage so I could catch the debut of another Manor band featuring forum member Machina. These boys have been rehearsing at The Manor since it opened but only recently pulled together a full line up with a regular drummer and in the last few weeks, a worthy vocalist.
No name so far. They have a rep as the second loudest band at The Manor! But what a sound! Deliciously riff heavy songs. Musically, one of the most exciting things I've heard in a while. Tasty guitar work from Machina and his writing partner James (a giant of a man). Great Marshall stack assault. The rhythm section are reminiscent of the first gulf war with a better sound track. New vocalist Owen is a sonic assault in his own right. Honestly, he can be heard over the band un-mic-ed!
Watch out for these guys. As soon as they get a name I hope to put them on a decent stage some time in the new year. Yep that means The Manor has thoughts of running some gigs at venues about the place.
Anyway, sorry I couldn't see Darcy and the other band at the Greenhithe show. Hopefully someone can fill us in on that half of the gig. I hope it was a fundraising success.
