Durham Blues Festival

NOW in its fifth year, the festival has blossomed into one of the leading events in the Blues calendar and this year’s impressive 12-act line-up on two stages was testament to its ever-growing reputation.

With power trio The Brew`s late withdrawal being something of a disappointment the last-minute addition of George Shovlin and the Radars – the only local act on this year’s main stage – gave an extra edge to their performance of traditional Blues and Shovlin`s raw, gritty vocals.

If ever there was an album title that perfectly summed up an artist it would be Hand Clappin` Foot Stompin` Funky Butt by Geno Washington. He was the perfect headliner, with his imposing frame and huge personality. In good old school style, his excellent band The Yo-Yos opened with an instrumental before Washington stormed on stage for a full blown Dust My Broom. Blessed with a voice which is one part Wilson Pickett and one part Howlin` Wolf, Washington still packs a mighty punch at the sprightly age of 72.

Filling his set with Blues busters such as Little Red Rooster, Rock Me Baby and Got My Mojo Working interspersed the songs with tales from days gone by, showing that a 50-year career on the road paid dividends to those attending the Gala.

The hugely charismatic Washington knows a thing or two about crowd control and ending with Land of 1000 Dances, I Feel Good and Somebody To Love were sure-fire foot-stomping crowd-pleasers ensuring that the night ended with a real party atmosphere.

Mick Burgess