Gig Review
The Barcodes
Saturday, 13 December 2008:
A very warm and welcome return of The Barcodes to Bluesnights! This trio of highly respected musicians (Bob Haddrell, Alan Glen & Dino Coccia) pulled out all the stops and delivered a first class performance. Drawing on a rich repertoire of Jazz, Blues and Boogie, each musician displayed a mastery of their instrument and had the opportunity to solo throughout the concert.
Starting with Blind Willie McTell's “Stateboro Blues”, very pleasant jazzy rendition with a nice Harp solo! Willie Dixon's “Seventh Son” cracked along very well. Jimmy Roger's “That's Alright”, a slow Blues, was really excellent! One of their own compositions “Halfway To Nowhere” is a superb Boogie that featured a beautiful organ solo. An interesting number was the inclusion of Lennon/McCartney's “Norwegian Wood”, a very well done instrumental version. Dino's drumming was impressive, as demonstrated on Mose Allison's “Parchment Farm” and then Alan did a brilliant rendition of “Stone Foot Chase”, better known as “The Old Grey Whistle Test Theme”.
Note: Click thumbnail to view full artist image.
Photo credit: Paul Martin.
... continued
The Barcodes began the second set with two tributes to recently deceased musicians. First was “All About My Girl” by the late Jimmy McGriff – superb keyboards, spot on drums, fluid guitar created a very joyful sound! Second was to Bo Diddley, performing “Hey Bo Diddley” with that well known thumping beat and we in the audience were invited to participate in a call and response routine. Great fun and a nice gesture! Sonny Boy Williamson's “Checking On My Baby” had a very interesting arrangement and was very good. Next came Jimmy Reed's “Big Boss Man” a wonderful Boogie followed by Jimmy's “Bright Light, Big City”. Another S.B. Williamson number “'Bye 'Bye Bird” allowed Allan to show his harp skills again.
The audience were treated to a superb evening of what looked like effortless virtuosity that ebbed and flowed and at the end everyone wanted more! Musicianship of this calibre, of such a high standard, is worth nurturing and preserving!
A really great night and long may it continue!
Review by: Lewis A Harris.
© Bluesnights. The Dorset Blues Society.
13 December 2008.
