SIXTEEN years and still going strong. The Burnley Blues Festival got off to a cracking start last night with the main stage at Burnley Mechanics offering entertainment of the highest quality.
It was a night that offered something for everyone and proved that you don't have to be a blues devotee to get something out of the festival.
Getting proceedings under way on the main stage were Canadian outfit the Cal Batchelor Band, a change from the advertised line-up, making a rare UK appearance.
What they lacked in showmanship, this solid three-piece made up for in quality, hard-driving blues. It can't be easy to be "first up" but they cruised through their set with ease.
Next up were the highlight of the evening for me, Memo Gonzales and the Blues Casters. These boys had come to party and they soon had the main hall jumping.
With a Fifities quiff and a personality as big as his waistline, Gonzales plays a mean harmonica. Backed by the Blues Casters, hugely impressive musicians in their own right, he produced 75 minutes of foot-tapping R&B that packed the dance floor.
Headlining on opening night were Jim Suhler and Monkey Beat. Suhler, sometime lead guitarist with George Thorogood and the Destroyers, proved why other guitarists hold him in awe. To non-players like me, you just assume he must have grown an extra digit or two to be able to play like that.
With a selection of instruments, a suitcase full of effects pedals and the ability to play slide guitar like you wouldn't believe, the set was a purist's delight, bringing a hard rock edge.
The contrasting styles of all three acts proved how diverse the blues can be - and also proved why Burnley remains so important on the UK blues map. Long may it continue.
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