Review - Bluesnights @ Dorchester Arts Centre 6/3/10
This was a first time visit to Bluesnights for this very talented duo who regaled us with a rich eclectic mix of classic blues, soul and jazz, plus four of their own compositions! Mike used three guitars, two vintage - a Gibson J45 and a Gibson ESI 25 -plus a Chinese-built resonator. Fran played a Fender Jazz bass plus a flute. though her main instrument is her exquisite voice with which she leads in the vocals department. Think Bonnie Raitt meets Rory Block and you get some idea of the quality and range.
A relatively laid-back first set included Louis Armstrong's "Hear Me Talkin' To Ya". probably via Ella Fitzgerald's version. On Mississippi John Hurt's "Make Me A Pallet" they got into a groove with nice bass lines and a well picked guitar solo. One of their own compositions is titled "Researching The Blues" with which they have developed a very interesting idea of looking into the history of blues songs. They then followed with a very crisp arrangement of Little Walters "Blues With A Feeling" with sharp chops on the guitar and busy bass lines - very well done! They ended this set with an up tempo feisty take on Robert Johnson's "Walkin' Blues" - quite powerful and impressive!
The second set began with Big Mama Thornton's "Unlucky Girl'', a rocking blues that was beautifully executed. Then they came up with the goods on Willie Dixon's "Spoonful", played with a slow reverb and plenty of passion, which went down extremely well. The Jimmy Rushing/Count Basie song "I'm Going To Chicago" was very smooth flowing with lovely guitar licks and the bass driving the rhythm. Throughout the evening Mike's slide playing was excellent with just the right amount injected where it fitted best. They performed a melodic version of Leadbelly's "Midnight Special" with harmony vocals on the chorus. There was a good run of songs by female artists - Ella James. Memphis Minnie and Ella Fitzgerald - to whet the appetite and which were greatly appreciated by the crowd. There is always a bit of the 'unknown quantity' factor with an act's first time visit, not knowing what to expect, but these two came across as warm, witty and passionate about their music and won the crowd over particularly on the strength of their musicianship which was exemplary.
They played two encores. Willie Nelson's "Night Life" was beautifully expressive, especially the vocals. "Sitting On Top Of The World" followed; that was simply great r & b. If there were any justice in the fickle world of UK blues and roots music, Burke and McGillivray would by now be household names. With more arts centre style exposure, that prospect can't be too far away.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening - one which will be repeated in the not too distant future.
Lewis A Harris, Blues In Britain magazine