Gig Review
Papa George & Alan Glen
Saturday, 8 March 2008:
A maximum capacity audience packed the Dorchester Arts Centre to welcome these two much-respected stalwarts of the UK blues scene. Though each had played the venue before in other groups, this was their first appearance together in duo mode, with Papa George playing guitar and handling vocals, whilst Alan Glen laid down harmonica.
Presenting a rich mixture of classics and self-penned numbers, they set about wowing the crowd with a display of first-class musicianship. Papa George pulled some beautiful sounds from his Amistar tri-cone guitar, which he used for most of the gig. Fine examples of this instrument’s versatility were "Blues With A Feeling", with its rolling railroad feel, and "The Sun Don't Shine" in which the combination of slow poignant guitar and Glen's subtle harp playing was superb.
Throughout the evening, the duo laced their playing with anecdotes about the music business; comparing verbal notes about who had seen which artists, playing where and when, led to Alan giving a virtuoso rendition of "Bye Bye Bird" as a tribute to the late Sonny Boy Williamson. John Lee Hooker's "Crawling King Snake" had a strong loping rhythm, segueing into "Broken Mirrors", showcasing Papa George's
song writing and composing skills. The first set ended with an excellent syncopated rhythmic version of Robert Johnson's "Walking Blues".
Note: Click thumbnail to view full artist image.
Photo credit: Paul Martin.
... continued
In the second set, a couple of Muddy Waters' numbers – "Rolling And Tumbling" and "Can't Be Satisfied" both had a primordial rock feel to them, which was nicely complemented by the duo's take on the Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman", with its almost country blues feel.
Another contrast came in the shape of George's "Moon Shadows On Coconut Grove", a beautiful ballad with a Hawaiian feel, featuring empathic harp from Alan. Keith Emerson's instrumental "Barnes Station Blues" got a warm reception, whilst the final number – Cyril Davies's "Country Line Special" - received rapturous applause.
The duo perfectly complemented each other; Papa George's guitaring and vocals were excellent, as was the subtly understated harp playing of Alan Glen. Individually they are impressive; together they are dynamite!
Review by: Lewis A Harris.
© Bluesnights. The Dorset Blues Society.
8 March 2008.
