Night to remember kicks off four-day Burnley Blues Festival

THE 14th Burnley Blues Festival kicked off in fine style last night with a storming evening's entertainment, which offered something for everyone.

A full house at Burnley Mechanics was treated to some virtuoso musicianship plus one of the great blues voices, making it a night to remember.

Getting the four-day festival off to a flyer were the Swedish six-piece Knockout Greg and Blue Rhythm.

Playing in the UK for the first time, on the strength of last night's performance, it certainly won't be their last appearance on these shores.

Their Fifties-inspired R'n'B soon had the crowd on its feet and their hour-long set featured a number of stunning solos. Giving yourself the name Knockout Greg leaves you wide open if things don't go right, but the charismatic lead singer was just that -- a knockout.

After their set, the band remained on stage to work with perennial festival favourite Mike Sanchez.

Sanchez, a member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, soon proved why he is so popular bringing energy in abundance and keyboard skills as electric as his piano.

Offering a mixture of R'n'B, boogie woogie and even early rock and roll, the scarlet-suited Sanchez had the crowd in the palm of his hand.

Topping the bill on opening night was Sista Monica Parker, the proud owner of one of the finest blues/soul voices around. Backed by a highly competent five-piece whom she gave plenty of opportunity to show off their own talents, Sista Monica was undoubtedly the star turn.

We were treated to a whole range of styles from Chicago blues to James Brown soul with a little gospel thrown in.

For some in the audience who were obviously blues purists, this diverse range of style wasn't to their liking as a number headed for the bar never to return.

But that was their loss and the majority of us had a ball. With three days and nights of the festival remaining, let the good times roll.