This opening gig at London's 229 Great Portland Street for the month long/nineteen date January Blues Festival 2026, was like opening a bottle of Champagne to celebrate this annual, diverse Blues music showcase. Indeed, tonight was a sparkling corker, full of fun, fizz and entertainment. The combination of special guests Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band as an opener, as well as legendary headliner's The Animals, featuring original drummer John Steel, was perfect.

Geno with his steadfast Bluesmen, namely Greg Lester on fluent Fender Strat guitar, Steve Bingham on fluent, assured bass in shades and Geoff Hemsley on drums, also in shades, all had a ball! "Geno" - as the crowd chanted – is a living US imported UK based Blues legend. The way he moved and sang, showed that he has still got it, as he delivered with these long time musicians and mates, in an upbeat Blues laden set. The Ram Jam band's opener, an instrumental version of James’ Brown’s 'Cold Sweat', was a mover and groover that immediately set the tone before Geno arrived on stage.

Indeed, the set was a treat and the band so enjoyed themselves on the large stage in front a good sized audience. It was a tight, focused performance of which the highlights were 'Feel It', 'Lucille', 'Kansas City' and 'Hi-Heel Sneakers', as well as some humorous, but not excessive banter from Geno, which amused the audience. Washington loves and thrives on his audience vibe, as do his band. And following 45-minutes of sheer entertainment, the delighted crowd duly loved him back!

Seeing The Animals was a first time for me. Featuring the so energetic, magnetic drummer John Steel, the only original member of the band since their formation in 1963, tonight Steel was truly ageless in prowess and power, as I witnessed from the side of the stage. Indeed, I was also astonished this evening at the potency of the Animals musical pulling power, with their global, multigenerational fanbase reaching out as far and wide as the USA, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand. And it was easy to see why!

Their set and performance was so fresh. Indeed, it would be easy to dismiss a band formed over 60 years ago, but their music from the 60’s is still so relevant. Danny Handley fronting on red Gibson guitar and lead vocals was a delight to watch and hear. This muscular, fit Bluesman had a sense of fun and was really enjoying himself! Complemented by superb bassist and backing vocalist Norm Helm, I also loved Barney Williams’ accomplished keyboards skills, which immediately drew glowing comparisons with other hot UK keyboardists such as Greg Coulson and Stevie Watts. Evoking fond memories of Alan Price, as well as Handley’s Gibson adding tonality, the tightness of the band musically saw their set sparkle like a vintage Moët & Chandon!

Comprising 'Baby Let Me Take You Home', 'It’s My Life', Jimmy Reed's 'Bright Lights, Big City', 'I'm Crying', as well as Williams leading on 'I Believe To My Soul', there was also an emotive version of 'Don’t Bring Me Down'. Another Jimmy Reed corker 'Big Boss Man' followed, leading into Tommy Tucker’s 'High Heeled Sneakers, that saw the 229's impressive sound man swaying, as well as also espying Ram Jam's Hemsley and Lester both enjoying this impressive version backstage.

The band then sped into the closing segment of their set with Nina Simone's 'Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood', Roosevelt Sykes' 'Night Time is The Right Time' and Barry Mann's 'We Gotta Get Out of This Place', as the crowd sang along and chanted for more. To be fair these covers are better known for The Animals versions and are indelibly incised into our British music and social DNA, hence the delighted crowd's loving reaction to these penultimate classics.

Finally, John Steel, who drummed throughout with magnificent gusto, came centre stage and very poignantly addressed the audience, telling the story behind how The Animals came to play Bob Dylan’s 'The House of The Rising Sun'. Suffice to say you will have to go see this amazing band to learn the truth! Anyway, cue this terrific all time classic which topped a memorable set and evening! Indeed, The Animals are Rock history as well as still being so current, so just make sure you take your family and friends along to see these musical legends. You won't be sorry.

Review, Video and Photos: Denise Lester