Old Blood - Duke of George - 3 August, 2019

If you were to wander into a band room one rainy night and stumble across Old Blood doing their thing, you couldn't help but leave with a whiskey-warm grin. This is a band that clearly has a good time, and how could they (and we) not?! This is blues as you know if and blues as you don't. It's a bit Stevie Ray, a bit Nathaniel Rateliff, a bit Joe Cocker and a whole lot of fun. And just like Nathaniel's Night Sweats, this is a band that really makes me really want sing along and jump around and tell my friends all about.

Lead vocalist Tony Papa-Adams is a generous and charismatic front man, and he blesses us with a sound that digs in the gravel and pours on the honey. It's hard to take your eyes off him whilst he is bouncing around and singing the heck out of tune, but then he peels back and you refocus your eyes on the band. And just as he sings, 'you'd better help me, can't do it all by myself' everyone takes a turn to step forward and shine like a dobro. Vocals segue into full blown jams, on this occasion with an extra drum kit (Bryn Stanford) and keys guest (and oh what a guest!) Gordon Cant. Jams give way to soaring solos. Cant was a stellar addition in this show, making for a wholly different sound in the full band, as well as delivering some exceptional solos. Can you keep him, Old Blood?!

We are oh so lucky to have this band in our own home town. World class talent, super fun live performers and a dedicated following. Can't wait to catch them again. Hats off (or on) to you Old Blood!

★★★★

#oldblood #dukeofgeorge #blues