Excellent two and three-part harmonies throughout and both guitarists, Steve Hemmings and Lee Hambridge sharing lead licks equally well. Nice to see a groovy selection of guitars too, two of which I recognised as Gibson SG played by Steve and Rickenbacker 4001 bass played by Lee’s brother Dave Hambridge. Completing the line-up and holding it all together is a very competent young drummer, Chris Webb.

The club was by no means full but the enthusiastic audience more than made up for this by clapping loudly. The blistering set included; One More Day, It’s Over and Ready to Go.

If you get the chance, go see them before the 60’s comes to an end once more.

Links:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dukes-Jetty/8825298735

http://www.myspace.com/dukesjetty

Paul Heaton – Stylish, angry and taking hope from Marx.

Jimmy McGriff – king Hammond dies.

Micky Waller (drummer) dies.

Solomon Burke – juicy peaches, audience with the Pope, his ministry and 21 children.

Bo Diddley – trademark tremolo, drenched 6 string attack, savage stage presence. Have guitar will travel.

MOJO Awards – John Lyndon, Neil Diamond, Mar E Smith, John Foggerty, Paul Weller, Ian Anderson Duffy etc.

Steve Winwood – Still having fun.

Sub Pop – Seattle grunge, Nirvana, Mudhoney, Soundgarden et al.

Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Hall

18 June 2008

Right from the start with the opener, ‘I Love You’ there could be no doubt that Colin Blunstone still had it. The voice was strong and confident and song after song he proved that his voice was in great shape. One of the greatest voices I’ve heard in a long time. Clarity and sweetness on ‘A Rose for Emily’ was followed by soulfulness, passion and dynamics on ‘This Will Be Our Year’. A soaring ‘Say You Don’t Mind’ ended with Blunstone hitting that last high note powerfully and without hesitation. Keyboardist Rod Argent came into his own with energetic and haunting Hammond solo’s in ‘Time of The Season’ and ‘Hold Your Head Up’. Omni-present Jim Rodford provided a great sound on bass and backing vocals – the experience shows. Indeed the harmonies of Blunstone, Argent and Rodford were outstanding. Rodford’s son, Steve, was a slick and impressive juggler on the drums throughout and Keith Airey filled the obligatory role of guitar hero. ‘She’s Not There’ was met with a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd which brought the band back for ‘God Gave Rock & Roll To You’ – a hit for both Argent and Kiss. In the words of Rod Argent, “We did it first!”

Set List:

I Love you

Mystified

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted

A Rose For Emily

This Will Be Our Year

Time Of The Season

I Do Believe

Any Other Way

Hold Your Head Up

When I’m Old & Wise

Say You Don’t Mind

Don’t Believe In Miracles

She’s Not There

God Gave Rock & Roll To You

Support was provided by The Yardbirds who suffered an inferior sound to that of the Zombies. Original rhythm guitarist, Chris Deja looked uncomfortable and microphone shy. But this was more than made up by the outstanding “Detroit” John Idan on bass and lead vocals. Idan bore an uncanny likeness and vocal similarity to former Yardbird frontman, Keith Relf. The harp work was provided by former Strutts, Billy-Boy Miskimmin. His stage antics were reminiscent of the late great Frank ‘The Puzzler’ Goshin which made him all the more enjoyable to watch and his impressive solo gained just applause. Show highlights included ‘Heart Full of Soul’, ‘Shapes of Things’ and ‘For Your Love’. The line-up also featured original Yardbird and Liverpudlian, Jim McCarty on drums and a very promising 24 year old Ben King on lead guitar.