Gig - Bishopstock 2000: Page 2 (Sunday)

First up on the Sunday (and an interesting choice to kick start the second day) was Corey Harris. He had to battle the worst of the day's weather and his acoustic, intimate music is hardly suited to raising the crowd on a damp early Sunday afternoon - and yet he worked perfectly. Remarkable guitar work, heavy on feel and touch and less on pure technique, coupled with wonderfully expressive vocals, the performance went down well with the crowd and set us up for the rest of the day. The fact that Corey could then be seen wandering in the audience after his set listening to the artists following him speaks volumes about the event; by and large, any egos had been left at the door (or the next field possibly!)

Shemekia Copeland was for many one of the highlights of the day. Incredible vocal performance, terrific vocal power with tenderness and sure technique when required, she showed a remarkable feel for the music for someone so young. It was to be one of the many occasions when the Primer (in this case on orders from his partner and undeniably "better half") went straight to the CD tent to pick up the latest album. Heartily recommended to R&B lovers everywhere. The set was rooted in the traditions and values of the blues, but with a soul sensibility and a gospel heritage. Great personality, huge talent!

An added bonus for those who missed Saturday was that the Blind Boys Of Alabama, scheduled for Saturday, ended up playing a set on Sunday instead. They are an incredible live act, but the showboating shouldn't detract from their foot stomping, awe inspiring vocal performances. I've read one or two churlish reviews about the performance, implying it's too slick and manufactured to be considered genuine. It's all rubbish of course, sincerity and slick presentation can and do mix perfectly well. If you get the chance to see them live, don't pass it up

One of just about every blue fans heroine's, the great Koko Taylor was up next. It has to be said that, understandably, the voice isn't quite what it was twenty years ago; but the great lady more than makes up for it with a stagecraft, a cracking band and a wonderful blues catalogue to choose from. Considered another highlight, if only to simply see a legend at work!. The earthy, good time approach, single minded dedication to her own version and vision of the blues, and the clear undying commitment were all present and correct

The Fabulous Thunderbirds played a typical high-energy set for which they have become famous. Incredibly tight, Kim Wilson excelled himself on the harp and they undoubtedly went down a storm with the crowd. It's also clear that Kid Ramos is the latest in a truly great line of guitar players with the band. However, although it's churlish to say it, in some ways I felt we'd heard it all before and the set didn't grab me the way the rest of the day had up until that point - enjoyable nonetheless

In many ways, one of the unsung heroes of the blues, Charlie Musselwhite, played an understated but charming set. He was placed a little awkwardly in the running order, following a series of up-tempo, high-octane performances. His harmonica playing is something to savour however and his in-between song asides gave us all a chance to enjoy the change of pace and relax a little

One of the clear highlights of the first day, even the sun came out occasionally to listen to Taj Mahal produce a fantastic good time performance. Taj visited just about every stage of his career, ranging from early blues, soul forays ('Mr. Pitiful') right through to 'Senor Blues' and beyond. Perfect for the time of day, he got everybody on their feet demanding encores from the great man. Superb band as well, and good to see a couple of horn players adding to the colour of the sound

Sunday finished with a Primer hero - Van Morrison. As usual, nothing was straightforward for the great man - the sound wasn't right generally and he appeared uncomfortable with specific mike volumes throughout the set. He did make a joke about the sound problems (and that he had a top twenty hit in 1999, despite the programme notes arguing his last hit to be over twenty years ago) but to be honest I still couldn't work out whether he was in a good mood or an unhappy bunny - I suspect the latter. But the set was well paced, with a nice touch in the shape of a nod to the Bishopstock setting with a couple of blues standards (Bobby Bland and Sonny Boy Williamson were name checked) along with much of the bluesier side of his own material. He also mixed his own compositions with blues and soul standards in the extended jams that he has utilised on occasions in the past, all to wonderful effect. The band, as usual for any Morrison gig, was exemplary and the set was still a worthy finish to a great Sunday

[ Introduction ] [ Monday ]