lightenin’ willie – devizine.com

Dare I say it, but the nights are drawing in, apples are falling from trees, and I’m even going to say the C word. Yet, the heatwave continues at Long Street Blues Club, through their autumn-winter season, polishing off with The Blockheads, and Jon Amor as Christmas presents….

This time next month, Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys opens the door to our souls by kicking off the new season at Devizes’ supreme blues club, on Saturday 5th September.

Welcomingly returning after a lengthy absence, these favourites from California have a distinctive approach to music. Lightnin’ Willie is a songwriter, singer and guitarist in that order, gone from low down beer joints to become a staple on the international circuit.

Unless London’s Royal Albert Hall Igniter Series or Willie Nelson’s infamous 4th of July Picnic, where he appeared alongside Paula Nelson, Willie, Bob Dylan, and Leon Russell isn’t a big enough accolade for you?!

Should you expect a compelling, hard swinging brand of blues with a groove, on the 5th September, you can also prepare for some cult British blues-rock on Friday 25th September when Virgil and The Accelerators return, twelve years since they last played the club. Our friends, Devizes-own Burn The Midnight Oil are supporting this one; worth the ticket price alone, imho.

Note, this gig is a replacement for Skinny Molly, originally advertised for this date but which had to be cancelled. But, staying on the positives, as Long Street Blues Club will gift wrap two Christmas presents for us.

See out the year before the Brussel sprouts, on Saturday 19th December with homegrown legend Jon Amor. I made an effort last year, and this was an outstanding gig, where Jon and his Tom and Gerry backing presented a rotating door of special guests to create one of the most memorable nights I’ve ever had on Long Street.

But not before the blues members go on a field trip to the Corn Exchange, for The Blockheads tour hits Devizes with a rhythm stick… Yes, I said the Blockheads, the late great Ian Dury’s band, still rock n rolling! Friday 11th December for this Christmas showstopper which surely needs no spiel, with Devon’s AQUILLA in support.

Between Virgil and The Accelerators ending September’s offerings from the club and these yuletide presents, we’ve got two months we’ve not even mentioned yet! Edinburgh Fringe regulars, being they formed there, and recently selling out the 100 Club, The Allman’s Project, make their Devizes debut on Saturday 3rd October.

Switching back to the Corn Exchange, blues club regulars will be excited to know, five-decade strong, Wishbone Ash return via Ceres Promotion, on Friday October 16th, with a late 60’s West Coast vibe support from The Honey Pot.

Over to the East Coast, Asbury Park style, with the regular favourite Billy Walton Band on Saturday 17th October. As a longtime fan of the Boss, this New Jersey outfit rocked my world, and Andy’s, and everyone who sees them.

Two more offerings left as we head into November; forget what Andy or I might think, Curtis Salgado and Alan Hager are back by overwhelming popular demand on Friday 20th November, and John Belushi loved these guys!

With fresh Texas prodigal, Bo Diddley protégé Hamilton Loomis finishing off the month on the Saturday of the 21st November, you have to hand it to Long Street Blues Club and put your trust in their knowledge on the subject. This is a fantastic programme, and will keep Devizes as warm as it is now, throughout the autumn and winter months!