It truly was a night for Blues on Tuesday, 8th January at the Perth Blues Club. Two acts from the Eastern States and one that had its origins in the Blues scene in Zimbabwe ensured that Blues lovers were treated to a feast of real Blues.

First up was DR.WATSON from Sydney, NSW, who were touring the West Coast for the first time, playing their cruisy Blues from their newly-released album, “Elementary”. The trio consists of Nick “The Doctor” Watson on guitar and stompbox, Rosemary Hannaford on keyboards and harmonies and Helen Matthews on lead vocals and saxophone. The set consisted of a mix of originals and some well-known Blues standards. It was good to hear “Smoke On The Water” given a Blues twinge.

In a hurry to get going was ANDREA MARR and her band, who had a plane to catch back to Melbourne, VIC. straight after the gig. They delivered a powerful set of full-blown Blues with Andrea’s great vocals being a feature. Most of the songs were taken off her third cd called “Watch Me Work It” and her band certainly did her proud with their polished delivery. The treat of the night was when Bob Patient, one of the finest keyboardists in the country, was invited up for a couple of numbers. That got the dancers jumping !!

Wrapping up the evening was DEJA BLU, featuring Geoff Sedgwick on keys and Dennis Thal on guitar, both involved in the Zimbabwean Blues scene. Out front, Tom Jennis did a great job with the lead vocals. The references throughout their set to their new band name of The Nobodies was as a result of a hurried conversation prior to their appearance on stage that Deja Blu existed in an earlier life and that the name may well be registered. Only time will tell on that one. Musically, plenty of recognizable Blues songs in the idiom of New Orleans and Chicago styles.

Yet another great night at The Perth Blues Club, with plenty of satisfied punters heading home with smiles on their faces.

Derek Cromb hosts “Play The Blues” on 89.7 TWIN CITIES FM every Sunday from 8-10pm.