Manky Monkey Motors

Taz & I had a couple of evenings out at the theatre this week.
We love live music & get to gigs when we can, usually every couple of months. Just our luck though, that this time the 2 bands we wanted to see were on at the same theatre on consecutive nights. So I had to commute to work, from Guildford, Surrey to Basingstoke, Hampshire, at 5 in the morning then home again in the afternoon. Then back again to the Anvil theatre in Basingstoke for the evening perfrmance. Then back for work again a few hours later, Home again, then back again for the second night. Thankfully it was our day off after that, so we had time to recover -I'm getting too old for this rock n roll lifestyle!

First up on Wednesday evening was Jools Holland & his rythm & blues orchestra. One of my favourite performers. The guy's an absolute genius on a piano. True poetry in motion. We had a perfect view of his keyboard & when he launches into his trademark breakneck speed boogie woogie, his hands are just a blur over the keys. Amazing to watch. He was very ably backed by his orchestra, every one of whom was a star in their own right. They wandered onto the stage looking like a ragtag army of guys who'd just found their way in from the street, chatting among themselves, unpacking their instruments, fiddling with the music stands -yet when their cues came -bang, they were right there & note perfect. 5 saxaphones, 4 trombones & 3 trumpets, a double bass, drums, guitar, a couple of backing singers & Jools' kid brother Chris on electric organ. A fabulous, proper big band, sound. Every band member took their turn with a solo spot -the drummer actually earning a standing ovation halfway through a song for his blistering 5 minute solo. Even the backing singers turned out to be accomplished soloists. The bassist also played the bass guitar, one of the saxophinsts played the clarinet, even Jools himself picked up an electric guitar for a couple of numbers -so much talent.
Special guests Dave Edmunds on electric guitar & gospel singer Ruby Turner made a total of 20 musicians on stage, all pulled together by Jools, resplendant in orange silk lined suit & bright red wing tipped shoes -the ultimate musical showman.
A fabulous evening of solid, non stop entertainment. If you get the chance to see them on tour, I'd strongly recommend it -you'll love 'em.   

Jools Holland website (http://www.joolsholland.com/)

Next up was Taz's choice. The Counterfeit Stones.
Not so much a tribute act as a theatrical celebration of the Rolling Stones. Front man Nick Dagger, played by Steve Elson, struts & pouts & hand claps an over the top, pantomime parody of Mr Jagger, which is very entertaining, but any tribute act stands on it's musical mimicry of it's idols. Fortunately the Counterfeit Stones are bloody brilliant. Close your eyes & it really could be the genuine article, belting out the hits & getting the whole audience on their feet. They've actually performed for Mick Jagger at one of his Birthday bashes -it takes a brave tribute band to do that. They know they're good though & obviously love what they do. Every classic track is performed faultlessly but with enough gentle humour to make it entertaining, rather than just slavishly note perfect. Taz loves them & can't wait to see them again. This was her third Counterfeit gig & my fourth, so they've gotta be pretty damn good! Go see them soon.

Counterfeit Stones website (http://www.thecounterfeitstones.net/)

video clips (http://www.thecounterfeitstones.net/?ct=flks)

you lucky sod  errmm i mean sir!!!!

 ;D Gotta have a life beyond vehicles -occasionally.

I'd love to go to a Jools Holland gig but Mike doesn't like him for some reason - ah well, have to go on me own!

Second time I've seen him Bobi -this week at the Anvil in Basingstoke, Hants & a couple of years ago at the Hexagon in Reading, Berks. I've got ever album he's made -would give my right arm to be able to play like him! He's got a vast knowledge of the history of the blues & obviously loves what he does.
Sickeningly talented.
Came on stage the other night & said Who's seen us here before then?
Yeeah, from the audience.
You lying gits, we've never been here before!  ;D