Local and foreign talent on show at Sunday’s blues jam in The Ferry Inn
Victoria Olson
GERMAN VISITORS Ralf Gotz and Frank Thien enjoying a blues jam in the Ferry Inn. Picture Orkney Photographic.
BY SUNDAY afternoon, the Ferry Inn was well and truly immersed in the blues and Last Train were the next band to keep things going.
The group’s singer Kevin Coffey is originally from Texas and his vocals had an authentic bluesy drawl that was quite engaging. He was ably backed by Robert MacGregor’s guitar, Mike Fairbairn’s harmonica, Emma Thomas on keyboard (and occasional vocals, taking the lead for at least one song and doing it really well), Kenny Pirie on drums and Pete Thomas on bass.
In their repertoire were the lively numbers ‘Seven Nights to Rock’ and ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’, which enticed a few people to dance despite the early hour.
After Last Train wrapped up their set, it was time for the Blues Jam; often a source of inspiration for future Blues Weekends. This year was no different; among the players were two German musicians, who led a set of excellent 12-bar blues and said they were keen to play a proper gig here next year.
Frank Thien (harmonica and vocals) and Ralf Götz (guitar) told Orkney Today their band, the Buzzin’ Generators, are not professional but play for fun in Germany.
The duo were on holiday for a couple of weeks and had decided to include Orkney on their trip because they had heard of the Blues Weekend and wanted to play there.
They always travel with their microphone, guitar and harmonica in case they get a chance for a tune. Both said they had enjoyed the whole weekend and thought the music was excellent. They are hoping to come back to play at the Orkney Blues Weekend next year with the rest of their band.
Meanwhile, some of the local musicians who took part in the Blues Jam were Emma, Katie and Pete Thomas, while Blues committee member Steve Amos also picked up his guitar.
“I think the Blues Weekend’s going really well,” said Catherine Grivas of Miss Noma and Mr Ree, who performed in the Royal and Stromness Hotels. “I enjoyed our gigs very much, every year it gets easier because we’ve had more practice! That’s the great thing about the Blues Festival, it gives you a chance to perform live. It’s especially good for the young bands, who can practice as much as they like at home but need gigs to hone their performance skills.”
Mike Henderson, guitarist in The Bad Liars, said he was particularly amazed by the local talent he’d seen throughout the weekend, and ever since moving to Orkney earlier this year.
“I come from Edinburgh, where there’s a lot of great musicians, but since I came up here I’ve seen so many superb musicians of every style,” he said. “And it’s not just old timers who’ve been playing for years, but young kids as well. There’s a real commitment to the music here.”
MORE BLUES BANDS:
Last Train, left to right; Robert MacGregor, Kenny Pirie, Kevin Coffey and Emma Thomas. Picture Tom O’Brien
Miss Noma (Catherine Grivas) and Mr Ree (Michael Moldau) are pictured with harmonica player, Mike Fairbairn (left). Picture Tom O’Brien
Tags: Review