The Eli Paperboy Reed Trio hit Gijon last night for some deep down 'n' dirty blues, gospel, soul and Saturday night rock'n'roll.
Or I should say Sunday morning as the band didn't actually plug in and go until one in the morning. It was a long night for Eli as he also did a DJ set after the band finished.
I must say that, much as I like Eli's 60s Soul inspired albums, live is really the way to see him, and this back to basics Walkin and Talkin 10th anniversary tour really packs some primo blues'n'soul punches.
Eli has a phenomenal gospel inspired voice that is quite often reminiscent of Sam Cooke, Joe Tex or a more tender Wilson Pickett. The trio really gives his voice room to maneuver and also, I imagine, allows for some gospel style vocal improvisation to take place.
An example of which may be seen on this clip when Eli's microphone broke in the middle of I'm Gonna Leave You Alone. He just carries on anyway and the result is some sublime soul. A really stunning performance.
And one that invited audience participation. The spirit was there and we were truly moved.
Watch.
And I swear the spirit of Sam Cooke was conjured up in the first 60 seconds of Take My Love With You.
Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Club in 1963?
Nope. Eli Paperboy Reed live in Gijon last night.
What a voice.
And this a cracking version of James Brown's Think.
The whole show was a brilliant example of gospel and soul flavored swamp blues with just the right amount of rock'n'roll chaos.
Just what you want in the midnight hour on a Saturday night.
Indeed, the very spirit of Saturday night itself.
Go see 'em.
More stranger than known
"Elvis is on the guest list" - Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Gijon, Spain 22/05/2014
Gregory Porter - The Gijon Jazz Festival
James Brown's Deep Funk - No synthetic effects. No Safety Nets...
Key To The Highway - The Rolling Stones at Chess Studios 1964 and 1965
Peter Green - "A Mind To Give Up Living" - The Blues of despair and salvation
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