You’ve read their review on here before, right? Well this one, THIS GIG, meant a lot more to me than the Coffee House Sessions. I hate coffee.
I was lucky enough to catch the band at their one off gig at Redcar Blues Club (The Priory), and I mean lucky. I only got told I could go in five minutes before the gig was due (shout out to my brother for giving me a lift down), from Dali, after Richie had tried to get me in. I was ecstatic – a boring Saturday night alone turned into one of the greatest nights of my life.
If you follow the website, and the previous blog, you will know that I have been to many gigs in my time – and very lucky enough to see some amazing bands. And after tonight, I realise, that all those positive gig reviews I did I wish I had saved all those positive metaphors and adverbs so I could explain to you what I experienced tonight with the Jar Family.
Talking to Richie (the top hat) outside, I mentioned that I base bands from the atmosphere, the top being what I saw at Dublin, the bottom being a Paul Weller gig I had been to. I was to humbled and embarrassed to admit that the Jar Family are the best band I’ve ever seen live. Despite being lucky enough to see the Who, Stone Roses, Noel Gallagher, and a large list of great musicians, I can hand on heart say the Jar Family have everything that I have ever been looking for.
They’re fun, but without being too gimmicky and cheesy, each and every member has an amazing talent that is indescribable – and they are incredibly humbled whenever a fan comes along and tells them how great they are.
I managed to catch the whole band this time, Kez, Keith, Richie, Dali, Maxi, and Chris, at Redcar Blues Club on Saturday 9th of May. And I remember seeing just Richie, Maxi, Dali, and Chris at Teesside University, and thinking that it couldn’t get any better – but it did.
You see, Maxi has a voice that is indescribable, I think I described it before as Bob Dylan being able to sing in tune, but it’s so much more than that. Entwined with his guitar and mouth organ, Maxi has an unwavering talent, one that can only be appreciated once seen in the flesh – a beautiful soul and so much carried on his voice for someone who is only 22.
Me with the Jar Family
I haven’t done this for a while have I? Describing each band member, and I also haven’t done a gig review straight after a gig since…. well, I don’t think I ever have.
For the first time I could catch Kez and Keith, and I was lucky enough to be in the presence of two amazing musicians (remember Squeeze? Keith was their bass player… oh yeah). I was so glad I managed to catch the full Jar Family experience with Kez and Keith in tow, because they are that extra bit. That extra piece of cake, that extra drink at the end of the night – the beauty, and that final piece that gives you strange tummy feelings when you see the Jar Family.
And Richie, Richie Docherty, Richie the Top Hat, Richie Rich – as I like to call him as of two seconds ago. He has a unique voice, as does each member of the band, but Richie’s, it literally comes from the soul – and you can feel it too. As well as being the craziest bongo player I’ve ever seen, and being a dab hand at tambourine, Richie is a fantastic guitarist, as well as a vocalist.
Dali – I like to think he sounds like Tim Healy when he talks, but he is also the sweetest vocalist and meanest guitar player. If you have ever wanted to see an amazing frontman up and close then look no further than Dali. He is your comedian, frontman, and inexplicably talent musician all rolled into one.
Re: James Harman Hi Alan
Congratulations on a GREAT, GREAT night of proper blues, it was a superb night.When you get one like that, it makes all the hard work, all the disappointments and all the financial worries worth while, I know I have been doing it for 19 years.I really enjoyed the whole gig, you have an excellent room and the sound was superb.Doc Brown, Dave & Dana Dixon, Martin and Kevin were excellent and James Harman out of this world, I have been a huge fan for many years.Please pass on my congratulations to the rest of your committee, they made everyone very welcome.
Cheers Ian
I know this is not a review but I recieved this from James O'hara after his recent gig at our club !4.7.2012 Hi Norm, me and the lads had a fantastic night at Redcar. Please pass on our thanks to Alan and the team. Really enjoyed playing there and would love do do it again. Cheers, James.
Redcar Rhythm and Blues by Kerry 10/08/2011 A darkened room with candles flickering on the tables, people sittingcomfortably with a drink and nodding their heads to the beat. Yep, the Redcar Rhythm & Blues Club is exactly how I'd imagine a Blues Club to be, aside from the lack of smoke (which is a shame, but maybe I've watched too many films). I finally managed to pay a visit a couple of months ago, when The Ramon Goose Band from Colchester were playing, supported by a band called Mojo Hand. It all started off well, nice friendly people, drink in hand and great music (we're talking guitars, drums, harmonica and saxaphone here...all on one stage! A really good vibe in the room). I couldn't believe I'd been missing out on this little feast for the senses all this time! I mean, it's right here in Redcar (Val's Priory - Just behind the Bus Station) and on my doorstep! Anyway, the atmosphere, music and (quite a few) double vodkas all combined to create this heady mix which eventually led to my fall from grace on the dancefloor (picture some idiot on their own, wearing cowboy boots, running on the spot and doing star jumps for an entire three songs). I was totally in The Zone. Luckily, the Blues Club hold their gigs once a month, so plenty of time for all this to blow over. On a positive note, I did get a free CD for my efforts. The next one is on Saturday 22nd October with The Spikedrivers plus support from Snakewater. It's £9 a ticket but I tell you, it's well worth it (and this is coming from a skint student). You're wondering what's the catch? What's Redcar Urban Arts got to do with this Blues Club? Well Ahhaha...but of course we have designed their T Shirts!
For Tickets Telephone Geoff 07956812706 or 01642 486852 EMAIL