2023

May 25, 2023 by David Vousden in Blues, Classic Rock, Guitar, Live Review, Rock

After an evening of acoustic loveliness with Milk Carton Kids at Union Chapel on Saturday, It was only a short walk down Islington’s Upper Street for Sunday's entertainment as legendary blues singer and guitarist Walter Trout is in town. For those unfamiliar, the Assembly Hall is part of the Islington Town Hall complex built in 1930, but only reopened as a venue in 2010 after languishing as storage space for many years and retains many impressive art deco features. The hall has a capacity of approximately 900, but it always feels more intimate, the staff are friendly, and most importantly, the sound is excellent. But enough of the architectural/history lesson, it's time we get to the music, and as we arrive, opening act Alastair Greene is doing his thing.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band - Shepherd's Bush Empire, April 23rd 2023

April 24, 2023 by David Vousden in Blues, Classic Rock, Guitar, Live Review

It's a Sunday night, and I'm at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, undaunted by the typically miserable weather, for the final night of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band UK tour. The Empire is a long way from Shreveport, Louisiana, but it's also been twenty-five long years since the original release of ‘Trouble Is’ elevated the guitarist to the top of the blues tree. The platinum-selling record would spawn four crossover rock hits, building on the success of his debut album, ‘Ledbetter Heights’, and catapulted the young guitarist to headline status while still in his early twenties.

Jon Gomm - Bush Hall, London 27/11/2021

December 05, 2021 by Rich Barnard in Acoustic, Folk, Live Review, Singer Songwriter, Guitar

Bush Hall is a bit of a favourite with team RGM. And, after nearly two years away, for us it feels quite a lot like coming home. Temporarily forgotten but so instantly familiar. The mirrored, decoratively stuccoed arches that flank the room are right where we left them and the red velvet chairs are lined in rows, which means this is going to be a civilised one. The winds of storm Arwen are still rushing and it’s bitterly cold outside, but the fearless faithful have braved the elements and are duly assembled, respectfully expectant.