By Ben Niamor
A heaving heavenly hive last night for the inaugural outing of Jim Blair and the Mojo Makers….
Right out of the gate, the set rock n rolling at full pelt, the pub was packed, an awful lot of people for whom, judging by the love being shown, wouldn’t dream to be anywhere else.
I would of thought to accuse JB of being an old romantic, but he paraphrased it himself.. “most of my songs are about, love, drinking, or the missus..”
Real, relatable songs for the masses then!
Jim’s song break banter, often joking and self-deprecating, can’t disguise the brilliance in writing that allows him to talk about the solid basis of the blues matter, but in a way that leaves you having to truly listen to uncover the fact he sometimes talks about life’s serious side…
Take Too Late for Heaven. It mentions in passing it’s about depression and life’s turbulence, but the song holds the beautiful lyric “we have each other, when we can’t see the wood for the trees.”
Proof he’s Swindon’s soft-centred legend of rousing rock.
Not forgetting the band, an amazing band, as I would expect following a long time appreciation of Jim’s previous band Hip Route, a band of superb quality, and unique style.
The band’s sound was tight, I may not be familiar with these musicians but he’s found himself a suitably superb collective to form this band, and they will in my view find a wider fanatical following very rapidly wherever they play.
A Cover of Power of Love to finish with the band “possibly the best love song ever written” says our hero in flares… well I myself was suddenly dreaming of Walkmans and skateboards, despite only being five I think when it was written!?!
And the pub by then was bouncing.
The impression is set already I imagine but if there is any doubt… fun. Literally, smiling cannot shift the fun.
An amazing band, all of them with an infectious desire to enjoy themselves and have a good time. Brilliant musicians.
I have eagerly awaited this gig. I make no secret, but I think for me to say it was everything I was excited for and more…
Which for those in the know, or knowing me would appreciate is a glowing recommendation to go see them.
Jim’s no rookie on socials, so go seek them out; sure, there will be some hazy summer evening gigs coming up perfect to get into your new favourite band.
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