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From: Karen Lane
Date: 05 Feb 2005
Time: 15:01:43
Remote Name: 217.27.242.112
Saw the Blues Band at the Broadway Theatre, Barking, Essex on Thursday 3 February 2005. Brilliant night out! Didn’t think the audience was quite as enthusiastic as when I saw the group at the Theatre Royal Stratford East back in 1989 and ’91, but the intimacy and atmosphere of that venue encourages more participation and feedback. However, as it’s now given over to shows appealing to ethnic minority audiences the BB probably won’t be playing there again, which is a pity. But the Broadway was quite a nice little venue, and a good time was had by all. The band were fantastic: excellent mix of material, some amusing banter with the audience, and masses of energy and enthusiasm in a show lasting three hours (with only a 20 minute break) - no wonder they’re all so fit-looking, burning up those sort of calories most weeks. Must also comment on the standard of musicianship. I expect most people have noticed how the press bangs on and on about the same old pop and rock music names, hailing some quite commonplace talents as geniuses. Yet here’s this band, largely ignored by our mainstream media, displaying a level of technique and artistry that far surpasses that of most of the so-called legends. I hope the loyal and supportive following the Blues Band have gained over the past 25+ years has been recognition and reward enough for their talents. I look forward to seeing them again.