In a preview of great things to come, the Hebden Bridge Trades Club on Holme Street played host to a large slice of musical talent on Saturday night, with a packed line-up of talented and passionate musicians.The night was billed as a ‘curtain raiser’ for the main Blues festival (which runs from 27th-30th May) and the first of what could become an annual music event.
The festival, which could truly be called international, will bring artists together from across the world, including an emphasis on ‘up and coming’ talent. The festival is the brainchild of Hebden’s own Jason Elliott and Paddy Maguire, an established Blues artist.
The Blues Jukes, from Keighley, opened the show with great presence and power, their performance made more complicated by their usual bass player needing temporary replacement at short notice due to illness. With great skill the band played on, and you wouldn’t have noticed the difference. Rick ‘Big Dutch’ Hague led the show, with his powerful vocals and harmonica.
Hooson followed, fronted by vocalist and head honcho Jenna Hooson. I would defy anyone to argue with her. Her vocal range and power has to be heard, accompanied by fantastic guitar work by Rich Kershaw.
The highly successful and talented Marcus Bonfanti from London took the stage next. In the middle of a highly successful UK tour, he took time out (leaving his band behind) to visit the grim north to perform his punchy, clever and original songs, to the delight of the crowd.
Last of the bands on the night was the rip roaring set by headline act of the evening The Paddy Maguire Band. Their set brought the audience to its feet, and kept them there. The powerful performance included a fantastic collection of covers, including my favourite, an amazing version of the Dylan song ‘All Along the Watchtower’.
The evening was brought to a close by a series of jam sessions, including the ‘frontmen’ of all the bands from the night, and guest slots from some of the other performers expected at the main festival.
Full details can be found at http://www.hebdenblues.co.uk/
The Blues Jukes
Hooson belting it out
Marcus Bonfanti
The Paddy Maguire Band
Marcus and Paddy jamming
Craig Shaw - Freelance Journalism 