Ian Siegal is a seasoned Blues artist who like a fine full bodied red wine gets better with age. Indeed, Ian also likes red wine himself, as he duly sampled a glass on the Eel Pie Club stage tonight, and I do hope that he likes this review too! Portsmouth born, he's a constant musical traveller, popular and established on the European circuit as well as in the Caribbean, and had flown in especially from Malta for this gig.

Confession time - I really have waited months to see this multi-award winning Bluesman play with a band. I’ve actually seen him play a solo set, once on acoustic guitar at a Jimmy C Blues Sessions gig in Crouch End, as well as an electric acoustic set at Dingwalls in Camden, although had not caught up with him musically for a good couple of years. Therefore, I was so looking forward to this special evening, joined by his top class, five-piece band, that he had put together especially for this and other tour dates.

Siegal’s vocals to me have a mix in tonality - at times tinges of Tom Waits and Mick Jagger - even in inflection and in note. He also loves Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and The Rolling Stones, and indeed his tattooed arms (pictured below) bear homage to his musical heroes. Ian’s musical tastes and mine also coalesce, namely old school Chicago and classic Blues. So when I saw former editor of Blues in Britain, Fran Leslie, in the discerning audience at this iconic venue tonight, alongside Big Joe Louis and his lady listening and appreciating Siegal’s sound, as well as Gina Way, Warren Waters and Leaf Hound lead singer Peter French, I knew that I was in the right Blues genre zone!

Highlights for me from his set included Big Joe Louis guesting and singing on R.L. Burnside’s 'See My Jumper Hangin' on the Line', as well as Howlin‘ Wolf’s 'Shake For Me' and Muddy Waters’ 'Champagne & Reefer'. Both 'Catfish Blues' and Junior Wells' 'Hoodoo Man Blues' also hit the Blues sweet spot for me. Tonight, this serious Blues loving audience just drunk up Siegal’s set, along with their drinks in the refreshing air-conditioned atmosphere. No talking, just sheer communal silence to appreciate the flow and spirit of Siegal’s Blues set, just like a fine whiskey, as the band's sound enveloped.

Indeed, Ian’s 5 Star Blues band deserve a special mention. As Siegal himself said, each of his five musicians are fine purveyors of the Blues and are also worth catching individually on the London circuit and elsewhere. Francesca Nnoka Shaw enchanted me with her sprightly playing on double bass and cool retro fashion style, while Loris Peverani was serious minded on drums. Meanwhile, Thomas Lucas handled himself well playing with purpose on keys, as did Lewis Fielding‘s retro vintage Guild guitar and assured playing, that added tonality under Siegal’s Fender noteline. Rollo Markee on harmonica, who played with passion and intensity was outstanding, as was Ian's Fender guitar lending friend for the night, who also joined Siegal on stage. All in all, a special, classic Blues evening, thanks to Siegal, his 5 Star Band and guests!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester