08 October 2014 (gig)
12 October 2014
Three cracking bands in one night at The Talking Heads in Southampton, headlined by a brilliant set by Wille & The Bandits.
Wille Edwards, Matt Brooks and Andrew Naumann combined to produce a set full of different shades and loaded with some exquisite playing whether it be Will on the lap slide or amplified acoustic or Matt’s fluid and funk laden play on the electric six-string bass or Andrew’s understated percussion and all topped off by Wille’s harsh but emotional vocals. The crowd had come from near and far and were utterly entranced by the band.
From the opening numbers there were dervishes at the front entreating the crowd to dance with them and with every change of pace the front line ebbed and flowed so that the involvement was constant.
The set included some great numbers such as the heartbreaking ‘Mammon’ and their stunning take on Robert Johnson’s ‘Crossroads’ which seems to evoke the agony of having your soul wrenched from you and manages to create the darkness and atmosphere of the place in ways that nobody seems to have done before – Wille’s slide and effects are utterly dark and lonely and his vocal has all the introspection you might expect of a man selling his soul to the devil. ’Trouble Down The Line’ showed what can be done with a straight Blues while ‘Gypsy Woman’ funked brilliantly, loaded with syncopation and Wille managed to make noises you wouldn’t expect of an acoustic. One of the crowd favourites is always ‘Angel’ and it didn’t disappoint, the long build and complex playing leading to some power-laden playing and an incredible sound from Wille – somewhere between a scream and a prayer. Some of the guitar work reminded me of John Martyn in his prime and Andy Naumann’s percussion was fabulous – precise and flexible at the same time.
This is a band who get better as they develop: they have all the skills but they are also developing into a band who can pace a set for their crowd and their live set is something to behold.
Support for the evening came from 71Chain, an excellent four piece who played music with roots on folk and Blues. It took them a couple of numbers to warm up but their musicianship is undoubted with superb guitar and mandolin from Paul Meech and vocals and guitar from Chris Lappage while Adam Bowden’s bass playing was a delight. I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing a full set from them sometime.
They were followed by duo Soul & Fire aka Dave Mitchell on vocals and guitar and Paolo Pecoraro on drums and cahon. In many respects they reminded me of Tyrannosaurus Rex (pre T Rex) and Paolo certainly is a remarkable percussionist – one to watch I think.
A terrific evening and proof once more that Wille & The Bandits are one of Britain’s brightest new bands.
