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| The Brew at Sala Acapulco, Gijon, Spain © Arlé Corte |
UK band The Brew gave a classic set of storming retro rock on Thursday night in Gijon, Spain. Seeing this power trio gives one the an idea of what it must have been like to see a very early Led Zeppelin or The Who around 1968 or 1969. Gibson guitars, Marshall amps, howling feedback drenched solos and even, at one point, a guitar solo with violin bow à la Jimmy Page.
And a drum solo!
26 year-old Jason Barwick is undoubtedly an extremely talented guitar player and is more than ably backed up by father and son rhythm section Tim Smith (bass), Kurtis Smith (drums). Check out their version of Hendrix's Little Wing on Youtube to cast aside any doubts about his undeniable string-bending talents.
How big would Jason have been in the guitar hero heyday of the early 70s? He certainly looks the part (on occasion reminiscent of a young David Gilmour or Steve Winwood) and evidently has the technique, imagination and fire that would have put him in the spotlight in a more guitar hero friendly age.
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| Jason Barwick © Arlé Corte |
Having seen Damian Chazelle's 2014 drum themed film Whiplash only the night before, Kurtis' drum solo (at times quite evidently inspired by John Bonham's Moby Dick) was also something I enjoyed more than I would ordinarily. I've never really been a fan of the drum solo. It's always seemed to me to be more about physical endurance (see Whiplash) and crowd pleasing rather than music - maybe it should be an Olympic sport. However one must applaud the physical exertion and accomplishment at least.
Here's a couple of clips from a show which I enjoyed immensely.
See below for some great photos of the show by Arle Corte
The Brew are
Tim Smith (bass), Kurtis Smith (drums) and Jason Barwick (guitar, vocals).
All photos by Arlé Corte. Many thanks to her for letting us post them here.
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
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| © Arlé Corte |
Bonus track for fans of Whiplash and John Bonham - That drum solo
More stranger than known
Amazing Journey - The road to "Live at Leeds". The Who Live in Philadelphia 19/10/1969
Cream live at the Spalding Bar-B-Que, 29th May 1967
Texas International Pop Festival with Led Zeppelin...
Led Zeppelin at Southampton University 1973
Views of Spain - The Art of Arle Corte
Jimmy Page starring with The Black Crowes 1999 - at the Greek Theater e.g., is as strong or stronger testimony than this? Fact is, it was also Van Morrison's (the band Them rather, or owed to perhaps Burns or even Paqe himself?) arrangement of "Baby please Don't Go" inspired this type/style rendition which Page played guitar in session for Them 1965 or whatnot.
ReplyDeleteWatching the drum solo - came to mind it's understood that Bonham would on occasion go on for 40 minutes. When I read that I had to do a double take but always felt Bonzo was extraordinarily unique and in a class of his own.
ReplyDeleteBut c'mon, FORTY minutes! Incredible.
Apparently it got under Plant's skin a bit, at one point, as audience members apparently even began to wonder. I can't imagine anyone EVER forgetting Bonham soloing "Moby Dick" for forty minutes. Isn't that entirely unheard of? Who ever did such? That's a righteous drummer; and I was actually pretty impressed by this kid here, as the increased uptempo frenzy about 2/3's through is magnetic if not mesmerizing.