David Lee-Roth of that 80's rock firework display Van Halen requested a jar of M&Ms backstage with the brown ones conscientiously removed. On the 10th of August in the blue glow of The Lion, Gerry creates his very own rock legend as, before he even begins to press a key, he asks for his hiking socks - apparently this improves his grip on the bass pedals. Who am I to question such a request? Blakey Ridge is a well known venue seeing the likes of so many progressive bands over the years and tonight is no exception.
The mood is set by a background jazz CD and the blue light with the smoke makes everyone feel like they're in a Frank Sinatra movie. As I turn up with a can of Red Bull I am almost intimidated by the status of these musicians who are built for those people who appreciate new and vibrant material. The Lion is lit like a speak-easy and the levels set perfectly in wait for Gerry and his colleagues.
The set opens with an original, the title song from the album "Mission Statement". It reminded me instantly of Weather Report's mood with drummer Paul Smith easily emitting a funk rhythm and the sax solo exploring many octaves. This was certainly a great number to open with as it built into a distorted frenzy of energised sound until it crushingly calmed in volume and pace to the original opening. They are met instantly with the crowd's approval.
The cover of Van Morrison's "Moondance" was an especially fresh approach. Gerry appears comfortable with his vocals as he uses his voice the same way he plays the Hammond. He may have benefited from a little more reverb on the microphone and even more creativity on the vocals or maybe it would have sabotaged the otherwise neatness of the set - at this point I am very aware of their calibre and my unworthiness, so any nit-picking makes me feel like David mocking Goliath. Nonetheless this cover was well chosen, The song is elongated with improvised solos from Gerry and Gary Linsey (saxophone) while the syncopated drum rhythms from Paul deformed the song - but in a positive way.
Another cover given a well overdue revamp was the "Can't Take That Away From Me" number where Gerry and Garry demonstrated their ability to allow each other room for individual expression. This was something that appealed to me, especially as too often band members suffocate each other, particularly in rock bands where it seems you're watching two guitarists compete over who can get the most feedback out of their amp. Both Gerry and Gary make their whirlwinds of sound look effortless and Paul appears to throw the sticks at the drums and just sit back as a kind of catalyst for what wonders the kit hurls back.
A band well renowned for their plethora of musical style, the original "Afro Sunset" is a very effective contrast in it's more ethnic tone (reminded me of Paul Simon) as Paul sets the scene with a samba. One cannot help but feel optimistic about this one as the song fills the air and atmosphere in an easily organised wind-chime, driven equally by each member - no one is ever outshone. This has obviously been concientiously crafted and I think the audience were all more than satisfied with the result.
In the second half of the set, the tempo is kick-started by "Take the Tea Train" followed by a mellower and much more soulful "Everybody's Crying" by one of the band's major influences - Mose Alison. This was a cover with a message and the outro on the cymbals by Paul was particularly complimentary. For "The Memphis Underground" Gerry attacks the Hammond with the vigour of a mad axe man, not unlike Richard Wakeman, but the knives are not here tonight. Just the passion.
The final song "Tower of Cheddar" is introduced as a tribute to the 60's answer to "Slipknot" - Tower of Power. The is the number the Trio have frequently chosen to end on and to me it cocoons what the band are all about in on song. Thus their goodbye is laden with their distinctive qualities and the audience therefore all leave with these in mind - the judderings of the Hammond, syncopated beats on the drums and instrumental blendings which define their sound. The encore allowed each musician a solo, which was very well received, highlighting the superb skill of each one. Look this band up in the future if you appreciate a "variety is the spice of life" kind of set. Music you want to smoke a cigar to.
The band are now off to Hartlepool and then touring will follow, but as for Blakey, Gerry said with genuine enthusiasm "it's great to be back".
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