Following last year's chart topping album, ‘Almost Exactly’, as well as being known for their electrifying live shows, dynamic London four-piece The Cinelli Brothers gig at at Brighton's Hope & Ruin tonight, blending Soul and Blues with a contemporary twist, proved to be a superb, memorable evening. Indeed, opening proceedings for the 2024 UK Blues Band of the Year award winners was Greene, and his own, really independent minded, brand of acoustic and harmonica infused music, of which his compositions and vocals were a treat to hear and watch.

Honestly, as for the headliner's, the world is blessed to have The Cinelli Brothers in it. My world certainly is! Their music is once in a multi-generation fare. And it will stand the test of time. Although they are constantly evolving musically, yet draw on the influences of the great artists of yesteryear. From Stax Soul, those old Blues musical masters, pure stripped down Blues, the whole Shaft 70’s vibe, The Beatles and so much more, their musical offering is not only fresh but so dynamic to watch.

However much they tour, they are ultra hard working, with nearly 300 gigs last year under their musical belts. From their cool fashion style and vibe to their friendliness on the road, you've just gotta so respect these multi-talented guys work ethic. And tonight they duly delivered.

At their core are the two brothers, firstly Alessandro on drums and vocals who intuits it all on stage with superb pace and timing. Then there's Marco on guitar and vocals, who is frankly a force of nature and such a musical seeker. Constantly learning new instruments, he’s being playing the harmonica for just two years now, as well as being an exceptional keyboardist, composer and producer.

Complementing and vibing with his own bassline and guitar style, as well as his groovy look and rhythm, Jorma Gasperi on bass, guitar and vocals, was the perfect musical foil for Marco. Meanwhile, the equally talented Tom Julian-Jones on his Gibson filled guitar, harmonica and vocals, was so assured, confident and so knows his Blues, adding such old school Blues authenticity to the quartet's mix, and yet is so modern too.

The penultimate date of their UK 2025 tour, unfortunately I couldn’t catch them in London due to a competing commitment, so I went tonight instead, as did another couple I met from Ballymena, who had flown over from Northern Ireland especially! The Hope & Ruin is a cool venue and I loved it, given its intimacy and great lighting. Indeed, perfect for me, as with no haze I could capture tonight's photographs perfectly!

Part of an international musical following which deservedly celebrates this multi-award winning band, The Cinelli’s also had their superfans in attendance this evening including Carole and Paul Campbell dancing away at the front of the stage during a remarkable set that kicked off with 'Don’t Need No Favour'. 'Fool’s Paradise' and their searingly incisive 'Dark Side of The Road' delivered, followed by Marco's instrumental composition, 'Pencil Pusher Doze', that had more than a nod to Brian Auger and Booker T. Jones about it.

I just also loved the upbeat, catchy and fun above the lyrics, 'Married Woman', as well as the fiery, raw, on your knees, Gospel influenced, 'Prayer'. God knows the venue felt like a church at that point, as the assembled congregation seemingly praised the Lord! There were also two exceptional covers, the heartfelt plaintiveness of The Beatles 'Don’t Let Me Down', as well as the welcome Southern Rock of Tony Joe White's 'Polk Salad Annie'.

This was obviously mixed with other original musical fare such as 'Choo Ma Gum', 'Unsingable Song' and the romantically tuneful ballad, 'Dozen Roses'. Taken from their 2023 album 'Mama Don't Like You', another original included in their set, 'Spell On Me', pretty much summed up this spellbinding night.

A shout out too for Mimmo Cinelli, Marco and Alessandro’s so proud musician dad, who was on tour with them, looking after the group and selling their merch. Not forgetting also Paulo Olivieri at his desk, doing the sound engineering magic, valuably adding to the overall experience. Indeed, tonight on Bonfire Night these guys were musically on fire as well as blazing, on an evening of fireworks and a gig that went with a bang!

Until the next time guys. Go see!

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester