Reviews

Standing in for the scheduled appearance of Sinner Boy were popular local Bluesman Steve Roux with his new band Teed Up.

Steve has taken a sabbatical following his disillusionment with the grind of touring as band leader with his Brass Knuckles Blues band, and the brass less White Knuckles Blues Band, despite successfully breaking through on to the UK festival scene with the former.

Fortunately for us, the talented singer guitarist has returned, revitalised and brimming with verve and passion with a fine line up on this, only their second gig.

With maestro Ray Drury (Producers), Bernie Fox, drums, and Steve Browning on bass, Steve returned to his back catalogue to mine a rich seam of funky tinged Blues rock. 'In A Spin' show cased his warm hoarse vocal timbre on a tasty shuffle before a funky 'Got To Get It Worked On' with fluid articulate guitar playing and superb infills on keys.

A lovely slow ballad 'Take Our Time To Love' preceded the first cover 'No More Doggin' which never fails to raise a titter, and featured twinkling keys and Robert Cray style finger picking from Steve. 'I Can't Stand The Rain' was perhaps an unusual choice, but the clever orchestration with whirling funky keys really came off.

A moody soft guitar solo build up on another lovely ballad with anguished vocal and rolling keys ended the first set and enabled the frankly unexpected bumper crowd to finally beat the queues to the bar.

At the restart the partisan crowd were treated to an expansive 'Black Cat Bone' enabling the band to stretch their chops before another fine original 'One Kind word' with that nice funky edge. More stinging guitar on 'It Might Just Be Too Late' before a splendid a cappella Gospel vocal intro before drum sticks and a throbbing bass line joined in behind that lovely vocal.

Steve took time out to talk about the new project which he did not think would be gigging yet, this being only the second public appearance of the band. Judging by the turn out and enthused reaction hopefully there will be many gigs to come.

True there was nothing new here in essence, but a refreshing and imaginative approach to their orchestration, the strength of the original material, and the very accomplished execution, combined with their obvious delight in being back on stage, makes for a potent combination.

The biggest crowd at the Bullfrog for some while were well rewarded for their attendance on a gloomy Bonfire night.

Bob Chaffey - Blues In Britain