Imelda May / Big Boy Bloater and The Limits
17th MArch 2011
Band Members:
Imelad May – lead vocals
Darrel Higham – guitar and vocal
Al Gare - Double bass
Steve Rushton - drums
Dave Priseman - trumpet, percussion
Guests
Paul O'Gradey
Jeff Beck
Gig Photos Photos
Imelda May Official Website
Imelda May Wikipedia Website
Venue Camden Roundhouse
From the off this gig was destined to be special, as the rising Irish star of Rockabilly was playing The Roundhouse on St. Patricks day. Indeed the support act Big Boy Bloater confirmed this with a fantastic blues/Rock n'Roll set. Can white men play the blues? They sure as hell can! Bloaters voice as raspy as ten year old sand paper belted out tunes from his latest album and engaged with the audience in a way that declared his pedigree. I heard those voices again, Sweet and Brown but to name a couple stood out. Buy the album and go see. As a support act these guys were clearly headline material.
After a swift 20 mins stage change the freight train that is Imelda May came on stage. The petite Irish whirlwind lauched in to her set building on Bloaters tickling of the audience. She ripped through Love Tatto, Big Bad Handsome Man and Sneaky Freak at breakneck speed. I lost 2 pounds in weight from the work out... no wonder she is so tiny!
Then it was on to special guest Paul Brady - singer, songwriter and renound Irish folk/roots musician. Imelda and Paul (impish as a leprichaun) duetted and bounced off each other, feeding off each others energy and musical ability. They sang three songs together incluing the lovely Kentish Town Waltz.
Then the freight train was off again eventually reaching a showcase section for the outstanding horn section and special guest number two... no less than Jeff Beck which saw a duet with Walking on Sand. Storming!
Just when you thought it wasnt possible the tempo was upped again coming to a finale with Mayhem and Johnny. Kerrr Pow!!!!! Raptuous applause and cheering and the realisation that an evening had passed in a blink.
The mandatory encore saw Imelda read some verse written by her mum followed by a cover of Tainted Love which to be honest I preferred to the original. Then to the close and my baby left me.
What and evening of great music and treats. As the crowds dispersed I was able to get my hands on Imelda's setlist thanks to one of the stage hands... a great momento to a great evening.
Maybe I am too easily pleased these days but this was definately another 12/10 gig.