Going tonight to The Tuesday Night Music Club for The Wilson Brothers penultimate gig was always going to be special. Firstly, visiting The TNMC is always a special experience, as this unassuming venue in Coulsdon belies the magnitude and importance of this multi-award winning club.

Richard Dunning who runs it, is not only a mean MC, but he’s also seriously dedicated, passionate and accomplished at his musical craft, promoting and running it with his wife Rosalind. Not forgetting of course the front of house and sound guys, his dedicated support team wrap themselves around Dunning, The TNMC Meister.

And should you venture in, you will be met with an absolutely no talking rule during any performance. So behave, sit down, buckle up and enjoy the artists and superb sound of this serious musical appreciation society. Although there is plenty of time to talk, buy a drink from the friendly bar staff and mingle with your old and new mates during the interval, as well as speak to the artists and buy their merch.

Indeed, The Tuesday Night Music Club is just that. A club full of music minded men and women who so enjoy and appreciate Dunning’s dedicated efforts to give both the artists and the audience a superb time. And make sure you get your gig tickets early and don’t dilly-dally, as this venue has a loyal following that often sells out.

Such as tonight. Returning to the very same venue where this trio recorded their seven-track live album that was released three years ago, a sold out audience were here to witness The Wilson Brothers penultimate ever gig. And what a superb evening it was.

Probably best known for being Sari Schorr’s super impressive lead guitarist, Ash Wilson, now as a front man in his own right, was in a different league, with the freedom and versatility to do his own musical thing on guitar and vocals. Switching from Fender to Gibson for the grooves and varied sound, Ash for me also came into his own with his vocals, as a smooth singer with a rich sound.

The incomparable Roger Innis’s bass playing also blew me away with his two special guitars. Indeed both Ash and Roger had the mother of all pedalboards to play with during their set, while Phil on drums, taking his cue from actual brother Ash as well as other bro Roger, was a superb, understated accompanist. Indeed, up front Ash and Roger were having a superb time, as were the appreciative audience, lapping up their licks.

As for their set, this ranged from Rock to deep Funk with Innis’s bass infused prowess, opening with ‘The World’s Gone Crazy’, ‘Peace and Love’, as well as a superb version of Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s ‘Real Mother For Ya’, which I loved. This was followed by ‘The Hitcher’, a cover of Steve Miller’s ‘Fly Like an Eagle’, and then the most meaningful ‘Holding Hands’, with Ash giving a moving introduction to this song about a special couple ‘s love for each other in the face of cancer.

An equally powerful second set included a cover of Prince’s ‘Cream’, ‘Done Me Wrong’, ‘Show Me How to Love You’, and finally ‘Words of a Woman’. So deserving off the audience’s applause, The Wilson Brothers merch proceeded to fly off the shelves, manned very fittingly by their proud and friendly dad, Mr. Wilson senior! Whatever each of these guys do next, I like many others will be following their musical moves and grooves. Indeed, a memorable and very special evening at this special Tuesday Night Music Club.

Review, Photos and Video: Denise Lester