Groeten uit Grolloo bluesfestival Day 2
Yesterday we returned to Grolloo for the second day of the bluesfestival. Again without camera and though it didn’t feel as awkward, I’d have more than my share of moments that I cursed not having it with me. But most of all I enjoyed, no loved the acts on stage. Again.
When we arrived, on the main stage the second act was just about to be announced (we missed Memo Gonzalez). With a mixture of Surf, blues country and rockabilly Cousin Harley (Paul Pigat) played a fantastic set. Incredible guitar playing and backed by Keith Pigat on double bass and Jesse Cahill on drums. I was very much impressed by Paul’s guitar playing.
While the main stage was being prepared for the next set, we ventured outside for an open stage experience, but the less said about that, the better.
Back inside was where blues magic was about to happen. Preston Shannon and band showed what blues was all about. I don’t know what it is about black blues musicians, but they’ve just got it! They don’t need muscle-power guitar work, they have soul and the voice. Preston Shannon has groove. As an encore Preston came into the audience, way back to the seats in the far end of the tent and all the way back again (gotta love these wireless transmitters), played the guitar with his tong and played a soulful version of Prince’s Purple Rain. Most impressed.
We didn’t leave the tent any more, wanting good places to enjoy the last two gigs of the festival. So with a DJ set in the bakground and the tent gradually filling up we awaited the start of the godfather of British blues, the living legend and 77 year old blues man: John Mayall. It’s fantastic to see the energy the man still has, he lives for this. Disbanding his backingband The Bluesbreakers over three years ago, the setup hasn’t really changes. Still flanked by a guitar player and bass player and a solid rhythm drummer behind him. But the bass player is a bit more funky with some great soloing, the guitar player plays Gibson Les Paul and adds some punch to the sound. But at the centre of it all is of course John Mayall and he was fabulous. John Mayall was of course on vocals an also played keyboard and mouth harp. He looked like he can go on for years and I hope me and my dad will see him again in the not too distant future.
The hour was over in a dash, the tent was filled well and most people stayed as the stage was set for the last act. The band that was the reason behind this festival, the legend from Grolloo: Cuby & The Blizzards. Harry -Cuby- Muskee turned 70 on Friday and much like John Mayall looks like he can go on for a long long time. The Blizzards (Erwin Java on guitar, Helmig van der Vegt on keys, Hans Lafaille on drums and rookie Feico Nijdam on bass) were complemented by a brass section for the event and with one of Cuby’s prodigies: Daniel Lohues, singer/songwriter and blues musician in his own right. A fantastic gig. A fantastic gig to end a similarly fantastic festival that ended with the good news that due tot good response the festival will be organized again next year. Can hardly wait!
As much as I love Mayall and Cuby, my personal highlight of the evening must be Preston Shannon. I just love the vibe and groove from a gig like that. Grolloo is done now, recovering from the festival and as I recover, I’ll make my way to Raalte this afternoon for more blues. And with camera’s this time!
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