Dave Peabody & Aled Clifford live at Kensington Church for the MWR&BC on Sat 17th 2026...

Event poster.

I sometimes struggle to say how fantastic a club gig was this is one of those occasions — having had DAVE SPEIGHT & RAPHEAL CALLAGHAM come play at Kensington Church last Saturday was the turn of DAVE PEABODY who was equally truly fantastic — I simply cannot say how important these gigs are to me and the MWR&BC working with performers who are 60 odd yrs on the road and listening to the stories and connections is just one of the best ways I can spend an evening’s— and I would hope that those of you who turnout to said evenings would feel the same way too — these are all guys in the late 70’s still delivering top quality performances and who must be fully aware of time ticking by we must all try harder to come see these performers and performances while we can these guys won’t be around for ever—

I shall be returning to Kensington Church next March / April time with another artist who as a similar back-story and who continues to make new stories while continuing their own blues journeys—

Over to Paul Keddle and Phil Sheridan and Christine Williams review wise with images buy Ian Keddle and Grant Leach images amended by Ian.

ALED CLIFFORD…

Review One by Paul.

A relatively small audience filled the seats in an intimate setting at Kensington Church.

With comfortable chairs and an eager audience, we were privileged to hear some great acoustic blues

music.

Aled Clifford opened the evening, and with many original songs showing his more mellow side.

Very much opposite to the raucous rock blues two piece which is Henry’s Funeral Shoe, that he

fronts with his brother Brennig.

My favourite song of his that evening must be ‘Give me back my morphine’ as his songs deal with real life.

Altogether a great performance from a well-established home-grown singer songwriter and performer.

Our evening then proceeded with a session of authentic style country blues from Dave Peabody.

After playing and performing for over 60 years, he has played with many great American bluesmen.

He projected and interacted with the audience as the well-seasoned musician that he is.

Covering many styles of guitar playing, he showed that his enthusiasm for the music is still in him,

and his knowledge of the old blues legends of acoustic blues, is amazing.

It was a thoroughly absorbing night of close quarter, real acoustic music, which was enhanced by a great sound

provided by our local soundman Ian Keddle and the subdued lighting created a cosy atmosphere.

Thanks to Angus Kings for his always enthusiastic promoting input and more importantly providing the bar!

Paul Keddle team member MWR&BC…

DAVE PEABODY…

Review Two by Phil.

The venue is Kensington church for Mid Wales Rhythm & Blues Club’s third “intimate” gig, following on from Dave Speight & Raphael Callaghan complete with lamps, fairy lights and atmospheric shadows. First up is the ever-popular Aled Clifford.

Aled’s back from touring with his band Henry’s Funeral Shoe; playing acoustically to all the local musical aficionados. Opening with his own composition “Going Fishing “influenced by Tom Waits, Aled has an easy manner that draws the audience in with descriptive lyrics and often poignant storytelling of family and local characters; coupled with a vocal blues style and an impressively full and rhythmic guitar accompaniment.

Given the church setting he had to play a gospel song and a faithful rendition of the gospel standard “” Nobody’s fault but Mine” held the enthralled audience. Followed by a joyful wander through Doc Watson’s “Sitting on top of the World”. For a little light relief Aled recalled a story about the flamboyant American band KISS who he supported on a cruise! but never got to know the men behind the “masks””.

His playing showed many influences included from J.B.Lenoir and Doc Watson to the Kinks and Beatles – all in all a varied set, perfectly suited to the venue.

Next up the greatly experienced and multi -talented DAVE PEABODY Musician, Guitarist, Raconteur and photographer, who has been around long enough to have played with them all, and the raconteur in him spilled the beans on front and backstage incidents. His skill in authentic blues playing, and extensive vocal range held the audience enthralled for the rest of the night.

Playing in a variety of styles and tempos, his devotion to, and knowledge of, the Blues was seemingly endless having played since the 60’s and performed and tour / resided in Europe and America. As a contented man he told us that “It’s hard to sing the blues when you’re happy but there was plenty to sing along to as he coaxed the audience to join him on

“It keeps on Raining “(perfect for here in Wales he quipped). Next, he took us to Alligator (honest) Mississippi for “Highway 61 “that is, as was pointed out to him by a local, the old route! (not the Dylan journey)

Tales of Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Charlie Musselwhite and Honey Boy Edwards were retold, but resonated fully when told by an exceptional musician, who you knew had been there and done that!

Finally, it was plain to see that Dave had musically passed the blues baton on to the next generation in Aled – so the beat goes on, as they say.

Phil Sheridan. 17.10.2026 team member MWR&BC

DAVE PEABODY with team member PAUL KEDDLE…

Review Three by Christine.

The first impression on entering a. Gig is the effect it has.

Kensington offers a pleasing ambience that settles you and helps you relax and leave your backpack of anxieties outside.
Angus works well and efficiently, providing an ad hoc ‘bar’. all his own work, and with remarkably reasonably prices. (One of the most charming elements of that was he was able to provide me with a perfect cup of tea later in the evening has I didn’t want to risk another alcoholic drink has I was driving.)

As for the music: Aled Clifford was a refreshing young singer-songwriter, father of a young family, with an impressive range of material. He had a very pleasant voice and mastered both guitars he used really well. His material was often personal and poignant, and he had an extensive portfolio of songs. I enjoyed his performance but could not always hear his words clearly enough. Not sure whether it was his diction, the sound system or my hearing.
I will tell others to look out for him. He is a young, good-looking performer and has an appealing manner that brings the audience onto his wavelength. I will go to hear him again.

DAVID PEABODY.

Class in Brecon! Here’s the real deal!

From the first notes when his fingers touched his guitar David Peabody had the audience in his talented hands.
It is difficult to describe the effect a true Bluesman has on the listener.
Difficult for me to describe the technical proficiency he brought to his performance. I am not a music critic. I simply knew I was listening to the performance of a master.
Here was Delta Blues played as they should be played, sung as they must be sung to be authentic.
His experience of playing with the best has given him a proficiency and mastery one could just be thankful to have been there to hear him.
The highlight for me was when he picked up Paul Keddle’s Resonator guitar, slide guitar by a brilliant musician.
Could have listened to him for another hour, two perhaps. Wish I’d bought his CD.
Bring him back, Angus. You are guaranteed an audience. Quality always prevails.

Christine Williams.
21 October 2026.

Next up for The MWR&BC will be a return to The Muse for The James Oliver Band with Norman Watt-Roy and Mark Kemlo on HALLOWEEN SATURDAY…