Bandit blues by the river

Getting to a venue early has its advantages... first in the queue and a chat with the band! And what a venue. Hidden away in the backstreets, down by the river. Good lighting and sound too. Definitely a ‘listen to the music’ place.

Six-piece Preston band Möbius Loop provided support with an ‘alternative folk rock’ flavour – and a huge range of instruments. This made for an interesting set.

Next up, the highlight of the evening, Wille and the Bandits. Their music is difficult to categorise, and they have their own take on ‘rock’ with ‘blues’ overtones and a ‘new view’ to songwriting.

Based in Cornwall, they have hit the road with Wille Edwards on slide and vocals, Matthew Brooks on six string and upright bass and Andrew Naumann on drums.

With the use of a variety of instrumentation they create a huge sound, and are in a class of their own for a three piece.

The vocals were sung with passion and the slide and guitar playing were superb, as was the tight drum work and solid bass especially the bowed upright– epic!

The use of the lap slide by Willie on ‘Under The Grove’ definitely drew my attention.

They also covered the old Peter Green number ‘Black Magic Woman’, Andrew substituting the snare for an African drum and again with the use of lap slide by Wille – all in all one of the best versions I have heard of that track’

Matt on bass, was in a class of his own, proven by an amazing six string solo he and his obvious versatility with the upright electric bass.

Andrew’s drumming suits the music, was not unlike a jazz drummer, but at higher velocity. Willie’s voice and superb guitar playing puts him a notch above the norm.

This band are obvious crowd-pleasers, and you could not describe their music as from one genre. Think ‘variety is the spice of life’!

An awesome performance by three extremely talented guys. Having listened to their latest album GROW many times, to see them live was a surreal experience, but unmissable. This is where these guys win hands down!

Rosy Greer

Lancashire Blues Archive
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