Christchurch Folk Music Club

Ryan Neville and the Midnight Blues Show Band 15/07/2018

An audience member commented that it was impossible to sit still with this fabulous music playing, they just had to stand up and dance. This summarises the night, music that offered toe tapping danceable grooves. Just back for a tour in USA the tight and professional band experience showed. The blues were expanded on so that we were offered interest, yes there were the expected twelve bar blues, supplemented by some interest, some sultry diva solos, followed by rollicking guitar licks that gave the impression that we had our personal Joe Bonamassa performing for us.

Singer Emma received a compliment from one of the listeners who shared that her voice reminded them so much of Madeleine Peyroux, she was extremely happy to accept this compliment. Variety was to the fore. The changing of instruments, not only showed the diversity of the band, it also illustrated the technical skills to master more than one instrument.

Steve on keys and bass, Emma razzled a variety of percussion, Chontelle on keys and vocals, and Ryan showcasing his ability to make the strings sing. A night of energy galore, which sometimes had the over-singing of Chontelle had me on edge, however once she settled and relaxed her tone was enjoyable and offered a sense of intrigue.

If you missed the show the photos capture some of the experience and here is a link to a video that the band has released.

by Judi Smitheram, Secretary

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