Mickleton RnB Club Reviews

At last....

It has been said that “British singer, pianist and guitarist Mike Sanchez is one of the most exciting and charismatic performers of Rhythm ’n’ Blues and Rock ’n’ Roll in the world today”. Scribble out the words “one of”.
This is not just the greatest “front man” in R’n’B; this is THE MAN!
Those wonderful Portions who played with him at his last Mickleton gig are a delightful clutch of talented, entertaining and fun guys.
But only one man can soak-a-suit; can jump from leg-stomping boogie-woogie to rock and take every request thrown to him by the adoring audiences who order their tickets long before they go on sale. And do that with consummate skill and passion; bring his backing band to life; and make music that lifts souls who then scream from the rafters for more; who don’t want it ever to end.
Mike Sanchez is an extraordinary showman. He is one of the wonderful see-‘em-while-you-can giants of music today. And even at 3am after his sell-out Mickleton gig, he and the (very big) Portions start all over again round a village hall piano.
Can there be anyone on this planet who has heard Mike Sanchez who would not call out for more?

For those of you who have yet to discover the talents' of Jon Amor, this is a night not to miss!!!!!!!!

Jon started his music career playing lead guitar, in the rhythm and blues Band the `Hoax`, having done a world tour in 1999/2000 he left to focus on his own material. With his new band, Jon Amor's, reputation on the Blues circuit is growing, with great reviews where ever he plays. His new album ‘Unknown Soldier' has the great Robert Plant making a guest appearance!

With his driving Texas Blues, the ‘Six foot Seven' front man is hard to miss. The picture on the flyer is from his 2006 Euro Tour where he appeared on the bill with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Simpley Red & Brian Ferrys Roxy Music.

Jon and his Band are the next Head liners at Mickleton R n B , with Gina Dootson making a welcome return to the Hall. Gina last played for us when she supported the Micky Moody Band back in Oct 2005 ….. She has just recently returned to the Music scene after having a baby boy last year. Gina writes & performs her own soulful songs, mixed with some superb covers, all delivered straight form the heart , and if that's not enough, we have a young talented up and coming blues rock band ‘ Get Vegas', who are like watching ‘Free' in their early days !

Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes

plus Support act Lee Maddison

A packed hall welcomed these two very different acts to a sold out Mickleton RnB Club on Saturday night.

Lee Maddison from Hartlepool returned to the hall for a second time to perform a very powerful and soulful acoustic set. He covered a number of songs ranging from James Brown to George Harrison, and performed some of his own songs, one about the drinking culture in Hartlepool and another written in the toilets of Nissan UK during a nightshift!

The tempo (and the volume!) then picked up when Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes began their act. The music was loud and lively and had everyone stomping their feet. It was the first time the five piece band had visited Mickleton. The band consisted of Albert Lee by common consent one of the world's finest guitar players, Gerry Hogan on steel guitar, Peter Baron on drums, Brian Hodgson on bass guitar and Elio Pace on keyboard and vocals.

Their set ranged from lively rock n roll numbers to strong ballads, performed with amazing talent by all members of the band. Albert mesmerised the audience with his incredible guitar playing and Elio provided much entertainment with his keyboard playing/dancing!

The band performed a number of covers as well as songs from their albums Tear it Up and In Between the Cracks. Instrumental numbers and the introduction of an accordion played by Elio amazed the audience.

“In the beginning there was nothing but rock…” was the phrase that started the second set which was just as compelling as the first. The audience were up dancing to toe tapping tunes and there was a breathtaking instrumental finale in which Albert and Elio's fingers were simply a blur on the guitar and keyboard respectively.

The band returned for an encore performing popular tunes such as Ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog, and received rapturous applause and a standing ovation from the audience. Let's just hope this fantastic band return to Mickleton again soon.

...for the most brilliant night last Saturday Sue and David and anyone else involved, that must be one memorable gig even by Mickleton standards...and I loved the new guy Elio Pace in Albert's and Hogan's band...he is so stylish and so nice. Beryl Hankin

Dear Sue
Having just about got round to recovering, I wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful Albert Lee night at Mickleton. I know my sister has been on the phone to you since (they are now converts too!) to book tickets for Mike Sanchez and she said you'd remembered the Albert-mad woman! We had seen him 2 days before in Pelaw but the Saturday night was just out of this world. What a wonderful atmosphere there was - and to lay on an eclipse too! I'm now busy trying to get tickets to see him in Berwick but will keep coming back to your web site and am really looking forward to future trips to Mickleton. Any chance you can get him to come back? Thank you again.
Mary Evans

LIMEHOUSE LIZZY 10th feb 2007

Nashville Rocks Mickleton

Kevin Montgomery & His Band @ Mickelton R&B Club, Saturday 13th January 2007.

Music fans had a real treat on Saturday night at Mickleton R&B club, all the way from Nashville USA came Kevin Montgomery and his band. A sublime singer songwriter backed by a band of extraordinary quality, playing music that had everybody up and dancing, what more could you want?

Kevin Montgomery, his father was Buddy Holly’s guitar player who wrote ‘Heartbeat’ among other great songs and he lived next door to Patsy Kline – you don’t get much more Nashville than that!
Kevin’s songs are great ranging from emotional acoustic soundscapes to upbeat dancing tunes and don’t just cover the country rock genre, I don’t think anyone in the audience was expecting Led Zeppelin covers!
Kevin’s band includes the legendary Nashville pedal and lap steel player Al Perkins who has played for Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Gram Parsons and The Rolling Stones among others.

Also in the band is guitarist Shaun Byrne who along with bass player Danny White performed an acoustic opening set. This featured songs from both performers’ albums and included one of Shaun’s which has just been nominated for a Grammy.

Kevin’s first set was packed with acoustic gems and easy going country laments, he apologised for getting lost on the way through Teesdale and in-case he had driven through any of the audiences farmyards on the way.
The second set was for dancing! Kevin’s band this time may not have featured any of the Mavericks but they certainly danced the night away. When the band enjoys the gig it rubs off on the audience and vice versa so when almost the entire population of the hall got up to dance the smiles on the bands faces were a mile wide. Towards the end the audience wouldn’t let them leave the stage and the set became audience requests and any songs the band could think of, including Sweet home Alabama and Tequila.
This was the fourth and probably the best visit yet from one of Nashville’s’ finest bands, helped by the RnB Club’s new P.A. system, the band commented this was the best sound on the tour so far.

Mickleton R&B Club 18th November 2006

Another great band performed a fantastic night of music at Mickleton R n B club. Stopping off as part of their current UK tour before heading off to Europe, Traffiker performed a night of blues rock that had the audience dancing until the early hours. All 3 members of the band showed great virtuoso talents with great solos. Trafficker had great rapport with the audience, inviting them to join in. the material ranged from originals from their own CD’s, to covers of Hendrix to classic rock and roll numbers.

The night was opened by Paul Liddell. Paul’s set mesmerised the audience with his song writing craft and impressive use of FX pedals and loops.

Review by Diane Baker.

On Saturday night the band played the "Mickleton RnB Club". It was the bands first gig there and as normal there reputation had preceded them, before the actual night the gig had totally SOLD OUT! It took a few numbers before the crowd got into the gig but by the middle of the first set the crowd had warmed up and were in for a good night, hopefully the venue will not leave it too long before booking the band for a second date.

Sat 26th November 2005
"Aynsley Lister, currently one of the hottest acts on the European scene, Aynsley is fronting the new wave of young British Blues, a mature 27 year old playing with the same skill, fire, and perfectionism as the likes of Eric Clapton and Peter Green had when they were his age..."

“Trafficker are firing on all cylinders at the moment, and are clearly enjoying the experience.

He manages to wring more notes out of his Fender than just about any other guitarist on the circuit today, and supported by such talented sidemen , they are surely destined for a bright future” - Mike Mager…….Blues in Britain 2004.

TV’s Paul Daniels may be playing Mickleton Village Hall this June, but Saturday 21st May saw a three-band showcase of the region’s up and coming musicians producing their own kind of magic. We went along on the night and what a varied musical feast it was!

First up were 2 Crows, a gentle acoustic three-piece from Teesdale, telling us it was their first ever gig. Well if that’s true then it hardly showed as Kate, Colin and Ray took us through smoothly sung covers mixed with their own songs, with singer Kate Brown having the audience captivated with her haunting vocals

.Next were The Good, a band originating from Australia and now living in Danby. The Mickleton gig followed the band’s full UK tour and their experience really showed as incredible musicianship and wonderful vocal range had the hall tapping it’s feet and applauding wildly after every song. Certainly it would appear that they will be asked back to play in the region again and the band seemed to be enjoying the night as much as the audience of over 150 people.

The headliners for the night were the TCR Blues Band coached by Andrew Yeadon. Remembering that the eleven members were all around 19 years of age or so it is astonishing to see how relaxed they all were on stage and how professionally they took us through some much loved classics. By the end of the night it was difficult to find a spot on the dance floor and the Mickleton’s foray into new local music had been a storming success.

It’s a credit to all those connected with the venue that they are able to put together nights such as this and fill a large venue so far outside of large town centres and long may it continue. Mr.Daniels would have liked it,…………and a lot!

The authentic southern twang of Nashville Tennessee came to Mickleton on Saturday night, as the RnB Club was treated to the unique talents of Kevin Montgomery and the Roadtrippers. As befits a man with such a solid rock n’ roll pedigree.: Kevin’s Father, Robert Montgomery was Buddy Holly’s song writing partner and founder Cricket, his Mother was a backing singer for Elvis, Kevin attracts major musicians to perform with him. The legendary Al Perkins on pedal steel guitar, Rob Reynolds on bass, Paul Deakin on drums, Johnny McKinnon on keyboards and Mike McAdam on guitar. This time he also brought Chris Cook, a rising star, who launched the evening with his own set: filling the hall with his powerful driving guitar and full-on country voice, reminiscent of a young James Taylor, who incidentally, he has recently toured with.

After that opener, Kevin started his set off with the hauntingly lyrical “Broken”, proving just how powerful a guitar and keyboards can be. He and Johnny were then joined by the rest of the band creating a full tight sound, part country, part rock. Playing some new numbers as well, Kevin has also added one of his “Daddy’s songs” to the Roadtripper’s repertoire as they swung into “Heatbeat”. After a short break everyone was up and dancing to their footstomping classics, while for an encore we were treated to a Rob Reynolds’ rocking medley, seamlessly linking songs by The Who, Stones and Led Zeppelin for a storming finale.

After the show the band were ready to meet and greet the crowd, have photos taken and generally chat and sign autographs. Although they are all truly rock n’ roll: spending the majority of their time on the road, and still only half way through a gruelling six week tour, they seemed genuinely pleased to be back in the Teesdale hills.

All credit too to Mickleton RnB Club for attracting such top quality musicians, bringing some of the best music right into the heart of Teesdale. The sound system at the hall has been overhauled with new monitors and mixing desk and some new lighting creating a warm and friendly nightclub atmosphere.

The next gig is on Saturday 19th February: a return visit for one of the best blues men around : Marcus Malone, bringing his band, for what promises to be yet another fantastic night.

Smokin' Spitfires
Saturday 17th January 2004
Review to follow

Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges
Played Live at Mickleton Saturday 18th October 2003
The authentic sound of Louisiana Blues wowed them at Mickleton on Saturday night. Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, who starting playing the Blues with his father Hideaway Slim at the tender age of five, dominated the sell out gig with his irresistible charisma and stunning musicianship. Supporting him were his band, with keyboards, drums and no less than a Nimmo Brother: Alan Nimmo on bass. As if that were not enough the sound was augmented by the three-piece brass section, “The Little Big Horns”, giving a full rounded blast to the effortless lead guitar played by the big man himself. Dressed to kill with his trademark Stetson, Eugene warmed them up with his great Blues sound, and silky vocals, proving himself not only a consummate performer but also an extremely talented songwriter. It was the Sam Cooke/Lou Rawls classic, though, “Movin’ and a Groovin’”, that got the Mickleton crowd doing just that, the dance floor was heaving and as Eugene promised, we were going to party Texas style. The party continued into Sunday morning, with some of his own, soon to be classic numbers, from his albums: “Man without a Home” and “Jump the Joint”. The packed dance floor never cleared and the crowd didn’t want to him to leave. After well over 2 ½ hours on stage the affable Mr Bridges still had the energy to greet his fans as they departed.
This was a great night and yet another coup for the Mickleton RnB club who continue to bring internationally renowned musicians into the heart of Teesdale. The club has a relaxed, laid back, party atmosphere, complete with subdued lighting and professional sound system. The next gig is on Saturday 17th January 2004 with the Smokin’ Spitfires, the band who under a former tag [The Eastside Torpedoes] started the whole thing off with the very first RnB night at Mickleton in 2002. They are returning for its second birthday in January, again with full brass section, and it promises to be yet another great night out. Tickets are £7.00 each and are selling fast so don’t wait: phone Steve on 01833 640854 . Doors open 8 pm, full bar.

Kevin Montgomery & The Roadtrippers, plus opening act Carter Wood
Saturday 28th June 2003 (Review to follow)

Mike Sanchez and his Band, 26th April 2003
http://www.mikesanchez.co.uk
“ A packed hall could barely contain the 200 souls, the force of Mr Sanchez’s personality and the sweat from his brow.”
“Red hot Rhythm and Blues, liberally laced with classic rock and roll…”
“…an unforgettable night of Boogie Woogie..”
Darlington and Stockton Times April 2003
“Mike Sanchez had the audience rocking in the aisles at Mickleton…”
“Mickleton has rapidly become the in-place for attracting live acts like this…”
Teesdale Mercury April 2003

Kevin Montgomery & the Road Trippers Saturday 18th January 2003
”What a Night at Mickleton, Kevin Montgomery wasn’t just the icing on the cake at the first birthday party of the Mickleton RnB Club on Saturday night, he was the candles too! It is a tribute to the organisers that they have been able to attract bands of the stature of Kevin Montgomery and the Roadtrippers…”

”…a solid gold performance from a top class line up, the like of which I doubt has been seen before in the Dale…”

”…with the night club atmosphere, and the brilliant acoustics I had to keep pinching myself to remember I was at Mickleton Village hall rather than Newcastle Telewest…”

”…the band’s encore, over an hour, had us rocking our socks off till midnight. They said they’d like to come again – PLEASE DO!”

Marcus Malone Band Saturday 2nd November 2002
"Testament to the club's sustained popularity was the hefty queue outside the doors before 8pm despite the torrential rain. Marcus Malone hails from Detroit, although he now lives in London and works mainly in the UK and Europe.
The Band are Brad Waissman on bass, Stuart Dixon on guitar, Moz Gamble on keyboard and Chris Nugent on drums. They exploded onto the stage just after 9pm, and were greeted enthusiastically by the restless natives who were on their feet dancing before the end of the first set. Marcus Malone is a consummate performer and with his engaging and charismatic smile he reaches out to his audience and manages to include them all in his evident enthusiasm for his art."
- Darlington & Stockton Times, Nov 2002

Aynsley Lister Band Saturday 6th July 2002
Aynsley is a special kind of talent, a true master of the blues/rock guitar..” HiFi+ Music Review Magazine.Aynsley Lister, currently one of the hottest acts on the European scene, Aynsley is fronting the new wave of young British Blues, a mature 24 year old playing with the same skill, fire, and perfectionism as the likes of Eric Clapton and Peter Green had when they were his age…” The Kite Club, Lancashire.“Like listening to a young Rory Gallagher or, dare we say it, a young Eric Clapton… “ Guitar Technique Magazine.

Connie Lush & Blues Shouter Saturday 27th April 2002
The second Rhythm n’ Blues night at Mickleton Village Hall last Saturday was once again a storming success, proving that large audiences will turn out to rural venues to see class acts.Connie Lush and Blues Shouter (guitarist, bass and drummer) filled the hall to capacity, with over 200 people packed around tables in the main hall and the bar annexe. It was standing room only by 9.00 pm when Connie took the stage and filled the space with her tremendous voice and effervescent personality. With a mix of her own songs and traditional favourites –versions of Billie Holliday, Ray Charles and Etta James – we were treated to a varied evening of blues, soul, and rock and roll music which by the end had most of the audience up on their feet and dancing. Connie Lush is a quintessential performer, with a great stage presence. Her own enjoyment of her music was infectious, and whether singing the blues or pounding out an upbeat number like “Out of the Rain”, which slowly built to a climactic finale, her rich voice and rhythmic movement created an electric atmosphere. And when talented guitarist Jonny Lewis shouted to the audience “Are you ready to boogie?” the response was unequivocal. We roared back an enthusiastic “Yes!!” – and most took to the dance floor.
Combined with Mickleton’s recently installed stage lighting, illuminated signs, framed posters on the walls, and an impressive new sound system, there was much more of a feel of urban night club than rural village centre about the place. All credit to the organisers, not only for their ambitious promotion but also for their dedicated attention to detail, which ensured that the evening really rocked. We are already looking forward to the club’s next event, The Aynsley Lister Band, who will be appearing on Saturday 6th July. Tickets are available now at £6.00, and you would be well advised to book early, as this will no doubt be another sell-out. Contact John Carrington on 01833 640077 for details.
Jill Cole 28.04.02.