Legendary Bondi Cigars were back to play Adelaide both at the Jimmy Deans and the Gov. I heard it was a top night at the Gov, supported by JJ Fields, with a supportive crowd so I was keen to catch them along with Chris Finnen at their next gig, The South Adelaide Football Cub.
Over 220 Blues enthusiasts descended on ‘Jimmy Deans’, top room of the South Adelaide Club.
There were good bar facilities, the three bar staff flat out serving as people were settling into the large table seating and leaning against walls talking the Blues, a lot of familiar faces and excitement in the air.
Over 220 Blues enthusiasts descended on ‘Jimmy Deans’, top room of the South Adelaide Club.
There were good bar facilities, the three bar staff flat out serving as people were settling into the large table seating and leaning against walls talking the Blues, a lot of familiar faces and excitement in the air.
Bondi Cigars need no introduction, an Iconic Australian blues band led by the great Shane Pacey.
Special guest was to be Chris Finnen Electric Guitarspeak, but unfortunately due to Chris’s ill health, were unable to open the show. Chris had a lot of supporters there, yet disappointment turned to hollers and hoots of approval as Papa Legba featuring Sav, Frank and John ably held their own with gritty raw and tightly played old school deep south blues.
John Freeman played tight and reserved as usual and kept the band swinging along with Frank’s solid, spacious bass and clear commanding vocals. Sav’s traditional blues guitar mastery along with his fine voice appeared at its best in this tight three piece but it was just a little too hot on stage (no fan) and with shortness of time they couldn’t appease with an encore, although the crowd was calling for more.
Special guest was to be Chris Finnen Electric Guitarspeak, but unfortunately due to Chris’s ill health, were unable to open the show. Chris had a lot of supporters there, yet disappointment turned to hollers and hoots of approval as Papa Legba featuring Sav, Frank and John ably held their own with gritty raw and tightly played old school deep south blues.
John Freeman played tight and reserved as usual and kept the band swinging along with Frank’s solid, spacious bass and clear commanding vocals. Sav’s traditional blues guitar mastery along with his fine voice appeared at its best in this tight three piece but it was just a little too hot on stage (no fan) and with shortness of time they couldn’t appease with an encore, although the crowd was calling for more.
The Bondi Cigars, well!
Shane Pacey and Eben Hale trading searing solos throughout a huge set with the energy never letting up.
Bass player Al Britton holding it so deep in the pocket supported by the steady drumming of Frank Corby, I had to climb up from the floor after every song. The energy and warmth these guys emit from stage welcomes you to the dance floor and by the end of the night it was packed with swaying bodies and the crowd near fever pitch - the Blues is alive in the South!
The sound was solid and clean although a little too harsh in the tops, not helped by a lack of any backdrop (hate that).
There was no light show to speak of and the room lacked a little atmosphere but the band and punters made up for it. The dancers who were numerous had to be content with carpet tiles, but it didn’t seem to worry the 60 or more participants. With a little work and some mood lighting we could see more shows here for the blues starved south. By the way its a nice large venue space with a great view of the oval and ample parking, so thats good, right?
A big thanks to Gerrard Alman events for again, presenting fine Blues in the south.
Shane Pacey and Eben Hale trading searing solos throughout a huge set with the energy never letting up.
Bass player Al Britton holding it so deep in the pocket supported by the steady drumming of Frank Corby, I had to climb up from the floor after every song. The energy and warmth these guys emit from stage welcomes you to the dance floor and by the end of the night it was packed with swaying bodies and the crowd near fever pitch - the Blues is alive in the South!
The sound was solid and clean although a little too harsh in the tops, not helped by a lack of any backdrop (hate that).
There was no light show to speak of and the room lacked a little atmosphere but the band and punters made up for it. The dancers who were numerous had to be content with carpet tiles, but it didn’t seem to worry the 60 or more participants. With a little work and some mood lighting we could see more shows here for the blues starved south. By the way its a nice large venue space with a great view of the oval and ample parking, so thats good, right?
A big thanks to Gerrard Alman events for again, presenting fine Blues in the south.
| The next Gerrard Alman events Presents will be the American Blues Master Kirk Fletcher at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre on June 9th. With special guests Papa Legba and the Stefan Hauk Band https://www.facebook.com/events/1782050488780207/ Kirk Fletcher will also performing at: The German Club - June 10th Semaphore Workers Club - June 11th | Also watch out for the Papa Legba DVD release Two launch dates are planned: Saturday 4th. March, at the bluesy Bridgewater Inn. Sunday 5th. March at the Semaphore Workers Club. Check out the DVD Review here |
Review by Peter Allan - Pics by Samra Teague - Bondi Cigars, Saturday Jan. 28th
South Adelaide Football Cub 1 Lovelock Drive, Noarlunga, SA
South Adelaide Football Cub 1 Lovelock Drive, Noarlunga, SA
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