I never tire of multi-award winning artist Connor Selby, whether hearing his albums at home or seeing him play. His original musical offering is timeless to me and he is a modest master of his Blues craft. There is a rich retro tonality in his chords and scores, amplified by an understated style on his Gibson guitar, all complemented by his vocals that have a rich timbre.

The moods of his music ranged from honest individuality on 'I Am Who I Am', to cynical on 'The Truth Comes Out', as well as desire on 'I Want You But I Can’t Have You'. There were also the various Blues shades of life and love covered, such as 'All Out of Luck', 'It Hurts to Be in Love', 'Deep End', 'Falling in Love Again', as well as his tender ode, 'Love Letter To The Blues', which was touching. Indeed, every single song that formed part of Selby’s set told a story.

Tonight, Connor was accompanied by the smooth, understated maturity of his tight and trustworthy band, namely the award winning Stevie Watts on Hammond style keys, Oscar Reynolds on drums and Sonny Winslow on bass. Selby himself curated the set with a confident efficiency, thereby engaging the enrapt audience, as serious Blues heads listened with concentration and appreciation.

Connor, Oscar, Stevie and Sonny, you were collectively superb this evening, delivering some cool Blues! Thanks also to Gina Way and Warren Walters for the opportunity to hear Connor close up again, at a very warm Eel Pie Club, as it has been a while!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester