The award winning Tuesday Blues returned to London's The 100 Club last week, featuring fast-rising rootsy British singer-songwriter Connor Selby, as well as special guests Paul Cook Blues Band and Saiichi Sugiyama. First of all a shout out to Stephen Stanley with Richard Saville of Solid Entertainments for putting together this totally enjoyable three artist, three set bill at this legendary venue. The packed crowd thought so too, having travelled far and wide to see and hear these three different set experiences, that proved a total treat. A shout out also to Dan the sound engineer, for the crisp sound!

First up was Saiichi Sugiyama, a Japanese singer/songwriter, who's set list was unusually circulated beforehand, with explanations as to each of his compositions, as well as the only cover, an unusual arrangement of the classic Hendrix song 'Little Wing'. This carefully crafted narrative meant to me that Sugiyama cares enough about his audience, that he wants them to be aware of his influences, the context and backstory of his original works.

Having this accompanying Sugiyama’s set was like visiting an art gallery and reading the themes and narrative on the walls to enhance the experience. Tonight the gallery was musical and visual, all contained on one stage with a kaleidoscope of colour and tonality. His unidentified co-musicians played around Sugiyama’s Rock like at times sound on his Gibson, as well as his electric acoustic. His violinist danced and directed the musical flow up and down with her bow, giving the music a quasi-classical dimension.

So it’s not just enough or sufficient space wise to introduce the numbers! 'It’s Up to You' dealt with a relationship at a crossroads, with, so Sugiyama added, “a subtle Beatles-era nod”. There was also a mysticism in his musical odes and tributes relating to each of his departed parents. 'Heaven' was in relation to his mother and 'Old Samurai', which moved me, is a respectful elegy in relation to Sugiyama’s late father. 'Mother’s Child' and 'China Doll' were also impressive. Sugiyama is obviously an intellectual deep thinker who cares intensely about big themes surrounding life and death, and tonight he successfully took us on his journey with his colleagues. A provocative and most interesting opening set.

Then to the established Paul Cook Blues Band, unfortunately without Katie Bradley this evening. who was sadly unwell. Paul to me, with his cohort of great band members, delivers a solid down to earth diet of British Blues. Indeed, Cook’s Blues is the sort that you relish - not overcooked - but delightful to taste. I loved listening to Cook and his band, with John Hewitt on guitar, as well as watching Pat Hackett’s smooth fluency on bass guitar (just like playing a double bass!), plus Alan Savage’s serious intensity on drums.

Tonight was Paul’s 50th birthday gig in front of a multi generational warm hearted crowd. Cook is also a great mentor and supporter of others, so this evening's set included teen sensation Jack-Austin Despy, the more mature Daevid D’ Mello plus Saaichi Sugiyama, all on stage with the band at different times. Indeed, Paul enjoyed his musical party, as did the crowd who enthusiastically celebrated with him. Also in attendance were Cook’s mum Diane and his equally delighted wife Tina, watching proudly on, as were Jack’s family, the highlights of which were 'Watching You', 'Key to The Highway', 'Rather Go Blind' featuring Despy, and finally 'If You Don’t Love The Blues - You’ve Got No Soul', which well and truly rounded off the party like atmosphere.

Now on to the main act, and the amazing Connor Selby who's music is truly timeless. Selby is inherently modest, serious minded and introverted. Although, he’s become more extrovert and engaging with the audience over the four years that I have seen him play. Tonight, he thanked the audience and said that this was the most crowded gig he had played at The 100 Club. And no wonder.

Selby’s stylish, understated classic single breasted black suit, suited his retro and classic stylish Blues. His guitar fretwork on his Gibson is so fluent and rich, as are his vocals, and his compositions seem to be the work of an old soul in a 27 year old’s fresh faced youthful body! Indeed, in my opinion, Selby should go stratospheric, having already opened for The Who at Wembley Stadium. He’s also supported Robert Cray and more recently Joanne Shaw Taylor.

He is so artfully and effortlessly cool - the mix of that contemporary sound and vocal is already making waves in Europe, and the USA would love him as well. So spread the word! His musicians are world class too, featuring the multi-award winning Stevie Watts on Hammond and keyboards, who is always a thrill for me to watch and listen to in action. Also bobbing around the stage nodding to the beat and having a ball, Sonny Winslow’s bassline perfectly complemented Connor’s Gibson tonality and style, as did Oscar Reynolds on drums, who was also having a great time.

Indeed, the set list and sound was a gem, my highlights of which included 'Falling in Love Again', 'The Truth Comes Out Eventually', 'I Am Who I Am', with its individuality, the so true 'It Hurts To Be In Love', and finally the homage to Selby’s Dad as well as the influence of the Blues on 'Love Letter to the Blues'.

Connor - I loved your engagement, commentary and set. You are a young master of the classic Blues genre and I sense that more awards are on their way! Yet another Solid Gold evening from Solid Entertainments. Thank you!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester