Beer R&B Festival
10th - 12th, October 2008

 
 

Even after the untimely death of one of the organisers, Jim Riley, just a few weeks before the event the Beer R&B Festival was another resounding success, bringing together not only local, but Blues music lovers from far and wide.

The main events took place in a packed Mariners Hall on both Friday and Saturday nights

The opening act on Friday was a three piece called The Jellicle Cats (T S Eliot reference), a family trio with Ollie (8) on Bass and his sister Jess (10) on Drums and backing vocals, whilst Dad, Char, played guitar and flute and did the singing.

I can tell you that the future of the Blues is in safe hands!

Sam Kelly’s Blues Band: TJ Johnson – guitar, Spy- bass and Sam Kelly – drums  played to their usual high and inspired standard a set of Chicago to West Coast style blues tinged with funk rhythms and incorporating some Hendrix. They soon had the dancers up and onto the floor. Robin Bibi joined them on stage towards the end and did some very tasty dual guitar solos with TJ, much to the delight of the audience. Robin & Spy went for a walkabout through the audience and upstairs to the Bar, whilst continuing to play.
After a refreshing break, The Robin Bibi Band kept the atmosphere alive with a great rockin’ show, wearing the dancers to a frazzle. Again using the radio pick-up on his guitar Robin was able to wander around the audience and up the stairs to the bar, whilst still playing, giving everybody a close-up view of “just how easy it is!”

 

The sun clearly shine’s on the righteous, or is it the devil looks after his own, either way, Saturday was a bright, warm and sunny day. At the Sports and Social Club, music of an acoustic and country blues nature was to be found, performed by locals Albert Stone & Rob Lees plus a group who go under the name of Lips 'n Fingers 'n Thumbs. By 5:00pm we were all down by the slipway to watch a fly past by a Spitfire – one of Jim’s other interests – which then scattered his ashes out at sea – one of Jim’s favourite views.

 

Saturday evening at the Mariners Hall started off with something a little different, the husband and wife duo called Rag Mama Rag.

 
Ashley Dow played an interesting range of guitars, including a lap steel in addition to a ukulele and singing the vocals. Deborah Dow played harmonica, washboard and percussion and sang backing vocals. Their repertoire came from classic 1920’s & 30’s blues songs encompassing Mississippi Blues, East Coast Ragtime sounds, early White Country tunes country and their own compositions. They held the audience spellbound.
As a contrast The Roy Mette Band took to the stage and rocked from the word go! with Roy displaying both his guitar skills and the influences of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and especially Rory Gallagher. The band was: Roy Mette – guitar, Wayne Bronze – drums and Andy Bostock – bass. This three piece blues/rock power trio takes few prisoners and the set included original numbers and a selection of Rory’s songs performed with the intention of capturing the essence of the man. Another great night had by all.

The festival usually rounds off on the Sunday with both a solo set in The Anchor pub and a Jam Session at the Social Club.

This year with the sun streaming down The Anchor event was moved outside to the garden and Cliff Gater was joined by Steve Kiraly – guitarist with Steppin Out (Jim Riley, bass). The garden was full, and people were listening in from all sides of the adjoining slipway.
Cliff & Steve played a wide range of classic blues numbers into which Steve was able to incorporate his tremendous slide guitar work.
   

The Monster Jam Session – hosted by Albert Stone, drew the usual high standard of players, both professional and enthusiasts, and we heard a great mixture of familiar blues standards.

 

In the evening friends and supporters gathered for a curry and discussed next year’s Festival – 9, 10 & 11th October 2009 .

 

Some plans are already in place more details will appear on this website, but book your accommodation now, if you plan to travel down for a great blues weekend by the sea.

 

I’ll see you there.
 

Paul Stiles
www.oxfordblues.info