Second Day - Cahors Blues Festival

Sunday 11 July

To give the town a break after the correctly predicted late night finish of Popa Chubby there were only two early shows on this equally hot summer Sunday.

All the free shows were hosted on a small but ample stage, near the refreshment area, the bar, and the ‘T’ shirt vendors. Plastic chairs and plastic tables, with occasional brightly coloured parrassols gave a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and when the sun made its way down partial shade was provided by the huge plane trees that surround the square.

Rolf Lott (German)

First up on stage, and pretty well on time, was Rolf Lott who perched himself on a stall and picked his way through many favourite traditional Blues songs from the 1930’s to 1950’s. After the releases of energy of the previous day this was a more sedate way to enjoy an early evening drink and listen to some ‘roots’ music. Probably not one I will remember long term but not at all bad – on the following night Cisco Herzhaft was to outshine Rolf in a way I will remember.

Hofmann Family Blues Experience (French)

Despite their name these are a French band with daddy Hofmann looking like Roy Wood and Hofmann Jr. looking like – well nothing like anything you can see in dad. On bass and drums are two other members of ‘the family’ but I have no idea as to whether, or not, they are indeed related.

A very colourful mummy Hofmann sat on the sidelines hoping to sell CD’s and occasionally advising the sound tech to pump up the volume – as did the drummer, as did daddy Hofmann.

The first half hour or so was not good and Hofmann senior was clearly getting agitated. To be fair, something had gone wrong with the sound consul and support staff were busily bringing in fans to cool the thing down.

A switch to a duet with acoustic guitars seemed to be the turning point. Dad and son got it together, the sounds merged to music and the audience stopped talking. They were away and went on to produce some good rock ‘n’ roll. 

Will they be on my list of ‘the best’ I don’t think so but damned good entertainment and it was free!

Coming up; Foot stomping Cisco, a touring Touareg, and sounds of the Cameroon. Plus, look out for Connie Lush & Blues Shouter, and Nine Below Zero