Jimmy Regal and The Royals are amongst the best of British in relation to exporting pure Mississippi New Orleans inspired Blues. Comparisons are cheap and not perfect, but if you like your Blues scale the side of slide, such as The Too Bad Jims, GA-20 and Cedric Burnside, as well as less Rock edged, then you should listen to these guys. Their sound also transcends their South London centric base and is much more global.

Joff Watkins fronts the band, with his raw sounding gravelled guitar combining with his outstanding harmonica playing, while CJ Williams drives the guitar when Watkins sings and plays his harp, as well as being on co-vocals. Meanwhile, Sammy Samuels skilfully intertwines his enthusiasm on drums and backing vocals, and together the trio have a synergy that sizzles, delivering the finest Blues.

Indeed the retro styled Music Room in New Cross (a former library) was a good venue choice for this evening's 'Snap Back' album launch, with both its cute lighting and an intimate, close up atmosphere, as I  relished their roots edged, jump Blues style. Easily equalling the similar genre of their USA and European counterparts, this evening was amazing, comprising skilful playing and musical substance as well as their original compositions.

The new album showcases their astonishing musical journey from South London Blues to West African music, with an infusion of both. In fact they have played Dakar's Karou Music Festival, as well as spending studio time there, that was a profound experience for them, as reflected in their latest material. Indeed, as independent musicians they have not entirely sold out/into streaming platforms, so you will only be partly tantalised by taster tracks if you visit Spotify! Therefore, I recommend that you do tuck into the main course by savouring the entire album! 

The first set saw Watkins, Williams and Samuels playing some driving Blues, taken from their new offering, the highlights of which were their homage to the master, 'Don’t Know Diddley', followed by the formidable hypnotic pulse of 'Flat Battery Blues', the delightful 'Shining Through on The 122', as well as dipping into their back catalogue with the humorous 'First and Last Stop' and 'Fat Man’s Chicken'.

Although outstanding as a three-piece and now playing beyond their more traditional tone in style, I watched astonished as the second half visuals. musicianship and vocals of their special guests, transformed tonight into an African, neo 21st century, super classy, quasi orchestral set! Indeed, following their extraordinary Dakar adventure, this set elevated into a world gig master class, showcasing their successful revolutionary feat of blending Blues with a Senegalese infused sound.

Joining the trio on stage,  adding a unique dimensionality, were multi-instrumentalist Diabel Cissokho playing kora, percussionist Seydou Klenou playing djembe, Kamila Bydlowska on violin, as well as the horns section of Titch Walker (trumpet) and John O Neill (saxophone), all performing a superlative second half set including 'Diabel', 'Urban Dessert Blues' and 'Disconnect'. To hear the kora and the djembe played amongst a Blues trio and horn combo was extraordinary.

Indeed the whole evening was an extraordinary event! Do also catch Jimmy Regal & The Royals live - whether as a trio or in combination - and enjoy!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester