Billed as headliner Rebecca Downes' new album launch at the iconic 100 Club London, this gig was special, as award winning promoters Solid Entertainments once again delivered pure musicality to their audience. Opening duo Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral were a delight. Schwarz’s voice is a dramatic blend of melodic expressive Blues meets Jazz, while Koral is her guitar foil and co-composer. Their lyrics and songs are original and resonate in tone, rounded with the rich echoes of life experience.

Their set showcased their new album, 'Colourful House', released at the end of September, opening with the raw, heartful, plaintiveness of 'Here My Cries', followed by the tantalising treat, 'It Ain’t Easy', and then the moving 'Perfect Day', with Schwarz demonstrating not only how to hold a note, but also her superb vocal phrasing. 'Blues Before Sunrise', the lovely 'Liberated Woman', 'Temptation', plus a cover of The Rolling Stones 'Painted Black', were also other highlights. Complemented by Zoe's gorgeous, gazelle like grace on stage, tonight Koral was Schwarz’s guitar rock, which saw both artists combining to produce an exceptional start to this evening.

Next up was Oli "Mississippi" Macdonald with Nashville's Brent Cundall, who delivered an electric acoustic set. MacDonald is the main man, given he knows his Mississippi Blues, as well as being in touch with his masculinity in his compositions. Playing their acoustic guitars with such confidence, Oli's rich vocals hearkened to Tom Jones‘ more Bluesy vocal style, with a set featuring 'Trouble Doing The Right Thing', 'I Was Wrong', 'My Bad Attitude', 'I’m Sorry', 'I Got To Get to Walking' and finally 'Slim Picking'. Suffice to say I loved the duo's performance and so respect Macdonald's style of Blues.

Rebecca Downes is always such a delightful artist to watch and hear. There is an otherworldliness to her visually with her beautiful porcelain featured face and classy blouse style, complemented by her guitar elegance and musical offering, which makes her compelling to watch. Indeed, the Black Country Blues Rock singer, songwriter and vocal coach's intelligent, individualistic style and technical ability on her leopard skin guitar, as well as assured vocals, shone throughout her set.

As for her amazing band, co-vocalist Steve Birkett on guitar and counterpoint was perfectly attuned, along with the very skilful Nigel Davill on keys, Jim Peterson on bass and Neil Ablard on drums, collectively delivering an accomplished classy performance. Opening with 'Let You Down Slow', I loved the following 'Wave Them Goodbye', with its Rock guitar combo, rousing co-vocals (originally featuring King King's Alan Nimmo) and honky tonk keys. Downes also had a ball with 'Rock 'n' Roll” taking the mic and reaching out to the audience!

Another I so loved was the unique 'These Days', given both its zeitgeist lyrical offering and unusual melodic composition, that saw Rebecca at her haunting vocal best. 'Hit The Ground Running', 'Fall Into You', 'Hold the Reins” and another original spellbinder, 'Sailing on A Pool of Tears', all portrayed Downes' assuredness, borne out of years of dedicated craft and graft. The beautiful 'Believe' followed next, with Birkett delivering a driving slide sitar sounding guitar. A night when Rebecca had so much fun, she closed the set with the classic 'A Little Help From My Friends'. Indeed, total respect to Rebecca tonight, where she would have made even more friends, given her standout independent artistry style and musical leadership.

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester