It’s cold. Very cold. And I’m shortly off to see a talented musician play a blues set to a limited audience. I’m quite looking forward to it. What I’m not looking forward to is going out in the cold weather and the potentially late night (on a school night, too!) I’ll give a brief report when I get back… Don’t wait up y’all.
UPDATE:
As promised, here is my little report on the blues night starring the [rather good] Bob Brozman…
I set off a little earlier than planned as the venue was a good 20 miles away and it was somewhere I’d never been before (Barry, South Wales - not far from Barry Island in fact!) As it turned out, getting there was straightforward enough - apart from all the roundabouts (just go straight over everytime) and then the maze-like back streets - so I arrived in good time. Sadly the venue had no parking facilities so it was a case of find a good and safe place on the roadside and park it up! Luckily for me a car pulled out upon my arriving so I jumped in and I was set for the night. Tidy! (spoken with ‘Nessa’s accent from Gavin and Stacey - which is very appropriate seeing as Gavin and Stacey is filmed in Barry and only a street or two away from where I was parked… By the way, if you haven’t seen Gavin and Stacey then I highly recommend you watch it now. Right this minute. It’s great!)
The venue was The Castle Hotel, Barry. And my invite was courtesy of a good friend of ours - Phil. (Phil’s also known as ‘Muddy’ and works with Lyn on occasion, and he’s very much into his blues. He’s quite an accomplished blues guitarist and harmonica player the truth be told… and he’s also a valued member of our Car Club with a very special car.
As I entered the Hotel I heard guitars being tuned and volumes being adjusted upstairs. Having bought a Diet Coke I asked the landlord as to the whereabouts of Phil and was told he was upstairs sorting out the equipment, etc. and that he’d be down shortly. And sure enough he was standing with me at the bar not more than 10 minutes later. Following a quick chat he grabbed some more equipment from his car and I then followed him upstairs to the room in which the performance would take place.
Before long the room started to fill (although it was only for a small audience of around 60 people, quite cosy in fact). I noticed a familiar face among the arrivals; the face of Bob Brozman himself and I bid him a good evening. He was a strange guy - but I don’t say that with malice or in a bad way. For a guy with so much talent and musical experience he looked very uneasy and nervous; yet polite and approachable at all times. I was very much looking forward to seeing him and hearing him play by this point.
But before he took his turn under the spotlights it was a couple of local blues musicians who took centre stage first; one of whom was a friend of Phil’s and played the harmonica. Tony was very good and the sound he produced with his harmonica was spot on. His accompaniment was a guy I didn’t know, but he was a very good guitarist if somewhat lacking in the vocals. Even so, I would have happily paid for a ticket to hear these guys so the night was off to a good start.
Sure enough the time arrived for Bob to take the stage and he was greeted with tremendous applause (considering the relatively small audience). He introduced himself and (instantly) that unease and nervousness I’d picked up on earlier was nowhere to be seen. He was in his comfort zone already! 
Around him were various stringed instruments from various parts of the world - all with unique styles and sounds. Taking a guitar from his right he began to strum a few warm up chords, adjust the tuning and broke into his first song. I was already hooked at this point! 
(It’s important to point out that Bob doesn’t just ‘play’ the guitar… he uses it in many ways. Often he will tap out a percussive rhythm on the body of the guitar - whilst still plucking and strumming away at the same time - or throw the guitar into the air and balance it on his fingers, all without losing his beat or sense of rhythm).
A lot of Bob’s playing is improvised. For example, he may start playing in a particular style of blues then suddenly switch to another style, to another time/beat and even into another language in terms of the lyrics. Not once did he miss a beat. Not only was his guitar playing ability out of this world but his use of vocals was equally interesting, varied and strong.
As hinted by the range of instruments around him it was obvious that Bob has been influenced by many types of blues music from many different cultures and countries. (And those that know a little about Bob Brozman will likely know that already!) The ability he demonstrated in playing each and every instrument was phenomenal and the sounds he produced were unlike nothing I’d ever heard before. I can’t even begin to describe the sound - it was quite literally magical and an aural delight. I can’t emphasise enough how special it all was.
Throughout his two-part set Bob frequently invited the audience to join him in his music - whether it was singing, tapping out the beat or simply friendly banter. He had each and every one of us totally enthralled and (a quick glance around confirmed this!) the entire audience were smiling and thoroughly enjoying themselves. It didn’t matter what style of music he played (and he played some diverse styles - from Indian to Oceania to North African to ‘old man’ classic blues, even heavy metal blues) he made each song unique and interesting to all who listened. Whether that was through his pure talent in being able to play the guitar, through his novel and different ways in which he interpreted his songs… I couldn’t say. All I know is that I was equally mesmerised no matter what the song nor the origin of the song.
I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve heard a good few blues guitarists play live over the last few years - the likes of the late and great Jeff Healey, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton, The Hamsters. As fantastic as those people / groups are - and I don’t say this lightly - they aren’t at the level at which Bob Brozman is at. He’s phenomenal, staggering… and any other word you can think of. I’m still buzzing! I’ve never heard anything like it but I hope I get the opportunity to see and hear this guy play live again. I was blown away by this little bearded guy!
And do you know what else? He’s also a great entertainer when not with a guitar in hand. His interplay and conversation with the crowd was excellent; relaxed and lighthearted. Heck, I’d happily have paid the ticket price to see this guy as a comedian! His jokes were funny, his wit quick and his humour made a connection with all in attendance. With respect to the ticket price it’s the best £10 I’ve ever spent.
When the night eventually came to an end I thanked Phil for the invite and put on my jacket to leave. But before doing so I took a moment to approach Bob and thank him for the fantastic evening. He was extremely approachable and amiable and it was quite a humbling experience to briefly speak with him. I just hope I have another opportunity to experience his live music again in the future.
(As you’ve probably guessed by now I was amazed by this guy. If you get a chance to see him live then please, please make an effort to buy a ticket and to go along to at least one of his performances. He’s really that good!)
Having bid a goodnight to the remaining few I jumped into my car and began the journey home. It was much colder than when I had arrived and I was looking forward to getting home to Lyn and a warm bed. But wow - it had been a fantastic night and one I won’t forget in a hurry.
It’s a shame that Jess isn’t over here in Wales as he’d love it. Phil and Tony (who arrange and organise these events) are looking to get regular blues nights introduced in and around Barry and South Wales. As a result there are many more blues nights coming up shortly, including open mic nights and special guest sets from the likes of Eddie Martin. I’m looking forward to more nights like this.
October 27th, 2008 | Category: General | Comments (4)
- Dave kindly drove me to the local train station where I hopped on a train and made my way into the city. I actually have my camera gear with me right now and was hoping to head to the docks / wharf to get some snaps but the weather is so poor it’s not feasible. As I look out the window now I cannot see more than about 50 yards as the rain is so bad.
Talking of sublime, the world-class rally driver 
Whilst most drivers in their rally cars were taking the chicanes well and at pace, Hirvonen just flew through them sideways and in complete control; the speed was immense! (Can you tell I was blown away?!?!)
