Ally Venable London The 100 Club 10-9-26

 

Arriving to a lengthy queue outside is always a good sight and 2 warm up acts got the night off to a great start.

Influences can be shown on the sleeve and tonight was no exception. Jesse Garwood is a young UK guitarist who impressed with his exuberance and tasteful playing. A fiery cover of Rory Gallagher's Tattoo'd Lady played after his soon released single Bad Lovers Blues showed a lengthy career to follow and one to watch.

Garret T Willie was next up with his 3 piece and Gibson SG in hand . A cover of AC/DC's Sin City and with his stage mannerisms and playing style bring comparison's but played with verve and ferocity and class again showed one to watch out for.

Ally Venable strode onto stage to a packed house and also to the world with the show being livestreamed from the famous 100 Club.

Joined by Isaac Pulido on drums and EJ Bedford on bass and keys their 90 minute set went past in a flash. Hours on the road recently with Buddy Guy saw the band interplay and timing impeccable and a joy to watch.

Last years Money And Power was one of last year's standout albums and openiong tracks Unbreakable and Brown Liquor opened the show in style showcasing Ally's guitar prowess with all solo's never overplayed and played with fluidity and melodic blues intent.

I love the rolling riff of Brown Liquor and Ally adds fiery add libbing over the top of her verse throughout taking the song to a higher place. All the while her band lay down a great back drop allowing her star to shine.

Steamroller had a more traditional blues feel with a slight drop in place and at the nd of the song Ally showcases her world class vocal talent with extended vocal held notes that were jaw dropping that they were coming from such a small frame.

Texas Louisiana her 2023 single with Buddy Guy was quite brilliant with EJ taking over Buddy's vocal lines with Ally contributing all guitar solo's.

A cover of The Parliament's Give Up The Funk showed off their funky side with a lengthy jam and EJ showing his vocal and bass talents and at times keys at the same time !!

Ally spoke about her influences and Steveie Ray Vaughn is near the top of her list and her tribute to SRV song was fantastic from it's low melodic picked beginnings.

Sadly due to a family emergency and missed phone calls I had to leave mid song.

3 fantastic bands all showcasing the blues and it's continuing evolution in styles where class is permanent.

 All photos used with thanks and credited to Les Linyard.