Sunday saw the very welcome return of Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse to the Mid Wales Rhythm & Blues Club.
Introduced by our compere Mr Phil Sheridan, they played to an enthusiastic sell-out audience, many of whom had traveled a long way to be in Brecon, knowing what a great night lay in store for them with this excellent band.
Beaux Gris Gris started off with the song ‘Trouble is Coming’ – and it pretty soon did, as the band found their characteristic groove – a kind of pulsating Louisiana swamp blues, propelled along rhythmically by the expert powerhouse of Stephen Mildwater on bass and Tom Rasulo on drums.
Greta Valenti has to be one of the most captivating and engaging lead singers in the business, repeatedly leaving the stage to sing and dance with the audience, bringing her own characteristic warmth and charm to the songs.
Emma Jonson again showed what an amazing virtuoso she is on the keyboards, creating some blistering high-intensity blues-drenched solos, and at other times contributing a delicate swirling accompaniment, taking the band’s overall sound subtly towards the realms of psychedelia.
Robin Davey’s guitar playing was masterful and hypnotic, as he seemingly effortlessly wove intricate bluesy solos into the fabric of the songs whilst prowling about both on and off the stage – playing with delicacy and taste, never missing a beat.
Their repertoire was eclectic, ranging between high-energy funky numbers, gentler soulful songs tinged with Americana, and the swinging blues raunch of ‘Is This The Blues?’.
Perhaps the most memorable moments were when they returned to their characteristic swamp-blues for the irresistible audience favourite ‘Louisiana Good Ride’, and then a very heartfelt ‘Don’t Let The Bastards Drag You Down’.
It’s a real privilege to be able to see a talented and professional band of this quality in a fine local venue like the Muse. The audience absolutely loved them, and everyone agreed that we will look forward to seeing them back at the Club again soon.
https://www.beauxgrisgris.com/band
Many thanks as always to everyone who contributed to making this gig possible, and to all at the Muse for their wonderful hospitality.
Photos by Barry Hill
Review by Jim Kerslake
