Concert Review
Saltburn Golf Club Saturday 14th September 2024
Salmon City Blues Band
supported by
Richard Bell & Jane Beacher
Richard Bell with Ronnie Brown & Graham Brotton
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Richard was introduced by Amanda Hadlett, who was MCing the evening, and opened with ‘Empty Pocket Blues’ by Clive Palmer (Incredible String Band). A gently lilting song, Richard said it was the first tune he’d learnt to fingerpick back in 1969. This was followed by Jackson C Frank's “Blues Run the Game” and Mark Knopfler's “Sailing To Philadelphia”.
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A stalwart of SFC, it was great to hear Richard play a full set. From the fourth number onwards, Richard was joined by Graham Brotton on double bass and local author, Ronnie Brown on harmonicas who Richard introduced as "The HeBe3Bs". Richard switched to 12 string guitar, and they launched into a Donovan song, ‘Cuttin’ Out.’
This was followed by ‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’ which was written in 1923 but became famous a few years later when recorded by Bessie Smith in 1929.
Ralph McTell's “Last Train and Ride” then Jesse Fuller's “San Francisco Bay Blues” completed the set.
The addition of Graham’s electric double bass and Ronnie’s soaring harmonica really filled out the sound. The additional instruments supported Richard’s vocals and guitar sympathetically.
A great choice of songs and an excellent start to the night.
Jane Beacher
Jane began with ‘It Ain’t Nobody’s Business’. Jane performs a captivating take on the blues. With a voice that has honeyed tones.
‘The Sky Is Blue’ was a self-penned number. A lovely laid-back tune carried along with a relaxed guitar. However, a spirited voice rides over it all.
‘St James Infirmary.’ Jane’s sparse, reigned in guitar was nicely juxtaposed with her passionate vocals.
‘Coming Home’ was an original number with a change of pace. A lively blues that drives along.
Jane finished on a traditional folk song, ‘Blackwaterside’. Always great to see and hear Jane, an outstanding performer.
The Salmon City Blues Band
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Formed in 2019 in the Berwick area the group take their name from the old CB radio call sign for Berwick. I’ve been lucky to see them a few times in the last couple of years.
This time, however, the band were even better. They had decided to play a more acoustic blues. The band opened with the classic Robert Johnson song, ‘Crossroads’.
The acoustic guitars from Neill Berry and Nick Allmark, and harmonica from Wal Wallace, blended beautifully. It was all solidly underpinned by Ray Weatherburn on the electric bass. It was a different flavour, for sure, but it worked so well for the blues.
The set was a fantastic mix of classic blues and self-penned numbers culminating in the titular ‘Salmon City Blues’, a rollicking fun song that rolls along taking the audience with it.
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The acoustic sound was more laid back but also warmer. Nick’s lead breaks as clear as a bell but with that warmth that comes from an acoustic guitar.
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It was a fabulous night with great solid sets from Richard Bell and Jane Beacher and the excellent Salmon City Blues Band!
Review and Photographs by Mark Hadlett