The Nags head Lyme Regis.
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SWANAGE AT THE SHIPwww.bluesroots.org
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The unexpected blizzard could not keep fans away from this delightful Oxfordshire pub, especially to see such an excellent band as Motel 6. The band had played at Dusty's High Wycombe, on Wednesday, and on Rockmachine's website www.oxfordblues.info they had been upgraded to "essential" for the Friday night gig. The band from Dorset, paid tribute to their fans they recognized from Wednesday's gig, such is their following.
A simple text to the band beforehand had produced a set list and names and instruments of these fine musicians, such a professional outfit Motel 6 are. It makes the job of us reviewers so much easier!
The first number "Shuffle in G" had the audience toe tapping and smiling. Having recently experienced the expertise of Bruce Katz on the Hammond, Tom Hughes' ability was clearly spectacular. The lead and rhythm Fender Strat's were chatting away to one another and switching roles with ease. Dan Anderson plays lead and his vocals produce superb clarity. Glen Smith gets in on the vocals and lead with equal brilliance. The band's drummer Chris Page and Laurie Higgins the bass guitarist compliment the band with a tight rhythm section.
Motel 6 is definitely a live performance band, and their enthusiasm for their craft is infectious. Glen and Dan do a wonderful duet on Nadine, whilst Chris keeps the pace on drums and keeps his musical protégés in order with his seniority. Tom swipes his whole body across the keys of the Hammond with such quickfire attitude it is just amazing to watch.
Chris manages to find time to use his overworked ashtray which is attached to his stand with engineering finesse, quite how I am not sure as he gave every song 150%. His timely use of the cowbell was superb. The band paid tribute to Rory Gallagher, whose influence on the band is definitely there, stating "he is the man".
After a brief interval, when the band had the opportunity to sell their CD entitled " Motel 6 " and chat to their fans, they opened their second set with the song "Rugged Road", featured on their CD. Motel 6 really entertained and showed how versatile and polished they are during the second set. However "Chevrolete" gave Chris, on drums, the chance to excel, and he pushed the pace up a notch, proudly presenting his immense skills. . Even Dan's broken string did not phase the band they just carried on with a gorgeous riff, until he joined in again. Two other songs which were a cut above the rest were"Tight Rope", attributed to Stevie Ray Vaughn and Clapton's "Crossroads".
This band will go far.
Helen Steele
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BEER BLUES FESTIVAL----------------------------------------------------------------------------The headliners this year were my old friends Motel 6 though not in their original lineup: missing the Hammond and replacing it with a new band member on second lead guitar. This worked well but I did miss that amazing Hammond. However considering it was only the third gig they have played in the new format you would never have known. The band..s line-up this evening was: Dan Anderson, Guitar and Vocals, Grant Day, Guitar, Chris Page, Drums and Laurie Higgins on Bass. Robben Ford and Stevie Ray Vaughan were represented with ..Rugged Road.. being cleverly segued into ..Cold Shot ... We heard some Freddie King in ..Tore Down.. and Mel London..s ..Sugar Sweet.., other classics such as ..Chevrolet.. and ..Cross Roads.. all got an airing while ..Voodoo Chile.. had virtually the whole audience dancing to round off a very successful first evening.
Helen Jones & Paul Stiles
oxfordblues.info
Hi guys, I was at the Lyme gig for the 1st set.I was most impressed.Nice to see a band with that very rare thing....'FEEL'.You're a great band and I'll be catching another of your gigs soon. Cheers
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