Gig Review
Giles Hedley & The Aviators
Saturday, 4 April 2009:
A first visit to Bluesnights by Giles Hedley & The Aviators. Giles Hedley is a long-time stalwart of the U.K./European blues scene, with more than 40 years of gigging experience under his belt. Tonight he was ably supported for this gig by The Aviators, viz: sidesmen (and son) Pete Hedley, drummer, and Richard Sadler on bass guitar.
During the two-set concert Giles played three guitars, including an ancient self-built lap steel, plus an array of harmonicas. On the latter he immediately showed the range and depth of his playing with an opening gospel number. Here, the bass lines were played on a large chromatic harp and the treble part on a small Hohner Supervamper – played with his nose - together creating the sound of a church harmonium. Giles also has a very rich voice which was well suited to Gospel.
They then got a good hypnotic riff going on Tommy McClennan's “Bull Frog Blues”. The next number was a rollicking butt-kicker by Sleepy John Estes and featured slide skills that had Giles' fingers flowing up and down the fret board! They produced a very funky feel on Bukka White's “Shake Em On Down”. The first set finished with Giles playing Willie Dixon's “The Same Thing” on his self made lap steel, featuring a very inventive solo – superb!
Note: Click thumbnail to view full artist image.
Photo credit: Paul Martin.
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Giles Hedley & The Aviators kicked off the second set with Howling Wolf's “Back Door Man”, utilising a slow riff but hard and tight drums and bass. Son House's “Death Letter Blues” was pure, raw Delta. A solo number by Giles was very beautiful, sweet and tender.
Some more songs on the lap steel went down very well with the crowd! One by Blind Boy Fuller had great solos, but the very best was Willie Dixon's “Little Red Rooster” a superb rendition, very tight and Giles pulled out some very real chicken noises too! A really good harp number followed and they finished the evening with Robert Johnson's “When You’ve Got A Good Friend”; very well done!
It had been a very enjoyable show with interesting renditions and the audience simply loved it. We look forward to spending another Bluesnights with them!
Review by: Lewis A Harris.
© Bluesnights. The Dorset Blues Society.
4 April 2009.
