Saturday Evening 24th July 2010
www.maryportblues.co.uk

Bex Marshall - Mica Paris - Booker T
 

Opening Saturday night was London based singer and guitarist Bex Marshall and her band of bass, keyboards, drums and percussion. Bex looking like a rock chick delivered a set of mainly resonator slide guitar led originals including Guilty, Rattlesnake, Stand Up and Black Guitar with her last number being You Got Your Head In The Clouds. A cover of Little Red Rooster was also rearranged. Unfortunately the introductions to her songs were almost inaudible from where I was standing due to background noise emanating from the audience. I also felt that her guitar was too far back in the mix making her solos lost in the overall volume of the band. [Editor's note: Standing at the front the sound was fine]. 

UK soul singer Mica Paris and her band of guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and backing singers followed. Mica gave a performance of jazz, funk, soul and gospel. Songs included within the set were I’m So Excited, Hold On (which developed into a gospel romp), Better Come Back Now, a funky Summertime and Born Again (her first release in 10 years). The encore was her hit single You Are The One. I thought that Mica was straining during the first few numbers but her voice soon settled down.  

The Saturday night session was closed by Booker T Jones and his band. Booker T, former leader of the MGs, treated the audience to a long set of Hammond organ led hits from his illustrious past. The numbers included hits from Booker T & the MGs, and other sessions that he played on including Sam & Dave, Otis Redding. Titles included Green Onions, Soul Limbo (known to cricket lovers as the theme from Test Match Special), The Time Is Tight, Born Under A Bad Sign (Albert King), Hold On (Sam & Dave) with Booker T on guitar which included the drummer rapping, Ain’t No Sunshine, The Dock Of The Bay (Otis Redding), Take Me To The River, Melting Pot. The guitarist had a solo spot which included Little Wing. The well deserved encore included Oh Pretty Woman (Albert King) and I’ve Been Loving You Too Long. Booker T provided an excellent finale to the Saturday night.
 

Check out an interview with Bex
 

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