Saturday saw a very welcome return to the Muse at Brecon by the James Oliver Band.
James Oliver (lead guitar and vocals) and Mark Kemlo (drums and backing vocals) are both old friends to the Mid Wales Rhythm & Blues Club. However, we were delighted also to welcome for the first time Mr Norman Watt-Roy on bass and backing vocals – an original member of Ian Dury and the Blockheads, with an impeccable musical pedigree that includes the Clash, Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey.
From the outset this trio displayed their incredible musical prowess with high-energy renditions of ‘Tear It Up’ (delivered in a raunchy foot-tapping rockabilly style) and ‘Mean Little Mamma’ (from James’ definitive ‘Twang’ album).
A band featuring three such seasoned musicians is never going to disappoint, and this trio kept up the energy amazingly, storming through an eclectic mix of vintage rock & roll, blues, surf rock and roackabilly… pausing only for some hilarious banter with the audience between numbers.
Having heard James several times now, his playing seems to get more impressive and adventurous on each occasion. His trademark ‘twang’ guitar sound is deeply steeped in vintage rock & roll tradition, of course… but there’s rather more to it than that. It seems that he can wring any sound he likes out of his strings at will. His style is incredibly inventive, and he is never satisfied to settle into easy cliché.
So you really do never quite know what James is going to play next (or indeed between songs what he’s going to say next..!) and this remarkable originality keeps his performances fresh, highly entertaining and joyfully engaging.
Mark Kemlo’s drumming was faultless, particularly entertaining when swapping solo lines with James during ‘Sweet Little Angel’. Norman Watt-Roy’s bass was a perfect addition to the mix: fluent, funky, melodic and inventive – it’s no wonder he had such a big smile on his face – they all seemed to be enjoying themselves, and the audience did too.
A particular highlight of the first half was ‘My Own Business’ in which the band really gelled to deliver an irresistibly high-energy sound.
And then… somehow, by unknown means, they summoned up more power for an even more raunchy and up-beat second set. The highlight had to be their venture into superbly punchy versions of some of the classic Dr Feelgood numbers – ‘Roxette’ / ‘I Can Tell’ / ‘She Does It Right’ – all delivered with that authentic Wilko-esque tense energy.
And so the evening drew to a close with a few more favourites… James is still singing his tribute to ‘American Cars’ though we’re still not sure if he has ever got that Cadillac he was craving a while back… still there’s time yet. But you should check out his latest album ‘Frantic’ – if he is indeed ‘rocking his life away’ (as the first track suggests) then he’s making an excellent and gloriously unapologetic job of it, and long may he continue.
https://www.jamesoliverband.co.uk
Many thanks as ever to all who contributed to this excellent evening, to the Muse for their wonderful venue and hospitality, and to the audience for helping to support live music.
Photos by Barry Hill
Review by Jim Kerslake
