Village Pump Festival

Trowbridge
Wiltshire
UK

Bluze are a musicians’ band led by Chris Mayfield, with an impressive collective CV. Chris Mayfield and Chris Willey took equal turns, on lead guitar, vocals and bass playing duties, and were joined by Beaz on harps and jaws harp, the mighty Les Morgan on drums, and Jane Pearl on vocals and banter. Although the two Chrises play sitting down, any impression of seasoned musicians taking it easy and “going through the paces” was soon blown away by a display of mature musicianship, some funky soloing and tight three part harmony vocals. The three lead vocalists, all of top quality, take turns in equal measure. Chris Willey’s slide guitar soloing was as sweet in it’s phrasing as it was inventive and fluid. Chris M’s lead playing was more of the multi-string picking variety, and always sensitive.

Song-wise, we were treated to a selection of classics such as Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster”, Wolf’s “Built for Comfort” and “Who’s Been Talkin’” and Buddy Johson’s “Stuff You Gotta Watch”, in addition to some funk arrangements of Bob Dylan and Ray Charles numbers. All the songs were driven along by the superb rhythmic playing of Les Morgan on drums and Chris Mayfield on fretless bass. Songs of especial merit include Homer Banks’ “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right” sung with power and expression by Jane, and Slim Harpo’s Masterful Blues “Got Love if you Want It”. Harp player Beaz was always in the mix, never in your face, playing some very complimentary accompaniment and solos in equal measure. The encore number was Chris Willey’s “Big Train”, from the band’s latest CD, featuring lovely jaws harp.

All in all, a highly enjoyable set from top musicians on top form.

Mike Mager

Published in bluesinbritain2002

The Village Pump festival
Trowbridge, Wiltshire 24th July 2003

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