Blues for Haiti

What a great day was had by everyone at the Blues for Haiti Benefit in Aberdeen on SaturdayApril 10th.

A fantastic line up of bands provided all genres of Blues, all day from midday until 2.30am to a packed Blue Lamp. Robin performed without Wolftrain, blowing harp and singing with Mr. Spider, the Juke Joint Rollers performed full of innuendo, a nervous Claude's Funky Taxi bravely got stuck in without their front man who was up at the back of the hall nursing a fractured wrist, and turned in a passable first gig. Then Janie and Red Dawg exploded onto the stage and had the crowd eating out of their hands for a 40 minute set. Hollowbody provided a wonderful contrast with their laid back delta/early chicago style of blues, Nigel really is an understated guitarist with some very fine touches. Mr. Spider stormed ahead with a more Rock Blues offering of a set augmented by Wolftrain's redoubtable front man Robin delivering a Chester Burnett standard before he and Hennie had to depart. Then we had the slick suited East Side Kings with Son Henry in his element striding the stage interacting with the Horns, Dino and the crowd until the Chicago Five took over the limelight. What an exceptional band John Nimmo pounding the keys,George MacPhee wringing every possible riff and bent note out of his Les Paul while the engine room of Tich on drums and Jamie James on bass held it all together.

A drop down in volume followed with the Down Home Blues of PapaMojo (who all play seated) digging deep into the pre war era for their repertoire of Delta, Country Blues and Gospel. Tupelo Town Assembly took over and entertained the crowd until Jerry Jablonski powered onto the stage, not strictly blues more high energy rock but just what the crowd wanted at this time.

Then came the Jam!! Son, Jerry, Dino, Spider, Snakehips and The Blindman augmented and varied by the addition of Peter from Jerry's band and his drummer (sorry I've forgotten his name) who delivered a variety of fun blues until 2.30am when we all made our weary way homewards.

A special mention for Bruce MacKenzie (sound), Barbara (raffles and tickets), Hennie and Bob from Dundee Blues Bonanza, Alfie from The Smokie Blues and Lorraine who stormed in jet lagged and whipped up £75.00 in no time with a conscience bucket, Dave Amos who ferried people between venues and helped out where needed and last but not least Chris Simmonds who passed a bucket round at his Friday gig and raised us £126.00.

Dick Wardell and Christophe Aubin who held it all together at Cellar 35's acoustic stage aided by Snakehips and others.

Total to be posted here after its finalised so far it looks like it will be £1,500.00+