Tonight's gig at the legendary 100 Club London was special and sheer entertainment. Powered by super promoter Stephen Stanley of Solid Entertainments, this album launch for the super likeable and stylish band The Milk Men, so delivered. Full of excitement, with a great likeable crowd up for the craic, there was a special atmosphere right from the start.

Indeed Stanley is a talent spotter par excellence, having cleverly paired Tom Davies & The Bluebirds as an opening act for this evening's headliner's, as Tom's trio delivered a solid 45 minute set, making their debut as this iconic venue. Hampshire’s finest Davies on lead guitar and vocals, was both visually and aurally compelling and intense, as was bassist Si Davis, with Gary Lyons also drumming with skill, as well as understated when needed, but obviously enjoying himself!

Clearly influenced by artists like Peter Green, we were treated to a number of classics such as Fleetwood Mac’s 'The Green Manalishi', Willie Dixon’s 'Spoonful' plus Ann Peebles 'Breaking Up Someone’s Home'. This was nicely mixed with some rawer Rock treatment of his self-penned 'Devil’s Highwater' as well as Howling Wolf’s 'No Place To Go (You Gonna Wreck My Life)'. Tom's rawer vocals and tight tonality on guitar alongside Si and Gary, saw an enjoyable and Rock filled set, and their debut album 'Angel On The Mississippi' is well worth checking out.

Next up where The Milk Men, unashamedly one of my favourite bands for a energetic night out! Sharp suited great guys, comprising Jamie Smy on lead vocals, Adam Norsworthy on guitar and backing vocals, Lloyd Green on bass guitar and Mike Roberts on drums, I just love seeing and hearing them! As do their loyal followers who were here at this packed out 100 Club, sitting, standing, swaying and hanging with the upbeat vibe. Tonight their fun Blues Rock, commentary and sense of enjoyment, brought a spirit of super positivity to the audience.

Indeed, this evening's launch gig of their brand new album 'The Milky Way' turned out to be a party for both bands and fans alike with Milky Way bars, stickers and other goodies all at the merchandise stand! The eleven-times UK Blues Award nominated quartet were solid entertainment from start to finish, and tonight was a good old fashioned knees up where your local pub meets your local friendly football club, with singing, banter, as well as everyone just generally having a great time!

Their lively, lovely, fab set showcased their new original eleven-song album with the opener 'Waiting For Some Rock’n’Roll', and we were given just that - pure Rock'n' Roll! Meanwhile, Smy strutted his fab peacock and sharp suited red velvet jacket stuff, up and down the long stage facing into the delighted audience along the way, as well as those seated and standing at either end. His raw vocals are a delight, and this evening his energy and showmanship lit up this well trodden historical stage.

Meanwhile, the black suited and booted Norsworthy is such a super talented guitarist and dude, with both the musical chemistry and banter between Adam and Jamie adding a wonderful extra dimension to proceedings. The black sharp suited Lloyd (son of Mick Green no less) had a great time smiling away on bass during a gold plated set that also included great rousing anthemic songs from some of their six previous albums, such as 'Hungover', 'Cheap Seats', 'Fabulous', 'One Man Band', 'Give It Up', and the slower, more meaningful, 'Give Me a Reason”.

These, very understandably, all had the crowd singing along, including Nicholas John and Liz Medhurst, the dream team from Blues in Britain, who I could see had a great time. Recently nominated for multiple UK Blues Awards, tonight's special guest was guitarist Thomas Heppell, who delighted on 'The Score' and 'Tambourine', as well as Blues harp player Sarah O’ Sullivan, who joined the guys on a couple of numbers with some classic Blues bars true Mississippi sax style, including a cover of Roger Daltrey & Wilko Johnson's 'Going Back Home'.

From the new album the set also included the Heavy Metal of 'Down in The Hole', while Robert Palmer’s 'Bad Case Of Loving You' had the crowd joining in on one big collective club song! The classic Milk Man song 'She Don’t Like Rock'n'Roll', even saw Roberts coming out from behind his kit with tambourine in hand, dominating the stage Smy style, to cheers from the crowd. The Milk Men are a fabulous, fun filled gold topped Blues-Rock'n'Roll band. Go see, listen to their music and enjoy!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester