THE CHRIS BEVINGTON ORGANISATION. I cannot emphasise how good this band is live, their albums are great with ‘Cut And Run’ firmly fixed on my playlist, the album full of original tracks are a joy to listen to but live, this band take on a whole new life. With 9 band members, the sound will always be big, horns, backing singers, guitars, keys, drums and of course Mr Bevington on the bass, they not only fill the stage but also the entire place with a wall of sound.Opening with ‘It’s Too Late’ Scott Ralph taking the lead vocals and rhythm guitar, ably assisted by Sarah Millar and Kate Robertson, the up-tempo guitar heavy song shows the band mean business. ‘Boogie Man’, ‘She Ran Away To The City’ followed before probably one of my favourites ‘61&49’.
The guitars sounding amazing and the vocals just feel very real, sludgy riffs which build and get all lovely with slide work and the backing vocals just lifting it to another level.
It always reminds me of a ‘Bonamassa’ type structure and so ably played by lead guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick, it’s a must for any blues fan to listen to. Cracking through the setlist interspersed with some chatter and much amusement from band and audience, it feels more like an intimate gig than a sell out Saturday night.
Jim takes over the lead vocal duties for ‘Five Long Years’ originally recorded by Eddie Boyd in 1966. It’s been covered so many times by so many greats but hearing this live version by the band is just astounding. The keyboards from Dave Edwards are superb but it is the skill of Kirkpatrick that ensures this version is head and shoulders above others.
I have said for a very long time that he is one of the best guitarists around, an exceptional blues player who can get such intricacy and preciseness, depth and lightness, it’s bloody epic! With his other band, FM, Jim shows his rock side with the soaring riffs and dual guitar harmonies which he is equally good at, but he really does shine in this setting, with the blues running through his soul which is so evident.
Anyway…back to the music with the tempo kicking back up to the party feel of ‘Don’t Need No Doctor’ and ‘Got To Know’ the band are clearly enjoying the night too and numerous folks are getting down with the groove, it’s so infectious.
THE CHRIS BEVINGTON ORGANISATION are one of those bands that you could pull up a chair and watch all evening, Neil McCallum on drums has the swing and the tempo to run the rhythm section with Chris Bevington himself on bass, without fault, Lewis Topping and Ben Oakes on horns (and cowbell!) add in the interest and together with the lovely ladies and aforementioned Scott and Jim this was another fabulous night.
Support comes from Robbie Reay.
Robbie Reay is an internationally renowned guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. Equipped with a cigar box guitar and license plate stomp-box. He blends traditional material and original, contemporary, blues songs, influenced by life, the current struggles, folklore and the Deep South.
Event Venue
@The Voodoo Rooms, EH2 2AA Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 18 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA, United Kingdom,Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Tickets
