21 DECEMBER 2003 - NINE BELOW ZERO 

Nine Below Zero’s fifth annual visit to Ripley Blues Club coincided with my first – and what a way to start! Probably the best live blues-rock band on the circuit playing the friendliest blues club in the country.

This ‘double header’ gig had long been sold out - with good reason. The ‘acoustic’ set got the evening off to a mellow start, followed by a contrasting, high-energy, ‘electric’ set which had the audience fully involved. Both sets featured a well-balanced mix of classic blues, some soul, the band’s own back catalogue and songs from their latest album. For me, the highlight of the evening was the always enjoyable ‘Why Don’t You Try Me (Tonight)’, on which Dennis, Mark and Gerry shared lead vocals.

The audience was exemplary - quiet when they should be, noisy and responsive when appropriate, but always enthusiastic and appreciative of the undoubted quality of Nine Below Zero. Equally, the band was on top form - combining experience, musicianship and obvious enthusiasm for the music they were playing. I can’t wait to return to Ripley Blues Club in 2004.

Suzie Blake

MARCUS MALONE BAND - NOVEMBER 8TH 2003

This was the first time I had booked a band to play the club without seeing them myself live first so I was eagerly awaiting the performance. I wasn't too worried as I had listened to two of the band's c.d.'s on many occasions and everyone I spoke to who had seen Marcus live reassured me that we would not be disappointed.

The word most people use for Marcus is "showman" and I can find no better to describe his on stage persona. Off stage Marcus and the band are approachable and chatty a quality that is much appreciated by the promoter and other RipleyBlues helpers.

The Marcus Malone Band play all their own material, this means that the audience have to be more attentive but it is ultimately much more rewarding for all than hearing the same old stuff once again. Good lyrics well sung and a great beat created by his quality band (special mention for Stuart Dixon on guitar) kept the near capacity audience on their feet.

Thanks also to the Doc Brown duo for giving us some real "blues" during their supporting set.

Andy Herrington

OCTOBER 4th 2003 - NICKY MOORE

In the publicity for this gig I said that Nicky Moore had the best voice on the British blues circuit - I don't think anyone who was at Ripley on Saturday would argue. Nicky is out of retirement for just a month and we were lucky enough to book him for a first visit to our club. A hectic gig in the north east on Friday had taken it's toll on Nicky's dodgy back so he performed the set with his considerable frame ("Three Hundred Pounds of Joy") perched on a chair but it made no difference to the power of his lungs.

Nicky's voice is complemented by an acomplished band comprising son, Tim, on guitar, Chris Sharley on drums, Pete Shaw, bass and Dave Lennox on keyboards.

A solo set from Paul Judge got the evening off to a good start, so RipleyBlues regulars who missed this one should be kicking
themselves - hope they don't make the same mistake in November when we have another top class act, The Marcus Malone Band.

Andy Herrington

SEPTEMBER 6th 2003 - DERRIN NAUENDORF & DAVID DOWNING

Sometimes you have to do something different, it is easy putting on a gig with the likes of Dr Feelgood -a full house and everybody gets what they expect. Not so easy for a couple of traveling Australians with names people can't get their tongues round and who are unknown in this area.

So, unusually for Ripley, the hall was only two thirds full for the visit of Derrin and Dave but how the faithful were rewarded! It is impossible to categorise their music, just two brilliant musicians performing music that is totally refreshing and unique.

Great guys, great music, get to see them, buy their c.d.'s, give them the success their talent and efforts deserve. Thanks also to the support, The Jed Thomas Band, for a lively start to the evening.

Andy Herrington

JULY 2003 - THE NIMMO BROTHERS
review by Richard Lee

The Nimmo Brothers have earned a reputation for delivering R & B of the highest quality with energy and enthusiasm, and this was confirmed at the Ripley Blues in May 2002. So, after numerous requests the return of the Nimmos in July 2003 was eagerly awaited by the faithful Ripley Blues audience.

Often, having been spoilt by the quality of previous performances over-anticipation can lead to anti-climax – not so with the Nimmos. Alan and Stevie, accompanied by Lindsay Coulson on bass and Dave Raeburn on drums, produced a well balanced set of R & B mixed with a little soul, funk and humour. The temperature in the Hotel de Ville soon rose as the vigour the band put into the performance was captured by the audience.

With Stevie generally taking the lead on vocals, the Brothers interchanged lead guitar throughout the set, showing just what fine guitar exponents they are. The rhythm section was as tight as can be and pulsated from beginning to end with the band visibly enjoying their evenings work. The packed crowd were enjoying it too.

Stevie’s voice was as exceptional as ever, highlighted on the more bluesy tracks such as ‘If I could see through your eyes’ and ‘Long way from everything’. These songs also demonstrated the quality of their own material. Alan showed the quality of his vocals on ’Flat broke’ and, if anything, it is surprising that the brothers don’t share more of the vocals. The band entertained the appreciative Ripley audience throughout the set with accomplished performances and a good level of showmanship.

After taking an encore the audience were yet again left wanting more, and through the post-gig grapevine it became apparent that Stevie is taking a break from the band leaving Alan and Co to progress with a new chapter, perhaps as the Nimmo Brother?! Whatever awaits we look forward to welcoming the Nimmos back to Ripley Blues in some shape or form.

Note from the promoter - This review was kindly written by Richard Lee of Ipswich. Unfortunately Richard missed the excellent support slot provided by Steelyard Blues of Hull and I would like to thank Sarah and Steve for getting the night off to such a good start.

JUNE 2003 - THE IAN PARKER BAND and JOHN CRAMPTON

Saturday saw the return of old friends to Ripley when we hosted the Ian Parker Band supported by John Crampton. Unfortunately the P.A. people were delayed returning from the previous night's gig in Oxford so there was a mad scramble to get things ready for "doors" leading to a few hiccups with the sound during the evening. This did not prevent the bands giving our audience real value for money with over three hours of top class music.

O.K. so there is only one man in John Crampton's "band" but there is more power in his performance than in many a foursome. He got the night of to a great start to with a combination of his own compositions (Flamenco + Blues) and covers of classic numbers.

This was the first time we had seen Ian's new line up at Ripley with himself and Morg Morgan joined by Andy Edwards (drums) and Steve Amadeo (bass) and what a tight unit they are - these guys are just a pleasure to watch and to deal with. The set included many numbers from the recent live c.d., Lost & Found, plus a couple of very interesting new songs which will appear on a studio c.d. being planned at the moment.

I was delighted that Ian still included "Double Trouble " in his set - his version of this Otis Rush classic never fails to move me. Finishing of a great night with "Almost Cut My Hair" and I was clearing up the after gig debris with a big smile on my face!

Andy Herrington

MAY 2003 - DR FEELGOOD
review by Colin Tait

I had one of those "Is this really happening?" moments on Sunday night, like the first time NBZ came here, but it was true - the legendary Dr Feelgood were actually at Ripley.

Having seen the Feelgoods many times over the years I know they never give half measures and tonight was no exception. They gave 100% as they powered through a set containing all the favourites, from Wilko classics Roxette, She Does It Right and Back In The Night (with obligatory audience participation), through the hits Down At The Doctor's and Milk And Alcohol, to more recent crowd pleasers like One More Shot, from the excellent Chess Masters album. We were also treated to some virtuoso guitar work from Steve Walwyn in Down By The Jetty Blues, during which the rest of the band left the stage one by one. Having seen this routine several times I'm convinced the band could go down town for a pint and a curry and Steve would quite happily carry on playing by himself all night. Thankfully the band rejoined him and the party continued. Front man Robert Kane is a true showman and his harmonica playing gets better with every listen. He has taken up this role from the much missed Lee Brilleaux with enthusiasm and dedication that would make the great man proud. A cracking gig from a top band.

As always, the Feelgoods took the time to speak to the fans after the show, and all seemed more than happy to come back to Ripley again in the future - get that diary out Andy!

Also worth a mention are Ripley Blues regulars The Cahonies, who played their usual outstanding support set, these guys would be worth the ticket price by themselves!

Colin Tait

MARCH 2003 - THE AYNSLEY LISTER BAND 

This was Aynsley's third visit to Ripley and since his appearance in 2001 his band has changed in both personnel and style. Aynsley opened the show with a short solo set featuring songs from his live CD "Supakev n Pilchards" which demonstrated his superb guitar playing.

Opinion was divided on the main set, with some enjoying the driving rock style the band has now adopted whilst others hankered after the more varied show we have had from Aynsley in the past. Nevertheless the excellent turn out and number of CDs sold afterwards demonstrates that the RipleyBlues is alive and well!

Andy Herrington

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