Gig Review
Kris Dollimore
Saturday, 7 March 2009:
A first time visit to Bluesnights by this accomplished musician, Kris Dollimore; armed with three guitars - two Gibsons and a L'Arrivee - Kris turned in a magical performance. A genial, charming guy with a magnificent voice to boot, we warmed to him as he worked his way through a rich selection of 1920s-30s Delta Blues plus half a dozen or so of his own works. His fluidity and dexterity on the guitar is outstanding and the slide work is truly excellent! With a good balance between up-tempo and slower numbers, one minute he had us jumping up and down in our seats, the next sitting back and reflecting. Mississippi Fred McDowell's "You Gotta Move" being an example of the former with a great foot stomping riff and a superb slide. Then there was Blind Willie Johnson's "Soul Of A Man", a lovely song with a nice delicate slide.
As a contrast, the inclusion of an instrumental version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" was a classy example of Kris's fluid, assured technique. But it was one of his own numbers, "Loved Up Blues", that really hit the spot with me! I simply wanted it to go on for ever!
Note: Click thumbnail to view full artist image.
Photo credit: Paul Martin.
... continued
The second set kicked off with an instrumental "Sordad" which had a very jangly sound. Another own composition, "Asylum", was a fast paced rocker with a thumping rhythm. He then followed that with Willie Cobb's "No, No, No"; very poignant and beautiful. Robert Johnson got a good airing with four numbers played including "Love In Vain" which was superbly performed.
Kris Dollimore is also quite a Hooker fan and a few numbers featured that well-known John Lee riff. His own song "Caned" had a hypnotic riff and slide; really well done! The last number of the set was also one of his own, "Brother Ray", a tribute to a former friend who had died of drug abuse. One could feel the intensity of this in the emotion of the vocals and the powerful playing. Quite riveting!
Kris thoroughly deserved an encore and he obliged with his own take on Robert Johnson's "Hell Hound on My Trail". A fitting finale to an excellent concert. He will most certainly be invited back!
Review by: Lewis A Harris.
© Bluesnights. The Dorset Blues Society.
7 March 2009.
