Right near Chatelet Metro in central Paris, there is this gem of a Jazz club called Sunset/Sunside, that has two floors of live music. Long established, and for those Parisians as well as international visitors in the know, there is a wide and varied programme, and tonight I was here to partake in their celebration and homage to B.B. King’s 100th birthday.

Originally Big Dez (Philippe Fernandez) was due to play, so I did not want to miss this special Blues jam. However, sadly due to indisposition, the big man's Blues mates had to step in this evening, that saw these seasoned musicians deliver a superb B.B. Blues set, to those lucky enough to be seated or standing towards the back of the bar, at this packed out venue.

Indeed, the Parisian Blues scene is tight, with the setting of the Blues musicianship bar being very high. Frankly, on tonight's evidence, these guys could tour Europe and play anywhere! Led by the mature, charming, shades wearing Marc Loy on lead guitar and vocals, Loy also acted as an affable, multilingual MC! Complemented by fellow guitarist and co-vocalist Lorenzo Sanchez, Karin Bouazza on drums plus Bruno Maurin on bass, this was cool Parisian Blues, B.B. King style.

This evening's melodic, soulful set list from Big Dez's deputies featured 'Rock Me Baby', 'Every Day I Have The Blues', 'The Thrill Has Gone', 'Sweet Little Angel', 'Ghetto Woman', 'Let The Good Times Roll”, as well as a funked up version of 'Ghetto Woman', that I loved. Indeed, tonight's crowd situated upstairs, loved the intimate setting, given its cellar like feel (similar to downstairs), as well as the drinks being mighty fine, plus the vibe was friendly and relaxed. A special shout out also to my knight in shining armour, Thierry, who minded my cameras!

The second set, consisting of a Blues jam, was more of the cool sounding same. Pascal Hofstein, who when he isn’t playing guitar, is one of Paris’s leading architects, delivered a rawer, slower, intense, vocal edged version of 'Rock Me Baby', while Ike Leo, the sax stalwart of the Parisian Jazz Blues scene, almost blew the venue's roof off!

Suffice to say that this London lady was so glad that she had made the overnight Eurostar trip to see these guys! Big Dez returns to this very same venue on Sunday on 21st June for his belated B.B. homage, so f you are in Paris that evening, make sure you head down to the Sunset/Sunside for some more fine Blues. Similarly check out these accomplished French musicians individually, as they could entertain anywhere!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester