AZIZ IBRAHIM, at Cellar Bar, Blackburn

FANS queued on to the street as they waited to see former Stone Roses man Aziz Ibrahim showcase his new material in Blackburn this week.

The impromptu gig at The Cellar Bar - exclusively revealed in last week's Pulse - saw Aziz joined by two former Smiths, Andy Rourke on bass and Mike Joyce on drums, perfoming 13 songs inside the packed venue under the name L Lucan.

The event was organised by Aziz's manager Nova Rehman, now based in Brockhall Village and a former pupil of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn.

It was the first of four warm-up dates.

Nova said: "It's very much work in progress. The band wanted to play live, to tighten up and see what works and what doesn't."

He added: " We chose the L Lucan name for the show because when Aziz was in the Stone Roses the band all had different names which they used to book hotel rooms to remain anonymous.

"Aziz booked his rooms under the name L Lucan" Of the music, Nova said: "There are about 20 or so tracks which are at the rough mix stage but we are looking for the right record deal. There is major label interest but we are in no rush and we may even put out the record ourselves some time next year."

"Aziz has collaborated with artists including Paul Weller, Steve White and Mani for the record, which may be produced by Owen Morris, who has worked with Oasis and The Verve." Blackburn's Dave Ryan and his new-look band supported Aziz but the evening belonged to the Manchester guitarist.

A range of guitars almost as long as his set list helped Aziz produce a blistering set. From the powerful opening track

Korma Coma, he blended the best of indie rock with sounds of the East. The strong Asian feel to the music, which will give him a crossover appeal into the Asian community, was evident throughout the set.

Clever use of effects worked brilliantly in bringing together delicate sitar melodies with driving rock solos.

The breathtaking evening came to close all too soon with a driving rendition of The Other Side.

After a showcase of such quality, it won't be long before Aziz Ibrahim gets the respect he deserves.

CLIVE LAWRENCE

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