It’s been a while since I have been to the famous Eel Pie Club. Opposite Twickenham Station in South West London, this super Blues and music club is run by the beautiful Gina Way and her charming husband, co-promoter and MC Warren Walters. It is well worth a visit not only for this special welcoming couple, but also for the venue, plus all the well known acts arriving in the coming months.

Located at the The Cabbage Patch Pub in London Road, this iconic venue has recently undergone an elegant refurbishment. Now boasting a rich red art deco theme, with the accompanying art deco of Tamara Lempicka on the walls, as well as seating and standing, crucially it also has air conditioning, which was so welcome tonight, given London’s sweltering heat.

Quite frankly, thank goodness for Gina and Warren, along with their superb sound and stage engineers for keeping live music alive and kicking in this part of the world. The audience are also lovely, friendly souls, both local and from far away, so why not become a part of the Eel Pie Club community and support live music! I recommend it! Anyway, that’s enough of the heartfelt plug and pull of the Eel Pie Club for now. On to tonight's gig itself, headlined by legendary Soul and Blues man, Geno Washington & The Yo Yos, with support from Tim Hain who opened.

Hain is so likeable as a man and musician, as well as being such a multi-talented chap. Not only is he a Bleggae (Blues-Reggae) singer, composer, songwriter, guitar player and storyteller, but Tim is also an award winning photographer, author and chronicler of the late Sir Sterling Moss! I love classic cars and motor racing, so Hain’s remarkable achievements so resonate with me. Indeed, Hain’s melodic, thoughtful, intelligent and interesting set was varied in tone and mood.

Part played on electric acoustic guitar and then latterly on a Fender electric, his set list included 'Come On In My Kitchen', 'Sister Rosetta' - dedicated to the late great female Blues pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 'Caesar' - a Calypso style song also dedicated to fellow English Bluesman Alan Glen as well as "recipients of parking tickets", plus a most moving ode and tribute to Hain’s late father, 'Last Drop', all about a special 40 year old single grain whiskey called “The Cally“!

Admiration and respect also to Hain’s campaigning activity, namely his slow Blues number 'Moodswings and Manboobs', expressing both vulnerability and sensitivity with wry humour, having been diagnosed, undergone and survived prostate cancer, with its powerful message to all the men present to get themselves checked out. After such great advice, Bob Marley's 'No Woman No Cry' lifted the room with some fine Fender guitar, followed by another upbeat song in the form of a Jerry Reed style Blues influenced 'Put a Smile on Your Face', that closed out a very enjoyable set.

It was time then for the main man and living legend Geno Washington, 82 years young. This ex US serviceman adopted by the UK in the 1960s, and stalwart of the Blues Soul scene, who was the subject of the famous Dexy and the Midnight Runners song 'Geno', can still so hold the stage and his audience. Washington sang from his soul, all perfectly complemented by his cheeky persona and schtick, such as his legendary life, being a black man facing off the KKK, as well as still flirting with all the females in the audience tonight, despite his advancing years!

His set and banter was full of wry jokes, fun and ultimately good vibes. On more than occasion he told to the adoring audience “I love you Baby” and he meant it. And everyone loved Geno back. Indeed, the love from the floor from all of The Eel Pie Club audience towards this great entertainer was really moving to witness. The smiles on their faces as I looked around said it all.

Although, Geno didn’t just sit down this evening. He stood, he moved, he engaged, and most definitely delivered. As ever, his trusted wingmen, the ever loyal and faithful Yo Yos, saw Greg Lester on Fender and Gibson guitar, as well as the assuredly cool shades wearing Steve Bingham on bass and Geoff Hemsley on drums, who both wrapped themselves tightly around Lester’s sharp and fluent fretwork.

Tonight's classic set featured 'Cold Sweat', 'Hi-Heel Sneakers', Muddy Waters 'Got My MoJo Working', as well as some blinding Blues slide guitar from Greg on 'Little Red Rooster', not forgetting also 'Lucille', that got all the "ladeez" present up and dancing on the floor, including myself! This evening, Geno Washington & The Yo Yos were sheer entertainment. For an upbeat, humorous and Soul filled night, make sure that you go see them!

Video, review and photos: Denise Lester