THE MANY SHADES OF BLUE: British-style rhythm and blues band Brilleaux are one of the acts lined up for Room Full of Blues next month. Picture supplied
Blues-based, but not limited to 12 bar blues, is how blues guitarist Richard “Big Rich” Alexander once described his acoustic-guitar-based sound.
“What excites me about the blues is there’s always room for improvisation,” he told the Gisborne Herald’s Guide.
That range will be seen and heard in selections of acts
for the Poverty Bay Blues Club’s presentation of Room Full of Blues. Acts include New Zealand born singer songwriter, Sarah Spicer whose debut album Colours features guest artist, the legendary John Lee Hooker. Songs like Mr Johnson is soulful, sweet and haunting, Understand My Love’s bittersweet theme contrasts with its upbeat, driving beat with a hint of cowboy, while the Renee Geyer-inflected Go Through Hell takes us into a smoky, subterranean bar and out the other side.
“You got to go through hell if you want to get to heaven.”
High-energy, hard driving, British-style rhythm and blues band Brilleaux take the bluesy room to another level with their style in the vein of bands such as Dr Feelgood, Wilko Johnson, and Nine Below Zero, The Yardbirds and early Rolling Stones.
