The decision to stage this year's Ealing Blues Festival weekend in the format that the planners and promoters did, provoked upset and the controversy rumbles on. This is because it was now Blues and beyond. Unfortunately, due to a long-standing commitment, I was there for the Saturday only, but really did want to go sample and share the experience of both days. Indeed, I know I would have enjoyed on Sunday Jimmy Regal and The Royals plus Kitty, Daisy & Lewis. Anyway, I want to truly thank all of those at Events Umbrella, especially the super busy David Nutt, Gavin Carroll and the lovely, friendly Zoe Ruis of security, who looked after me and cleared me for a press pass. I really do hope that I will  be cleared to cover this festival again next year!  

I grew up in Harrow, and my family live in Ealing and Ruislip. Ealing Blues for me is where my Blues Festival experience started, and it is so dear to my heart. Frankly, my mission from today was to share with you all worldwide, the fabulousness of the acts that I saw. The sound tech and staging on the two stages was superb - many congratulations to the aforementioned Gavin! The weather was also perfect, given our unprecedented heatwave. Thanks to the friendly stall holders, the stalls that I saw were also great, as the Summer festival vibe abounded amongst its attendees.

Indeed, I love and continue to love The Ealing Blues Festival with the passion of a pilgrim, obtaining their yearly Blues fix in the locale that they grew up in. It’s my London festival and like the fellow devotees that go there, I plead publicly with the council and organisers to return it to its original broad Blues format. There are so many Blues acts out there that have played there in the past, that would jump at the chance to play there again. The history of the festival, honouring Ealing, the birthplace of the UK Blues scene, thanks to The Ealing Blues Club's involvement, as well as the attendees from The Crawdaddy Club, Eel Pie Club, Tropic at Ruislip and Aint Nothin’ But Blues Bar, plus of course honouring the late Bob Hokum, are all deep rooted drivers for the devotees of this wonderful festival .

So next year please give over both stages and go back to the Blues. Because the Ealing Blues Festival is the Ealing Blues Festival. The gift from Ealing Council to its unique history. It is not meant to be a hybrid music festival. It has its own distinct musical identity and heritage which is bound up and etched in this local lass’ heart, because the Blues is the Blues and there Ain’t Nothing else like the Blues! I also make this heartfelt plea on behalf of all the hearts and minds of all of the others who have approached me and asked me on their behalf to give this shout out to save The Ealing Blues Festival for them, as well as for the UK Blues scene and the international stage as a whole.

Although, I still had a great time across the two stages today. On the covered Big Top Stage, Robin Evans Esq. opened with his enjoyable Blues roots set which included his sister. With a set spanning - as they described themselves - Old Soul, Blues, Garage Rock and Surf music, Mama Oh No! from Norwich, were a fresh, visually and musically vibrant family band with attitude. Meanwhile, with their fluid, sonic sound edge, heavy harp and transient sound, The Jonny Halifax Invocation provided an ambient and shamanic Soul mix with a hypnotic visual appeal, as well as an acid music vibe. Viera & The Slivers also played an enjoyable Art-Rock, Bluesy Rock set, while Oh! GunQuit, with their Rockabilly meets Garage Punk meets Sax R & B sound meets sheer cowgirl cabaret in style, saw this London band give it there absolute all during their vibrant Indie music set. Indeed, Tina Swasey was absolutely magnificent, delighting the crowd with her performance up and across the barriers. I so enjoyed watching them!

Indeed, the outdoor Hokum Stage pleased the multigenerational Blues devotees, with its day long, lovely broad Blues based lineup. Curated by the respected Blues broadcaster and guitarist, Ian McHugh, friend of the late legendary UK Blues man, Robert Hokum, Yabooty opened proceedings with their entertaining energy and upbeat sound, captivating the crowd with their Rock and Blues. Blending more Folk, Leoni Jane Kennedy Band then delivered a thoughtful, intensely played set with her band, while Jump 66 followed with their wonderful  swing sound that got the crowd going again. Next up, Yabooty and Jump 66 bassist Paul King not only played again with the Geoff Garbow Band, alongside living legend Terry Marshall, guesting on sax, but the retro Rock Star also mingled with the amused Summertime crowd during another superb set

It was now time for  the magnificent Mancunian Soul and Blues singer, Kyla Brox, winner of the 2019 European Blues Challenge. This very likeable diva, along with her guitarist husband Danny Blomeley and their band, performed an outstanding  set. Tonight, Brox proved that she is still at the top of her game and that the Blues is so in her blood. Fabulous US Blues singer Robert Finley closed proceedings on the Hokum Stage with a wonderful headline set. Indeed, Finley was an inspired choice honouring Hokum’s legacy! Finley not only speaks and sings the Blues, but he also feels and preaches it, as does his band. Finley, a sharecropper’s son from Louisiana, deemed legally blind and in his 70's, is touring the world with his devoted daughter and talented singer Christy Johnson on backing vocals.

Robert’s life story from adversity to triumph, lovingly curated with his brand of Blues was magnetic! And his storytelling, lyrics and music had the thousands present enrapt. Incredible and memorable, his stellar UK band comprising Liam Spratt on lead guitar, Oliver Hopkins on bass and Charlie Love on drums, were perfectly attuned to each other and loved playing to the vast crowd. Indeed, I was so proud of you guys, who I also saw recently accompanying Robert on tour in Brezoi, Romania. Robert Finley - you are the most majestic man. Along with Christy, you duly delivered beautiful Blues magic tonight. To see you performing outside at this unique, special festival went straight to my soul!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester