When? Fri 01/08/2008 - Sun 03/08/2008
Where? Koning Albertplein
Every first weekend of August the King Albert Square of Hamme is standing in the sign of Blues and also this year it is not otherwise. After good habit we were welcomed with a lot of enthousiasm on Friday by the organisation and their co operators. We are visiting this festival which is free of charge, already 5 years and know already that the people of Blues Oan Daa Stoazze have a nose for quality.
Every year there are some surprises in the program and also this year is not other. Sinnerboy was the first surprise for me this weekend. But looking to the audience you could see that the band was already well known in The Netherlands. That’s not so special, if you know that this English Band is called the best tribute band of Rory Gallagher. Personally I am not so fond of the Man myself, but the way these three gents were honoring their idol had more charms to me. Of course we got to hear all their classics, via ‘Penny Lane’, to ‘Messing With The Kid’, than ’Continental up’ and ‘Philby’ from the album ‘Top Priority’. And of course ‘Going To My Hometown’ as the ultimate song. Barry Barnes and his fellows knew to get the fire on the Square burning and force the first dancing people in front of the stage.
Something that unfortunately was not possible for The Big Bayou Bandits, who according to the program would bring stimulating Roots music from South Louisiana. Perhaps depending to the early hour, an audience that had to warm up or perhaps not enough booz had been flowing already. I would not know. I have to say that I enjoyed the guitar playing of Guy Winne, his way playing the Dobro and Lapsteel impressed me a lot. From the songs it self I had the impression that their whole setup was only one long song. This Band has sure the capacity in their hands, but a lot of work has to be done.
Saturday
That there would be a lot of female talent on the program was clearly announced through advertising. On Saturday Jill Hilleger and her men were invited to give the shoot off, this under a grey sky where now and than rain was pouring. I have seen this band for the first time last year during The Pajot Bluesfestival and there she could charm me and the audience quiet well. Now I had the impression that everything was done a little on the automatic pilot. The “Swing’ wasn’t around, that this kind of music needs. Musical talent is surely present in this band, with Willy De Vleesschouwer on guitar and Harry Van Buel on keybords, assisted by Eric De Wolf on 5string bass and Gerry D’Haeyer on drums. I expected a lot of this band and I am sure that they could have impressed us more, but something will only work when you are in the right mood. The present audience could find the charm of it and a first ‘bis’ called reached the stage.
Enthousiasm and energy were plenty here with the guys of Hideaway. This, together with their musical talent, is probably the reason that they are already more than 20 years active in the blues scène. Ralph Bonte and his crew every time know how to make a party of it. There was more or less the same musical lineup on stage as with Jill Hilleger, but still there was a lot more energy coming from the speakers. Every song was brought, just like these men played this song for the first time, full spirit and convince. There was magnificent lead playing by Ralph himself, but also by Jean-Marie, Patrick and surely also by Geeraard. Of course if you have three lead players in a band, you can take care of a diverse package and this is according to me a strong point of this band. This was Blues from ’Top Of The Bill’ as they say in Hamme.
As closing act for the 2nd day the organization has taking care for a Big Belgium Top act and yes from Limburg with the band Blues Lee. They played quiet some songs from their last CD ‘Home’, but also songs from previous albums….here and there changed with new spirit. For whom does not know Blues Lee I can inform you that this oiled machine takes you through the rich history of the blues and roots music. There was brought a mix of blues, jazz and funk, but also a Caribian song was played. Everything that ever got in touch with the blues these Gents dare to put in their set musical setup and doing this with a lot of bravery. They also got some musical assistance of the real Joker (Patrick Cuyvers) during some songs and as a great final Geeraard De Grootte was also asked to blow. As a closing memory it should be said that every Band had to fight with sound problems on stage and so surely there will have been some stress with it.
Sunday
On Sunday according to the tradition from Blues Oaan Daa Stoazze we start with talent of Home soil, this time with The Hidden Charms. It didn’t take much or the band would not have stand there because of sudden illness from their drummer. Thanks to a phone call a Replacement was found, J.P.De Decker, (drummer of Loose In The Blues). It’s surely not easy to do a job like this, but J.P. as well as the band were scoring high. Singer Francoise was surely in the mood and made that clear to the audience several times. Not only vocal but also by her dynamic movements on stage. She may be called a good an improvement for the band. Otherwise she may praise herself to have a good band standing behind her like these Charms. Patrick Verhulst is not only a good guitar player, but also a good composer, because the own songs are not less than the covers. Further the band has also a blues harp player who‘s bringing the right notes on the right moment. And also may not be forgotten bass player Egbert, who‘s also bringing his part. A band that has to be watched!
Sunday was all the way in the sign of women and the 2nd act was the from Holland coming Piano player Anke Angel. She went together with her two companions, Harm Van Sleen (bass) and Remco Van Schalck (drums) to offer us on one and a half hour boogie woogie and rock and roll. I had never heard of this Lady, but already quickly not only me but also the whole square in her hand. Not only her music and singing was of high level, but also her way of entertaining could charm a lot of people. Even the smallest visitors could join and play in her show and something like that they favour in Hamme. She was not the only one who got all the credits, also her two companions could show many times what they had in their luggage. To make the show totally complete some classics like ‘Blues Suede Shoes’ and ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ followed and the whole square went completely nuts.
For the closing act of this edition the organisation had chose nobody less than Dede Priest. This choice was surely not bad, because although it started to rain seriously, the square was good crowded. We heard of course many songs from this years appeared CD ‘Candy Moon’. Above that I heard some new songs, who will be hopefully bundled to a CD quickly. Dede has also a very professional Band behind her and who contribute piece by piece to a magnificent show. Also this lady and her band promised the organization, like every year to bring ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’. It was their first ‘BIS’ and the moment of all contributors to stand in the spotlight. And believe dear readers, the people deserve it twice. Everybody is 3 days long on their feet not only to behave the bands but also for all the visitors to feel comfortable. Nothing is too much for them and everything happens with a smile, if it’s tropical or raining cats and dogs. In their hart there is not only place for the blues but also for a lot of warm support. Hats off for all of them, this is a formula that takes care of a square loaded every year again.
From our site we want to thank the tremendous welcome and their magnificent poster and say… until next year friends.
Translation by: Bill Wessels
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