This evening, Matty Long, the local Fulham based guitarist, opened at this iconic venue with a melodic sweet, and at times, raw acoustic guitar set. I especially enjoyed Matty’s rendition of the Classic Rolling Stones song 'Sympathy for the Devil', as well as his track 'Amelia'. Indeed, Long gently, yet ably, led and segued us into the main men this evening, namely headliner's Wille & The Bandits.

Having been around since 2010 with eight studio albums under their belt, their latest ten-track album 'Salt Roots', released at the end of February, was their most ambitious project to date, yet showcases them to good effect. Cornwall based, their grit and determination to do well and spread their musical offering quasi missionary style, was proved tonight as they not only braved a van with engine problems on their journey from Falmouth, but also a stage lighting issue on arrival! Despite this, the quartet played with a great sound and didn’t really need the lights, given this intimate, established venue, with their devotees coming in from far and wide including all parts of the South East and beyond.

The final leg of their 2026 'Salt Roots' tour, Wille & The Bandits are an astonishingly original band, playing wonderful music, fluently and easily, crossing the varied genres and musical strands at tonight's gig, Complex compositions with superb accomplished guitar playing, were led by charismatic front man Wille Edwards, who dominated the stage with his height, powerful vocals and colourful clothes.

This evening, Wille was truly the Captain at The Bandits’ helm. The set kept its fast pace, with him changing his fine selection of guitars, playing slide Blues acoustic, lead guitar and more, all of which were in tune throughout. As well as intensity, there was also varied light and shades of musicality. Edwards has that rare ability to switch between Rap, Funk Rock, Soul, Prog Rock, Salsa, Bossa Nova, Folk and much more, from the soulful to the hard assed sound, mixing it all up like a musical alchemist.

Indeed, Edwards drew me into the set, spellbound, like a wise musical wizard, as did award winning keyboardist Stevie Watts, who truly delivered to a delighted audience. Watts' superb Hammond and piano like keyboard accompaniment proved that he was Edwards’ able accomplice, also helping him out as co-vocalist, as well as on backing vocals. Not forgetting also of course the other outstanding band members, namely Harry Macknill on bass, underscoring and front scoring on the Funk lines when required, plus Zachariah O’Loughlin driving a delightful drum and percussive bassline.

For the record, tonight's set list included 'Wheal Jane', the superb Funky-retro edged 'Style Thing' and the Spanish infused Salsa Bossa Nova, 'Reina Del Mar', one of their many songs referencing the coastal band's links to the sea. Other highlights were 'Four Million Days'. the beautiful tribute to Edwards’ mum 'Angel', the moving, tear-jerking 'Take My Shoulder', 'Caught in the Middle', as well as the anthemic 'Stand Up'.

Their 2026 tour also now takes them to Europe, so for you Blues travellers out there, as well as non-UK residents reading this review, these guys are well worth checking out, as is 'Salt Roots' for its sophisticated studio sound alone. Indeed, Willie & The Bandits won this reviewer over tonight. Whether live or in the studio, Cornwall's finest are well worth a listen! Go see!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester