19 January 2012 (gig)
20 January 2012
Watching Joe Corbin and Ian Siegal at the Bedford you can’t help but wonder whether there are venues across the United States the same night hosting events where American musicians mimic UK accents in tribute to their heroes. Beatles’ admirers maybe but you cannot imagine a Texas venue selling tickets to a mockney sounding singer doing The Kinks or Small Faces.
The reason for this observation or question is that tonight’s Blues artists are both guilty of making you think they are American. Support act Joe Corbin is less guilty than Siegal, who not only sings with an American twang but is also dressed like he’s just wandered in from Nashville. While this does not distract from the music, it gives the acts less of a sense of identity. But to be honest, the Blues does sound better done with an American accent!
Corbin’s a Guernsey born Balham resident who plies his trade as a butcher from 9 till 5 but turns to a different kind of axe out of hours. He is an impressive guitarist blessed with an impressive rock voice, although Corbin surprises you between tracks with his gentle and shy chat. Before a respectfully quiet audience his short set features tracks from his debut EP The Bottle, including a stomping rendition of Storm In My Heart and an impressive acoustic take on Tony Joe White’s As The Crow Flies.
While Corbin is playing, a big screen displays live pictures of an artist drawing charcoal interpretations of the songs played. It is a lovely idea that really works, giving a different take on what you are listening too. Amongst the numerous London music venues, The Bedford is a delight, where artists with strong reputations can play to an intimate audience.
The young Rolf Harris-alike (he doesn’t have a didgeridoo, or a beard actually) stays for the main act as well, when his drawings take on a slightly more humorous style. That is because many of the songs have hilarious lines like “my favourite wife” or, with Ain’t Nobody’s Business But Your Own, some witty observations about drink and drugs.
Siegal is a renowned Blues star, picking up the Mojo Blues Album of the Year award and collecting other accolades during his career. To underline this obvious talent, his promise of a bit of folk, blues and gospel is delivered with quality and panache. He is certainly received well by the Bedford audience. Two impressive performances for different reasons.
