The Dirt Road Band - Albany Club 5 March 2022

 

The Dirt Road Band  - Albany Club 5 March 2022

Having sold out several weeks ago this was a hugely anticipated gig. Not quite the bands debut gig. Pre pandemic the Dirt Road Band played sporadically under name of Dirt Road Blues Band. But it was their first outing first since dropping the blues moniker. Not that they dropped the blues musically. The overall set was broader in selection than I remember from previous outings. Either way, blues or no blues, this was a powerhouse of a performance.

Individually the core trio need little introduction as they bring with them a wealth of experience. Well over 150 years worth if you combine it all. Not that that counted for much this evening. There was no doubt that these guys appeared to be on a mission. At times it appeared as though they had something to prove to themselves. That they were still able to achieve. A lot of pent up energy and emotion was being unleashed. That mix of drive and enjoyment was almost tangible. It filtered off stage and into the packed audience.

As it happened they had nothing to worry about. Steve Walwyn was frenetic and played with an intensity, Horace Panter, precise and punchy while Ted Duggan was solid and direct. Between them they played a comprehensive set that lasted for an hour and a half. Additionally, there were 20 minutes of encores.

Much has changed since this trio last performed. This topsy turvy world is now on a completely different axis to that it was on the last time DRB performed. But it is not all doom and gloom. One massive positive is the name Bob Jackson. Health wise, Bob has gone through the mill these last few years. Thankfully Bob has come out the other side. More than that, he was actually on stage guesting this evening. And his presence, in particular his soloing added an extra dynamic.

Another guest who has been recently shackled due to the recent events was vocalist Holly Hewitt. Her appearance immediately brought an extra dimension. Holly's distinctive voice added grace, soul and a more jazzy feel to the tunes she contributed to. It was a very classy section.

Regardless of that though, this was a joyous and exciting prospect for those involved. Several of them hadn't performed a whole set live in almost two years. They were once again free to enjoy their passions. For that alone it was so satisfying a performance. In fact Bob mentioned after the gig 'I genuinely didn't know if I could rise to the challenge of a live gig or not. Fortunately it went OK'.

Finally I have to mention Alan Joseph who, behind the scenes, has worked tirelessly. Not only did Alan ensure that this gig was a total success, but he has also been busy scheduling a tour. Immediately after the Albany club event, DRB are preparing to head south for a prestigious gig at the Half Moon in Putney. Further events are also being planned.

For me this was yet another gig. Albeit it an outstanding one. However, for those involved in presenting it, it was clear, it had meant so much more. Things are, at last, beginning to return to normal but it was another startling reminder of what we have missed the last couple of years. But one that, without a shadow of doubt, they came through with flying colours. If their had been any hesitations about it all then it was certainly laid to rest.

Set list included: Laundromat, Leaving Trunk, Chauffeur Blues, Little by Little, Going Down, Watching the River Flow, Rolling and Tumbling, Tulane, If My Baby Quits Me, Been Down So Long, Bullfrog Blues, Route 66, Sell My Monkey.