MICK TAYLOR Band
Live at The Boom Boom Club
Sutton Utd FC
Saturday 30 August, 2008

Review by Steve Small
(Mick Taylor Fan since 1968)

What a great night. It was 'hot and sticky' (just like the Miami heat) in the modest but welcoming Sutton venue. To be sure, most of the audience was well past 40 and (in my case well past 50!) but the chance to see MT and his band at close quarters in a real club atmosphere was not to be missed.

Having come away somewhat disappointed from his 40th Anniversary gig at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, where Mick seemed happy to let his guests front the show, this gig made up for in spades with MT in a very happy mood communicative mood.

The lucky 200 plus audience endured the airless conditions before the band finally took the stage at around 9.30pm. A surprise was the appearance of long-time friend Kuma Harada on bass (rather than the advertised Michael Bailey). Launching into the opening number A Secret Affair, it was obvious that MT was in good form, declaring at the end of the tune. "I enjoyed that, as we haven't played it in ages."

Next up, Twisted Sister, a wild and wonderful ride which showcased MT's staggering guitar skills that had the fans enthralled; A rolling and upbeat "Fed Up with the Blues" followed before more standouts from "A Stone's Throw", including a tremendous take of "Losing My Faith" which brought guitarist Denny Newman into the spotlight. The hubbub of chatter from the bar area spoiled the unaccompanied intro of Blues at Night, but Mick introduced some of his tasty wa-wa on this number as it took off to thankfully drowning out the chatter of the drinkers.

The excellent Newmam had his own chance to shine, whilst Taylor went for a much needed change of clothes, before returning to play (I think) Feats Don't Fail Me Now, with both guitarists sharing vocal and guitar duties.

The show rolled on with Mick's powerful slide thundering through the through he hall on his classic take of Bob Dylan's Blind Willie McTell. More than an hour had flashed by, and it was time for the closing number "Can't You Hear Me Knocking." Jeff Allen's thundering drums propelled every repeated phrase as MT headed towards the song's the thrilling climax, so well-known on Sticky Fingers. Brilliant....

The sight of the roadie preparing Mick's white Stratocaster left time for the now familiar encore of No Expectations; Once again, Denny Newman added some lovely counterpoint to close a tremendous show which will go down as certainly the happiest, and overall probably the best by MT I have seen".

I have no involvement, so I can offer a massive thanks to Pete Feenstra for putting on this great artist and his tremendous band for such a modest entrance fee.

I recommend you check out http://www.feenstra.co.uk/ for more brilliant blues musicians appearing live in the London area.