Going to see the legendary Geno Washington for his Independence Day gig at the stylish, sophisticated Boisdale was a great evening out. An Indiana born US Air Force man who has forged a career as a singer and entertainer in the 60’s until this day, Geno has made the UK his home by entertaining thousands across the generations.

Rightly Immortalised by the song ‘Geno’ by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, he has certainly still got it, given at 81 years young, its in his DNA to sing, perform and entertain. Tonight, Geno and his band The Yo Yos delivered rocking good entertainment with a too short set. Greg Lester (no relation :-) playing Fender Strat as well as a Gibson SG, is a long established session guitarist, who Washington has frequently dubbed “Diamond Greg” with obvious pride.

Rightly so, as Greg’s comprehensively assured Rock and slide guitar riffs led the musicality of the set, complemented by Steve Bingham on bass, looking cool in his shades, playing with a fluency that reflected the years that The Yo Yos have been supporting Geno. Also contributing to this very tight outfit was Geoff Hemsley on drums, another looking cool in shades, who was obviously enjoying himself.

Geno’s stories and humorous repartee made me smile more than once, and of course I loved his set. Opening with the instrumental ‘Cold Sweat’ to introduce Geno on to the stage, the band slid into a classic upbeat cover of Tommy Tucker’s ‘Hi-Heel Sneakers’, that got the Boisdale diners swaying. Having set this classic Blues Rock tempo tone, I loved Geno’s raw version of Muddy Waters’ ‘Got My Mojo Working’, as well as Greg’s superb slide guitar on ‘Little Red Rooster’ which hit my sweet Soul Blues spot!

‘Rock Me Baby’ did exactly what it said on the tin, as well as another featured classic, ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’. The popular ‘Everybody Needs Somebody’, also got the diners up and dancing, while ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ proved that this gig was indeed a gas! Geno you blessed us with your band and music. Until the next time!

Review, Photographs and Video: Denise Lester