Ripley celebration

Ripley celebration

Julie and I drove over to Ripley this evening, to join our friends Dave and Anya Williamson in celebrating their birthdays of note and to enjoy performances by two of his bands. Gigs of all types are such an important element of the music industry in this country and bassist Dave is a prime example of a homegrown musician who has delivered sublime playing and stage presence for decades in an array of bands at so many levels.

Line-ups that have benefitted from his playing have included internationally renowned stars: Midge Ure, Beverley Knight, Emma Bunton, Ronan Keating, Heatwave, Katrina and the Waves, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Diamond Head, Maggie Reilly, Russell Watson, Errol Brown, Junior Giscombe, Lisa Stansfield, Dina Carroll and Leo Sayer.

On this occasion, he led an excellent five-piece project based around the artists who played The Troubadour Club in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The band included Robin Scott on keyboards and vocals (famed for his work with Bjorn Again), Barry Cook on drums (highly-respected for name tours, the West End, TV shows and more), vocalist Louise Warren (Ringo Starr, Mica Paris, Little Mix, Omar, Madeline Bell, Bev Bevan, Kenny Thomas, Olly Murs and Peter Andre) and TJ Walker (guitar/vocals – “One to Watch” Maverick magazine). Marvellous to hear songs by James Taylor, the Eagles, Jackson Browne and Elton John amongst others. 

Dave also led a second band on the night, the Blues Broadcasting Corporation, alongside Bob Cranham – guitar/vocals, Ben Keen – guitar/vocals, and once again Barry on drums. A biting set of blues classics was delivered, boasting a standout version of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland’s “Ain’t no love in the heart of the city.”

A memorable evening and a perfect way for friends and family to mark Dave and Anya’s birthdays. Thanks everyone!

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