Boogie Beasts, Belgium’s outstanding Blues and Blues Rock band are a must for any Blues travellers like me. Ever since I saw them in 2023 at France's Leman Blues Festival alongside The Cinelli Brothers and Koko-Jean & The Tonics, I have been hooked on their magnificent sound. Their albums have an accomplished edginess to them, coupled with a fine production, which deserves more European and global airplay. They describe themselves as Garage Blues, but I would say that they cross the genres from Blues into pure Rock, as well as being particularly unique.

Marking a step in their musical evolution, their latest album 'Don’t Be So Mean', released this year, is in homage to Mississippi Hill Blues Country legend R.L. Burnside, that features US veteran guitarist Kenny Gordon no less, who was the musical partner and "adopted son" of Burnside, having played with R.L.  for over thirty years. Indeed, tonight was so special as Kenny had flown in to play on a short tour with the Boogie Beasts!

Comprising Jan Vespers on guitar/vocals, Patrick Louis also on guitar/vocals, Fabian Bennardo on harmonica and Gert Servaes on drums, tonight these guys played their gritty Blues Roots and skill, that's less commercial, more niche, as well as a different offering, for example, to the UK’s The Too Bad Jims.

So this Blues backdrop explained why on this particular August Bank Holiday weekend, I spent a special Saturday night in Belgium at the renowned Zik Zak venue in Ittre, just outside of Brussels. A great atmosphere, team and club, with Nico and his friendly bar and merch team at the helm - my cameras, ears and eyes were therefore eager and excited to capture this gig!.

A departure from their multi-album offering, tonight's set featured a live performance of 'Don’t Be So Mean', respecting the profound influence of R.L. Burnside. Indeed, that is why I was here! The quartet played ultra competently, tightly and collectively with Gordon, the real star of the show, front and centre stage on guitar and slide. His masterful Mississippi Hill Blues guitar was intense and flawless, as we witnessed his years of experience. Suffice to say the band were thrilled to be alongside him, as were the audience, who had journeyed far and wide from France, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, plus of course myself, representing the Blues loving UK!

They opened with 'Jumper on The Line', that showcased the deep, driving, gravel heavy, guitar laden groove, as well as its repetitive chords entrancing the discerning crowd. A superb set continued with 'Alice Mae', 'Poor Black Mattie', 'Peaches' and 'Fireman Ring The Bell'. A superlative version of 'Skinny Woman' was followed by 'Going Down South', 'Work Me', 'Over The Hill' 'You Got To Move' and 'Snake Drive', with all delighting. Also in their set was an ultra special rendition of 'Blues #2' by Belton Sutherland, that saw Lord  Bennado amusing the crowd by going walkabout, whilst Vespers remained on stage howling out the vocals,  along with Louis, Gordon and Gervaes pounding out the beat.

Indeed, like the showman he is, tonight Bennado moved around the stage with his distinctive. amped up, distorted harmonica licks, as did outstanding Blues man Louis, who loved the whole gig, switching guitars as well as being on co-vocals. Gervaes also enjoyed himself, holding the beats for the Beasts plus Gordon of course, not forgetting Vespers, who just relished being at the co-helm with Louis, as we all did!

R.L. Burnside’s hypnotic musical beats and compositions hold you, and this evening the dynamic between the Beasts was different for this one-off gig with Gordon - tightly focused on Burnside's rhythm and laying it loudly for the spirit of R.L. to infuse and envelop Zik Zak’s great concert vibe.

Thanks guys! Worth every Euro and blues travelling time to hear you live playing this set. And to Nico - thanks to all of you for making me so welcome. Until the next time then, both at Zik Zak and seeing Boogie Beasts again!  

Au revoir!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester