7.45PM on a Monday night wouldn’t necessarily be either the day or the time that most blues bands might want to open for the ever popular and uber talented Hamilton Loomis, but, as the following hour would prove, Backbone Blues Band were no ordinary opening act.
Starting the show with the only cover of their set, Tommy Castro’s’ Backup Plan, really settled the band into the room. The number possessed a great feel from the start and established an immediate level of proficiency and musicianship not always associated with support bands.
The confidence to fill the rest of their one-hour set with original music, if it was a gamble, and I’m not convinced it was, really paid off. There is an intelligence and clever structure to their music and they’ve very obviously worked on their sound to allow each other the space in which to play.
The excellent guitar work from both the guitars of Frank McConnell and Tony Seaman received often and well deserved spontaneous applause from the ever-growing crowd. Well thought through Hammond tones and classy piano from Steve Pearce added a nice alternative to the twin guitars. All supported by a very solid, unshakable rhythm section from Martin Jezzard (drums) and Duncan Highet (bass).
Although it felt as if they may have been holding back a little (this could have been a nod of respect to the forthcoming main attraction) there was plenty to really enjoy. Songs such as Which Way To The Blues, the title track from the bands forthcoming first full album, Keeping The Peace and Heartbreaker were great crowd pleasers and demonstrate an impressive insight into the blues genre; not the thudding and repetitive 12 bar for these guys. Melodic and smart structure with often humorous lyrics, top playing and catchy choruses are the trademark of the band.
Highet, who writes the majority of the material, is the main vocalist and leads the band with a powerful and soulful voice, reminiscent of Michael Burks at times, Robert Cray at others with a bit of Elvis thrown in for good measure. Praise indeed you may think, but all true.
However the real praise must go to their final number, Am I Right? This is a funky blues with a theme of social observation that really connected with the, by now, very large crowd. It has a call and response, which everyone, even the barman I noticed, got involved with (Band) ”Am I right?” (Audience) “I know you’re right”,
I could see the gig hardened regulars of “The Bully” asking each other; who are these guys and where are they from? Some got their questions answered when chatting with the various members of Backbone after the show, but for any of those who didn’t: They’re a Berkshire/Oxfordshire based band, they are keen to play more shows and, rather impressively, for the last 5 years have been going to the Mississippi Delta on a self funded, two week tour and quietly building an impressive set of gigs and followers, including the King Biscuit Festival (where they met Hamilton) and Ground Zero Blues Club. Unsurprisingly, they’re planning their 6th visit in October this year.
Rare in today’s more popular eponymous naming of musical outfits, Backbone is very much a group, playing together under a collective name and sharing the spotlight around the band. It’s obvious to see that they are mates and enjoy the music. This, when combined with some great playing and good songs, creates an infectious friendliness that transfers from stage to audience and leaves you feeling pretty darn good
I for one will be looking out for them in the future and they can be found next, in the Oxford area at least, at Thamesfest near Kidlington, closing the event on the Sunday afternoon on the 19th July. See you there.
Charlie Stevens
