It was an amazing night at Calico Bar and Eatery as an audience gathered not only for the excellent food, but the third edition of the new Blue Cavern Music Club. Established only three months prior, this new club aims to bring world class Blues and Jazz to Reading, and with tonight having sold out, is already establishing itself as a class leading event in the area.

The night kicked off with a solid performance from the opening act, Thomas Heppell. Heppell’s warm stage presence and dexterous guitar work immediately drew the audience in. His set was a mixture of original compositions and well-chosen covers, all delivered with a sincerity that resonated deeply with the crowd. His voice, rich and emotive, paired beautifully with his skilful guitar playing, making him a perfect precursor to the evening's main event.

Following a brief intermission, the headliner, Alice Armstrong, took to the stage for the first of two sets that evening. Accompanying her was an outstanding trio of musicians: Kev Hickman on drums, Joshua Rigal on bass and Olly Knight Smith on guitar. From the delivery of her first joke, it was clear that Armstrong was here to command the night. Her powerful voice, brimming with emotion and soul, effortlessly filled the room as she launched into ‘Upbeat Baby’, leaving the audience mesmerised.

‘Better Late Than Never’ and ‘Bombshell’ kept the crowd hooked, leading into a new song ‘Joy’. Recent favourite ‘Life I Choose’ followed – a Freddie King/Chicago Blues influenced track reflecting on her life into the Blues and the trail she has followed. A special mention must go to Olly Knight Smith, whose guitar work was nothing short of electrifying. His solos were both technically brilliant and deeply expressive, often taking the audience on the journey with him.

‘Your Guess’ and ‘Feet on Fire’ brought us to the end of the first set, but not before one of Alice’s more risqué tracks ‘Auto Assassin’, which proudly meant she could leave the stage with everyone just that bit hotter than when she started.

How could the second stand up to the first? Alice returned to the stage with Olly, and they got the second half going with an intimate version of ‘Love Song’, then Kev and Joshua returned to the stage to perform ‘Bang Bang’, a cover of Betty Chung’s Funk laced version of the beloved Nancy Sinatra track. ‘Scratching Walls’ led into my personal favourite of the night ‘Crystal and Pearls’, a dirty, funky track about earning your own way.

The evening continued with ‘Good Love’ and ‘Voodoo Woman’, but the highlight of the evening came with the last track of the night. Armstrong and her band were joined on the stage by Thomas Heppell and delivered a rendition of Alice’s first single release ‘Speed Dial’. Thomas brought a slide guitar element to an already classy arrangement, and the audience took to their feet, singing along with the chorus with such minimal prompting. The energy in the room was infectious, a testament to the powerful connection Armstrong and her band had forged with the crowd.

Armstrong gave a masterclass in Blues performance, with buckets of Soul to spare. She navigated through a repertoire that showcased her vocal versatility, moving from slow-burning ballads to high-energy anthems with ease. Hickman’s drumming was a rhythmic force, providing a solid foundation that perfectly complemented Rigal’s deep, groovy bass lines. Together, they created a pulsating backdrop that allowed Armstrong’s voice to shine even brighter.

On an unforgettable evening of live music, both Thomas and Alice delivered performances that were brimming with talent and passion. Armstrong in particular, proved herself to be a powerhouse and genuine performer, backed by a band that was equally remarkable. It was a night that left the audience craving more and served as a reminder of the unyielding power of live music.

Chris Griffiths