Another packed house for this local band saw an electrifying display of blues based rock from New Blood and in particular lead man Gary Harper. Straight from the start they tore into their set leaving the audience hardly enough time to take a breath between numbers.
A mixture of home grown songs (including some brand new stuff) with a few great covers showed the versatility of these four young musicians as they worked solidly together to create a memorable night that started on a high and then soared out of sight. Their set was both dynamic and visual - it was full of emotion and yet it was just like party night. New Blood seem to be able to make the blues a little less serious - they get people up dancing which acts as a catalyst that they feed off causing another reaction that drives them on.
Breathtaking solos by Gary Harper stopped the audience in their tracks on several occasions with 'She Knows' receiving a standing ovation following another fantastic exhibition of guitar virtuosity. But, New Blood aren't just about Mr Harper. Yes, he's the inevitable focal point but the support that the other guys give Gary is precise and heartfelt. Believe me, Gary's solo in 'She Knows' wouldn't be quite the same without the droning, soaring organ work of Rachel, the delicately punctuating bass of Russ Cook and the solid and precise drums of Jon Ballard as together they lay down the framework for Gary to work within.
'Especially Mine' was another great original that received a remarkable reaction from the audience. This excellent number has been remodelled and restructured with the help of band friend and associate, Bobby Tench. It's been finely honed to become a commercially viable number that would surely help New Blood break into the big time - yes, it's now that good!!.
A brilliant Marr's homecoming from this rising star of a band that are on the verge of being something quite big!!
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