When? Sat 31/05/2008
Where? Hof Van Coolhem
It was with mixed feelings that we drove to Puurs, where last year a poster with a bang was presented. But knowing Gust, he doesn’t do things by halves when it comes to putting together a poster. Enquiries here and there with collegues and of course attending many gigs are part of it.
Even though we set off in time, we were called back to base because of a domestic problem. This resulted in our schedule being completely messed up and us arriving late. So we missed Bass Papa, a band I’d loved to have seen at work, and part of Ralph de Jongh’s first set. I was told that Bass Papa was funky but that it was sadly played a bit too loud. The Dutch Ralph de Jongh could twice count on a well packed barn, which again proves that there’s lots of blues purists in Belgium. The music of this young man comes straight from the heart of Delta. When you see and hear the energy this man has it’s understandible that he can bring on two sets all by himself without for even one moment being boring.
In the big tent about 5:40pm it was time for three front men to put their hands together. Enrico Crivellaro, Raphael Wressnig and Matyas Pribojszki, not everyday Belgian names because they came from different wind directions. Even though the music was at a high level, they couldn’t manage to fill the tent, was it supper-time or was it a bit too much for the blues purists? Myself, I liked what these gents did. Fine Hammond B3 solo’s from just about the best Hammond player around at the moment. Flashy guitar work with just the right dose of feel and blues from an Italian guitarist who could come to Belgium a bit more often. And “last but not least” mouth organ support from the Hungarian Matyas who also did the vocal parts.
After this it was time to head in the direction of the Tieden barn where the French band Shaggy Dogs gave gas. There’s different opinions about this band: you either love them or you hate them. I’ve seen them at work last year in Balegem and even though these gents like to play loud they do know how to balance it. This is French blues which hides a serious dose of courage and over reaction. Normally it’s not for me, but even so, they’ve got something.
The first big surprise for me was the Reba Russell Band from Memphis Tennessee. I’d seen them at work for the first time during the Bugaboos Festival in Mol and they didn’t really do it for me. They had, in fact, the evening before been out on the town which this time was certainly not the case and diva Riva was sharp. What a voice, what a radiation and especially...the songs. The tent was quite full and quite regularly, hands were up in the air, Bull’s Eye for Gust and his cronies. We got to hear a few traditional blues songs (‘I’m Ready’, ‘Spoonfull’) which the band had professionally modernised and dressed differently, but also a few songs of their newest CD were devoured like hot cakes. After announcing her active presence during the recordings of U2 and BB King with the number ‘When Love Comes To Town’ she could do no wrong.
Rudy Rotta isn’t all that known in Belgium and I must admit that at first I wanted to keep it that way. Now I’ve changed my mind. Okay, the man can sometimes be a bit much, but in Puurs he proved he had the dosage of blues needed to convince not just me but many others in that tent. I enjoyed his slide work, his finger picking and the way he built up his songs. Not forgetting to mention that he had a very good band with a keyboard player who surprised from time to time. However I could only judge the last quarter of it as I had other priorities.
It was just after midnight and time for Mike Sanchez to close. Dressed in a white suit he took place after his keyboard that was set centre stage. From the first second it was boogie and swingtime. Mike Sanchez is no amateur and knows exactly how to woo the public, especially the ladies. Songs like ‘You Better Dig It’, ‘All She Wants To Do Is Rock’ and ‘Old Saxophone’ quickly paced through our ears. With also the flash piano work, fine guitar solo’s and the necessary copper work. Furthermore, Mike Sanchez has a rhythm that keeps everything in porportion, with a contra baseplayer plucking at the strings like a monster. Such energy and party standards, it’s unbelievable how these six gents grab you by the throat and don’t let go.
Organisor Gust couldn’t have dreamed of a better closier and I’m sure he secretly smiled now and again when hearing the reactions around him. Because we weren’t the only ones who at first had mixed feelings about this poster. But Gust and definitely the bands we had seen and heared proved the opposite. We ‘ll definitely keep a slot in our diary for the 2009 edition.
Just like to mention that the location Hof Van Coolhem is the perfect setting for this festival. Maybe next time negotiate with a farmer about renting a field for parking. Because that is the only minus point I can find to moan about.
Translation by: Marleen Crook-Geebelen
Images
