Blues In Britain, Vol. 1 Issue 73 January 2008
The John O'Leary Band
Sunday, 18 November 2007 - The Oval Blues Club, Croydon:
The name of John O'Leary is synonymous
with British Blues and Blues harmonica playing at its best. He is
part of a British tradition that can be traced back to the sixties.
It is no wonder then that a capacity crowd of enthusiasts came to
watch his band at the Oval Tavern on this night. He was more than
ably supported by an excellent band which consisted of Jules
Fothergill on guitar, Joachim Greve on drums, Jools Grudgings on
keyboards and Ian Mauricio on bass (who was standing in for Roger
Inniss who was stranded on a ferry in the English Channel).
In
true blues style the band did an instrumental warm up number, with
great guitar work from Jules prior to John O'Leary taking the stage.
John started with "Born In Chicago", one of his trademark
numbers with a full-blown harmonica solo and fine work from the other
soloists. On Junior Wells "Snatch It Back" we had more fine
work including a subtle jazzy guitar solo from Jules. "Early In
The Morning" featured an extended harmonica solo from John, a
great Hammond sound from Jools and full-bodied cooking guitar from
Jules. On "Drifting Blues" the band pulled out all the
stops and Jules shone on guitar. The set finished with the feisty
"Little By Little" with great solos from the whole ensemble
to please the fully appreciative capacity crowd.
The band again did a warm up for the
second set with Jules on vocal duties and playing some great guitar
and a great drum solo from Joachim. John let the harmonica do the
talking on the intro for "Look On Yonder Wall", which
segued into "Help Me" and back again. Ace harmonica player
Laurie Garman guested on "She's 19 years Old" with John on
vocals. Laurie's harmonica playing has a great tone, and it's no
wonder he enjoys the reputation he has. John took over the harmonica
honours on "It's The Cause Of It All" while Laurie guested
on the next number. Then John played "Black Cat bone" which
segued into reggae at the end. The band finished the evening with
"Pink Champagne" with Terry Wisby from Texas Thunder
guesting on guitar.
This was a fine evening's entertainment from a
fine band and great guests. The John O'Leary band is an excellent
ensemble. All the musicians are top notch and have all deserved
reputations in their own right. John is rightly proud of this band
and he benefits from having such great support, he certainly
capitalises on it. Long may they continue to entertain... Bill Smith
