Simon "Honeyboy" Hickling

@ The Marr's Bar - 12/4/02

Another visit to Marr's by this great blues harp player and his band. And, if you think that the blues is a dirge, get out and see this man - this was an evening of blues with a smile - Simon Hickling's style is as infectious as his dancing snakeskin shoes - a total showman!! This was good time blues of very high quality.

A mixture of new and old harmonica driven songs that kicked you straight in the face with the sheer quality and pace. Almost non-stop, the set never had a dull moment - Simon's banter saw to that.

Mr Hickling was accompanied by guitar wizard Big Al Taylor who was the perfect foil for Honeyboy with his precise, easy style, the steady but superb Tony Stewart with pumping bass and the excellent Tony Bayliss (ex of the recently defunct Parkers Alibi) on drums. All styles of blues seemed to be covered tonight including Sonny Boy Williamson's 'All My Love's In Vain', an unusual rendition of 'La Cucaracha' and Canned Heat's 'Goin' Up The Country' - some railroad blues, sombre blues and Chuck Berry style blues - everything!

What was noticeable tonight was that the small but appreciative audience were almost totally speechless throughout - most unusual!

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