Tonight, acclaimed Texas based Blues Rock guitarist and vocalist Ally Venable, played the penultimate leg of her five-date UK tour with her trio at London's The Garage, including special guest Tom Moriarty. A welcome surprise, this was my first time seeing and hearing Tom, and he immediately drew me into his sound and performance. His gravelled vocals touched my soul, but he’s much more than a UK Blues artist. His very enjoyable style of Blues could easily translate and be transported across the pond, given elements of USA style Southern Blues were infused into his set.

His fellow musicians, Rob Brian on drums, Tim Burden on keys and Duncan Kingston on bass, duly wrapped themselves around Moriarty’s music with understated accomplished style. Featuring 'Pride', 'Riptide', 'When I Am Over You', and 'She’s Like a River to Me', Tom finally closed out with 'Rise and Fall', that was over seven minutes long and particularly moved me. In fact his whole set did, as his songs and music sing and speak to love and emotion. Indeed, his lyrics are so meaningful and insightful, about life from this intelligent man and musico. Suffice to say, I would now love to see more of Tom delivering his good drenched Blues, and I recommend you do the same! Therefore, promoters, please take note. You know what to do! Hopefully we will now see more of Moriarty gigging in the UK and in Europe in future.

Listening in advance of this gig to Ally Venable's excellent, combative, sixth album, 'Money & Power', released this April, you know from its twelve tracks, including 'Louisiana Texas' featuring Buddy Guy, that this young Texan Lady can play. And her style can vary in tone from Blues to Blues Rock. But, of course, there's no comparison to seeing her and hearing her live. Indeed, her latest album was like a tasty aperitif awaiting that real big deal delicious main course.

Tonight, The Garage was rammed with Venable aficionados, including respected UK Blues man Paul Cook with his lovely wife Tina, as well as those who were there for the first time for the musical ride. And what a musical gig ride it was, as Ally revved and ramped her sound and set up from the get go. It's hard to believe that she is only 26 years of age, as her fret work, pedal skill and technical ability displayed years of honed discipline. A teenage prodigy, releasing her first EP at the age of 14, Lord knows how many hours a day she practises and has practiced over the days, weeks and years, but it was there to see.

All of her set displayed elements of Blues, Blues Rock and frankly Psychedelia at times, with Venable citing her influences as being B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie and Albert King, Bessie Smith and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Ironically though, Ally did not name check Hendrix, as it was so obvious to me, given this outstanding performance, that Venable is the 21st century female Jimi! Indeed, her extended virtuoso playing was off any scale, and I was spellbound by her ultra-deft finger work and arpeggio touch on her Gibson, as well as also being privileged later to be up close and personal, seeing her matching orange nails dancing and gliding across her orange Fender Strat!

A young USA goddess playing Rock Blues guitar, Venable's visual Rock chick chic look suited her, playing to a largely male audience, with black eyelashes, black PVC skin tight trousers, high black and silver boots, black mesh top, silver heart belt and neckless, as well as her long flowing hair. Determined to be the best, given her hard arsed ambition and total drive, Venable was sexy, sassy and so exciting to watch.

Indeed, I respected her style and attitude. Such as the lyrics in 'Money and Power', “Imagine what a woman could do ain’t gonna take it from you. Don’t you doubt it she got money and power” spoke volumes re: female independence and power. And yeah sister I can relate!

Comprising EJ Bedford on his own custom made black and white bass, as well as playing Korg Minilogue synthesiser, plus drummer Isaac Pulido, who was on the beat throughout, her band were an ultra tight, solid threesome, that not only smashed through the Blues Rock sound barrier, they owned it with superb tone and range.

Bedford funked it up with Venables later on in the set, with their duetting a delight to watch. They opened with 'Penitentiary Philosophy', a short instrumental intro loosener, that was followed by 'Brown Liquor'. Next up was the wonderful 'Unbreakable', then James Taylor's 'Steamroller', the great Bluesy 'Texas Louisiana' that Ally dedicated to Buddy Guy, 'Broken', 'Stopper Back Papa', plus a version of Hendrix's 'Fire', which I loved.

They closed out with 'Feel That Sting', Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's 'Lenny', Johnny "Guitar" Watson's 'Ain’t that a Bitch' and finally an encore of 'Real Gone'. Ally, Isaac and EJ you were amazing, with your music still ringing in my ears. Astonishing and super memorable. Respect to you all!

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester