In effect, a pre-album launch gig, tonight the special intimate setting of The Eel Pie Club suited Connor Selby'’s set and his band. Indeed, Connor’s new ten-track studio album, 'The Truth Comes Out Eventually', is a modern masterpiece. Selby’s compositions and style of Blues are timeless and ageless, spanning the old great Blues masters with his own originality, producing a rich intelligent and twenty first century twist on Classic Blues. Although, now a multi–award winning artist, Connor still retains great modesty, which in itself is appealing.

I also continue to be astonished at the maturity in both the scoring and content of this twenty-something's musical offering, as his old school Gibson guitar and finger work delivered the rich tonality that matched Connor’s resonant vocals. Growing up listening to his parents musical collection, who's to say that future generations will not also be influenced by Selby’s outstanding material?

However, his presence on stage was largely contained, though there were moments when Connor threw his head back, resulting in his playing and pose being rawer in energy. As ever, his stalwart on bass, Sonny Wilmslow, listened, cued in and played with mature understated delivery. Although no overt bopping from Sonny as I have seen on other occasions, as he watched his master and leader intensely at work. New band members Hugh Birkenhead on Hammond style keys and Oscar Reynolds on drums also added a more expressive and impressive dimension to proceedings, with Oscar’s obvious delight while drumming, captivating to watch.

With songs that mirrored his young life so far, Selby curated his set in part, explaining his love for the Blues, which was encapsulated in the song, 'Love Letter to the Blues'. With an intensity that was there from the outset, a special setlist that so enchanted the audience, also included 'I Can’t Let You Go', the catchy positive upbeat vibe of 'Falling in Love Again', the self-reflective 'I Shouldn’t Care', the new album title track 'The Truth Comes Out Eventually', 'All Out of Luck' and 'Someone'.

I also loved his version of 'Get Out of My Life Woman' and another catchy, upbeat, positive number, 'That’s Alright', which has been running around in my head since the gig! A surprise guest, respected Blues guitarist on both sides of the Atlantic, Will Johns, also joined Connor on 'Crossroads' and 'Green Onions', providing a lead Fender element, as well as adding tone to both numbers.

A truly memorable gig. Indeed, go see Connor on his forthcoming ten-date UK tour, obtain his new album and wrap yourself around Selby’s special Blues.

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester