The last vestiges of winter still had its cold tendrils curling around the country, falls of snow and a chill wind was everywhere, even in the midst of London town. Things though in Islington had rapidly heated up, the arrival of two of the hottest blues artists on the scene at Islington’s O2 Academy venue bringing a much-needed warmth and sunshine. With entirely different approaches, the industry veteran and young gunslinger both weaved their individual spells over the assembled throng, the ability of the medium to cross boundaries and moods effortlessly displayed in those few sacred hours together.

At just eighteen, British guitarist Toby Lee has managed to already pack a lot into his life after he became globally known following the viral video sensation of the ten-year-old prodigy paying tribute to BB King.

Having taught himself to play, his display of delicate touch and feel astounded many and opened doors with Joe Bonamassa calling him “a future superstar of the blues”. With two impressive albums in his catalogue already, its in the live arena that the fiery young talent is seen at his best and the stripped back power trio set up he has really suited his playing, letting it breath.

There’s a real touch of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble in the chunky and dirty riff that Lee breaks into at the start of the set, drummer Max Williams and bass player Sam Collins digging deep into the groove.

As well as these Texas stylings, the heavy chops of ‘Time Ain’t What It Used to Be’ are electric, the pounding Williams gave his kit showing great attack and in contrast the Summery vibe of the nostalgic ‘Paper Aeroplanes’ gives the outfit the chance to show a more delicate touch.

Giving the Lieber and Stoller classic ‘Kansas City’ a twist that brought in elements of folk to start with and then unleashing a pair of scorching solos, the guitarist’s back arched as he was lost in the music, showed the young outfit free of fear, adding their own personality.

With the closing romp through of Jeff Healey’s ‘See the Light’, the short but punchy six song set drew to an end, leaving the crowd wanting more and it’s going to be fascinating to see just how the trio develop over the next few years, their star in ascendency.

With an already stellar reputation, Ana Popovic could be forgiven for resting on her laurels but you can’t imagine the Serbian born six stringer ever taking the easy route, her devotion to her craft an all-consuming thing. Inherently understanding that by surrounding yourself with some of the best musicians around you have to make sure you’re playing your A game.

Certainly, the guitarist exuded a peaceful confidence as she strolled onto the stage after the funky intro as it rolled into ‘Can You Stand the Heat’, smiling at the crowd before picking up her guitar and saying hello. There’s a natural ease to her playing, peeling off notes like she was born with this one purpose in life and her fiery solo a thing of perfectly controlled fury.

With the added firepower of Claudio Giovagnoli on saxophone and the trumpet of Davide Ghidoni, the big and brassy ‘Object of Obsession’ really swung and ‘Love You Tonight’ sparkled, Michele Papadia’s keys bring some nice additional hues that complimented Popovic’s fretwork.

All these elements added up to a glorious patchwork of big band sound that filled the hall with notes that converted the industrial interior of the Academy into a smoky New York City jazz club at its engaging, Friday night best during a sublime ‘New Coat of Paint’, the climax tumultuous.

Special mention should also be made of rhythm section Jerry Kelley on drums and Popovic’s long-time collaborator and bass player Buthel Burns, the two adding a rock solid and funky groove to proceedings, their playing on new track ‘Power Over Me’ walking the fine line between strutting and silky.

With her eleventh album, ‘Power’, due in two months the tour was a good chance to road test this new batch of songs and with the reaction given was universally favourable, each feeling like old friends.

As examples, the charged ‘Ride It’ dripped with a fun sensuality, the keys and guitar playfully caught up in a subtle dance and the slinky ‘Luv’n Touch’ had a delightfully delicate flow, the jazzy break and joyful lyrical bounce bringing to mind Joni Mitchell at her most buoyant.

Peppered throughout the set, the strident danceability of Stax and huge fun of 70’s funk kept things upbeat, ‘Strong Taste’ bringing a partly rockabilly hip-swinging shuffle as Kelly’s syncopated drumming made it impossible to not move your feet.

The party continued until the very end, ‘Lasting Kind of Love’ closing the main set driven by this wave of euphoria, the throbbing bass of Burns a visceral force that demanded you lose yourself as Popovic’s chops weaved expertly through the whole like a golden thread in a tapestry.

With the chunky funk of the powerful call the arms ‘Rise Up!’ and the maelstrom of ‘Tribe’ shaking the building in an earthquake of unity fuelled by a classic 70’s police thriller movie soundtrack style barrage, the encore sealed the evening on a high. It may not have the mystique, glamour or history of some other places but tonight, in Islington, the blues was very much alive and thriving.

As the crowd made their way out of the venue, a sole busker was playing over the street a few feet away from Angel underground station, his rendition of Hendrix’s ‘The Wind Cried Mary’ reiterating that all the best music is eternal. That thought alone was enough to fight off the still chilly night and warm the soul.

Review by Paul Monkhouse

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 14 April

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 14 April 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 9 April 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024

BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024

09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023

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