Sunday afternoon in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Shopping not, cathedral visiting not, music gigging yes! But this was no ordinary gig, nor any ordinary pub gig either! Indeed, Ros Kintu, the female guvnor of The Farmer's Boy, who so loves her live music, should be commended, as The Lee Ryder Band are special and a standard so above a lot of other pub music fayre. Indeed, this quartet don’t play so often these days and quite frankly, on today's evidence, other pub guvnors should also book them!

Led by Lee Ryder who has been in the Blues business since his teens, this unashamed bunch of mature British Blues men duly delivered an impressive, relaxed Rock style professionalism that had the crowd encaptured. Comprising Ryder on Fender and vocals, Dzal Martin (ex Equals, No Dice and Tom Robinson) also on guitar, Chris Patten (ex Strawbs ) on keys, Vince Lewis on bass and Roger Brewer (ex Marillion ) on drums, they were so tight together.

A band for all, playing classic covers with super competence, the audience loved them, consisting of both their followers and fans from twenty years ago, as well as today's newly converted virgins. They kicked off their set with 'Stormy Monday', 'Reconsider' and then Jimi's 'Hey Joe', one of Ryder’s personal favourites from his first album. Next up, 'Key To The Highway', did indeed turn my musical key, that was followed by 'I’m Ready' and finally, 'All Your Love', which completed an outstanding first set. These seasoned, experienced musicians further rode the licks chords with continued mastery during the second set performing 'You Don’t Love Me', 'Fool For Your Love', 'Stop Messing Round', 'Little Wing', and then ended a memorable afternoon with 'Hoochie Coochie Man'.

Ryder not only delivered vocally with sensitivity and expression, but also effortlessly and without ego, duly handing over to Martin for some superb fretwork on both his Gibson Les Paul and Strat, with Dzal clearly having such fun with his finger work and licks. Meanwhile, Lewis also had a beautiful sensitivity in his finger work, holding the bass line throughout with textural dexterity.

Brewer on drums complemented and drove the rhythm with that sound that only years of skill can bring, while Patten highlighted his keymanship, not only throughout, but shone when required and when it counted. A band at the very top of their game, yet so relaxed in giving each other the counterpoint and lead when it counted in the compositions and expositions of their numbers. So no ordinary Sunday afternoon then. No ordinary gig. Indeed, you, the musical punter, also deserve a ride on The Lee Ryder Band rollercoaster! Go see!

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester