Nico Wayne Toussaint in Quillan

Quillan is an unremarkable town straddling the banks of the river Aude, in the foothills of the French Pyrenees.

Pronounced key-an or, in the local dialect key-ang it was home to a large Formica factory. Now bare wasteland is all that can be seen of the former industrial glory and the little town struggles to find a place on the tourist trail.

Remarkably they hold some extravagant summer festivals ranging from an annual bikers club meeting to an International Folklore Festival, and it was at the annual, three night Quillan Jazz Festival, that I had the pleasure to see Nico Wayne Toussaint, and his quartet, in action.

In previous blogs I have tried to describe the low key, relaxed, atmosphere of events in France and this event, in Quillan, typifies the very pleasant way of life in the south.

A stage had been erected in a riverside car park. Normally this car park is hardly noticeable to those passing by. A couple of hundred collapsible metal chairs had been set out and that was it. No bar, no stalls, NO CHARGE! Yes, it was completely free.

Nico is a southern born boy so it was no surprise to me that this Pyrenean town adopted him as one of their own. By 9pm the concert area was packed and when all the seats were taken people sat on whatever they could find, and when these places were taken people were happy to just stand.

The band, comprising of Michel Foizon (guitar), Sam Tchang (guitar), Antoine Perrut (bass and sax), and Vincent Daune (drums) got started just after 9.30pm with an instrumental warm-up and introduction – and then Nico was on stage and the show really got going.

Nico with Michel Foizon

Most of all Nico is a great bluesman. Nico Wayne Toussaint is a unique French blues artist. A master of the Blues Harp he is one of the rare artists to have created a completely personal vocal and performance style. His current musical universe goes way beyond his earlier influences.

Seeing his explosive concert and his sheer talent it is easy to see how he has built a solid reputation in France and around the world (he tours regularly all over USA and Canada). His on stage charisma is exceptional and his music is largely inspired by America's deep south and peppered with African, and jazzy spices.

This guy is a real showman and he’s so amazing every time he plays live. He puts life into his music with his unique personality and with his amazing energy, but he has retained the soul of the music that has been pioneered by the masters of the Blues. Always singing in the language the song was penned he shows his deep respect for the legend.

Switching to swing for “When the Bobcat Play” he was soon back to blues for “Living on the Highway”.

Sam Tchang

Sam Tchang gave Nico a break with his very impressive version of “Turpentine”. A master of guitar improvisation Sam also has a remarkable voice and showed it with his gutsy rendition.

Nico changed the mood by switching to songs, in French, that he has written for his album Blues Entre les Dents (Blues Between the Teeth). A superb album that I bought on the spot.

Of course Nico and his band had to reply to the cries for more and I was truly amazed at how anyone can sing, play harmonica, smile and laugh most of the time, and jump and dance, both on the stage and within the audience. Remarkable stamina and remarkably good blues music.

Nico Wayne Toussaint is constantly touring, from Europe to the USA, and is really respected for his impressive live performances. He’s considered by a lot of European blues magazines as one of Europe’s best blues singer and harmonica player. I can unreservedly recommend you buy any of his seven albums from Dixiefrog Records that include originals and covers but always recorded with his very personal touch and his energetic temper.

Nico is due to return to the USA early October but there is still time to see him at:

25 September               Tournon-d’Agenais, Lot-et-Garonne (47)

02 October                     Festival Blues en Vo, Deuil la Barre,

                                                     Île-de-France  (95)

Althens les Paluds (Avignon)

Bonjour mes amis,

Yes, I know I'm getting behind with the blogs but it is August and most of France closes down for the month - so why not me? And, we have had our usual quota of summer guests to cater for. I'm forgiven, I hope, because I've got loads to pass on to you guys.

For instance, I went to see the doctor recently. Not because I’m ailing in my old age (although it did prove to be a bit of a much needed tonic). This was not just any doctor – it was The Doctor – Dr Feelgood no less, who were at Althens les Paluds (near Avignon). And what a memorable concert it was.

Local Mascot

Going to a Blues event in France is a real treat. Unlike anywhere else I know. Mostly it is a relaxed, un-rushed affair but superbly organised in an unobtrusive manner, and Althens les Paluds Blues Festival was no exception to this. Held on a small, out of town, piece of parkland, it had the atmosphere of a summer picnic. Two stages had been erected at opposite ends of the field (about 150 metres apart), and a makeshift bar erected under some large weeping willow trees jut about in the middle of the field.

The Alex Henley Band had made a home of one of the stages, and played between performances on the other stage. Alex kicked off on a warm (32°c) evening with Clapton’s “Old Love” which was an excellent choice to open the evening and welcome the stragglers who were still strolling in with their rugs, picnics and fold-up chairs.

Alex Henley

Throughout the evening the Alex Henley Band played on three (or was it four?) occasions with a good mix of music – some of his own songs and some well-known covers.

Yaume Lannoy (the one with very little hair) did a great job on bass, and on drums was Micha Paquier (with a lot of hair!). Both were having loads of fun and formed a great trio with Alex.

I did particularly like his versions of “Nobody Knows You (When You’re Down And Out)”, Blaze Foley’s “If I Could Only Fly”, and surprisingly, “Back To Black” (Amy Winehouse). I have been waiting for someone to cover “Back To Black” and I was not disappointed. Alex, who has a slightly Curtis Stiger like quality in his voice, plays (guitar) and performs well, and his fellow band members were having a ball too.

Thanks Alex, a good night.

Alex has returned to the States. If you are in Texas you can see him at:

27 August               2826 Arnetic, Dallas

28 August               One-2-One Bar, Austin

First on the other stage was Mannish Boys. Not to be confused with the American band of the same name. No. This is the Mannish Boys – South of France.

Mojo Bruno is the groove man leading with vocals plus electric and steel guitars. Mickael Mazeleyrat provided real funky blues harp. Jeff Cazorla on bass, and Frank Zurano was fabulous on drums.

Playing in the styles of Chicago Blues, Mississippi Blues, R & B, or Soul they captivate their audience with their repertoire of homegrown music and songs – much from their album “Blues For You”.

If they are in your area get to see them. They are good fun, talented musicians, and very original.

Upcoming Shows:

20 August            St. Martin de Ré, Charente-Maritime (17)

21 August            Sables d’Olonne, Sable d’Or (85)

22 August            Sables d’Olonne, Sable d’Or (85)

27 August            Verdun, Garonne (82)

After Alex Henley had done another excellent turn, Jean-Jacques Milteau and his Soul Conversion readied themselves for something I was not expecting.

Jean-Jacques Milteau

JJ Milteau is a blues harp icon in France but, sadly, his fame is like so many good things from France – it has not travelled well. However, I was intrigued by this maestro of the blues harmonica and wondered what kind of show he could provide.

The first thing that struck me was the number of band members. Two black soul vocalists (Michael Robinson and Ron Smyth). Manu Galvin on guitar, Gilles Michel on bass, and on drums was Christophe Deschamps.

Michael Robinson (left) 

Another surprise – gospel! The sun was just setting when Michael Robinson lead the way with “People Get Ready (There’s A Train A-Coming)”. I would say it is pretty damn hard to silence two thousand or so French people but these boys did it. The chatter stopped, the sandwiches put to one side, and the wine left to warm in the evening sun as we all stopped to listen to their enchanting version of this classic song. The very best I have heard.

“Rock Me Baby” was a real treat but my favourite was “Long Time Gone”. Click here for a Youtube video and tell me if you can keep your feet still to this great tune and great beat. It’s on their latest album too – JJ Milteau Soul Conversion (DixieFrog Records).

Ron Smyth

Gilles Michel

(I couldn’t get his web page to work so I can’t tell you where he’s playing next – sorry)

And then, there was the Doctor. Could the night get any better? – Yes, it bluesing well could!

I had heard a lot about the Feelgood men from Essex and I was anxious to correct the fact that I must be one of the only Essex boys of my era who have not already seen them.

Of course they are not the original Dr Feelgood band of the 70’s. Lee Brilleaux has joined Rory Gallagher in the Blues yonder, and Wilko is doing his own thing. But does it really matter? I’ve read loads of stuff complaining that they (the current band) should not call themselves Dr Feelgood but I don’t agree. It is all part of the legend and it must be kept alive. Alive? These guys can raise the dead!!!

Robert Kane (vocals and harmonica) ploughed (Am. plowed) his way onto the stage to join Steve Walwyn (guitar), PH (Phil) Mitchell (bass) and Kevin Morris (drums) for a hell raising “Hoochie Coochie Man”. And it didn’t stop there. “Riot In Cellblock No. 9”, “Down At The Doctors”, “Milk & Alcohol”, “Route 66” and loads more.

 

Kane was remarkable and exhausting just to watch. Switching instantly from scary stares to mischievous grins he used every bit of the stage in a way only Jagger could do (or could have done!). Guitar solo extraordinaire came from the hands of Steve Walwyn and at this point I was just too taken with the show to make any further notes.

Steve Walwyn

However, sadly, but understandably, Robert Kane announced that both the show and his voice were at an end. The lights went off, the band went off, and the techs came on to dismantle the gear.

I don’t know about cell block No. 9 but a field full of French people were close to a riot. They wanted ……………… no, they insisted, on more.

PH Mitchell

Twice the Feelgoods came back on and the final time they brought on some help. Some guy, Phil I think, who had made a guitar for Steve Walwyn, and Alex Henley, joined them for what had to be the final of finales. Kane, with the last strains of his vocal chords announced that the final song for the night was one they like to call “B*ll*cks”. Not many in the crowd understood this typical London choice word but they all knew the song that followed – “Great Balls Of Fire”. And they set the place on fire. It was extraordinary.

Suddenly it was all over big hugs by all on stage and a grand bow to the audience. Almost midnight and the lights went out.

What a brilliant concert event Althens les Paluds put on. Nothing flash. No T-shirt stalls or mass-produced ‘original’ prints of Jimi Hendricks. Just, good non-commercial, fun. I did notice five real bis' camcorders in action and the results of some expert mixing put on a large screen to the right of the main stage. I’ve found a Youtube video of Alex Henley on stage with Dr Feelgood (see here) but I would love to get my hands on the full concert video. Anyone know if it’s to be released?

Dr Feelgood gigs:

27 August         R & B Festival, Colne (UK)

28 August         Woodys Festival, Karlskoga, Sweden

01 September    On The Rocks, Helsinki, Finland

02 September    House Of Rock, Kouvola, Finland

Next Blog will feature Nico Wayne Toussaint in concert

A bientôt

Cahors Blues Festival - Day 7

Le Blues Dans La Ville

The main theme of this Friday night was for various bands, including some that had been in the Festival, to play in restaurants and bars throughout the town of Cahors.

With more than a dozen venues advertised it should have been hard to choose but I had previously noticed, during the week, a solitary poster in a shop window. It was advertising Rachelle Plas and the poster read (in English) "A Girl, Her Harmonica, and Her Voice". No contest. This was the one for me. But more of this later.

Bad To The Bone (French)

Back in the Festival Village there were two more free shows in the early evening. The 5pm one we could see - the 7pm one we could not as we had booked the restaurant for 19:30.

Bad To The Bone, I think, were having a bad day. Rather embarrassingly they had to apologise for the absence of their keyboard player. Whether this phased them or not I don't know (I'm sure it did to some extent) but they were not impressing the audience that bothered to turn up.

What they played was mostly rock and I've hard much better. Sorry lads. Maybe another time.

Rachelle Plas (French)

If you have been reading the previous blogs on the Cahors Blues Festival you will know that Rachelle Plas made an impromptu appearance with Connie Lush & Blues Shouter and this was a great preview for me.

Tonight she was playing at the Food & Beverage restaurant which is situated in a beautiful old square in the old quarter of Cahors town. It's a strange name for a French restaurant, especially as it is owned and run by a Frenchman who speaks no English. I will prefer to call it the F & B restaurant. Its a charming place with almost tropical gardens behind a high wall, and this is where we were seated on this warm evening for both our meal and the show.

Rachelle had set herself up with a small band; keyboards, guitar, and drums - and herself on harmonica and vocals.

We were not at all disappointed. Rachelle is both a talented and an accomplished blues harp player - and she has an excellent voice to suit the music too.

While we finished a superb meal she got our feet tapping to a mix of blues, soul, and just a little jazz. I particularly liked her versions of "Sir Duke" and "I Can't Stand The Rain". A table of fans, of similar age to Rachelle, got up and were dancing to the music that was drawing crowds to peer through the gate and over the wall. The meal was turning into a party!

This girl, from Paris, with her harp and voice, is going places. Look out for her. You will not be disappointed.

In fact, she will be playing at the National Harmonica League, Bristol (UK) at the end of October.

Sadly, my camera started to play up and the lighting in the restaurant garden was not placed to shine on dear Rachelle. Therefore, I have had to rely on web sourced images in this instance. But there will be another opportunity.

So that's it. That's all the bands and artists I got to see in Cahors this year (2010). There was a final night but the Tour de France was passing my house the following day and I did not want to miss it and the massive BBQ party that was to follow.

Cahors Blues Festival was a massive event and extremely well organised and very successful. Bags of credit must go to all who arranged and helped to provide such excellent entertainment. 

However, I will say that I found the volume levels often unnecessarily high. I was staying more than 1 kilometre away from the Festival Village, and the two shows I did not stay to the end, I could still hear very clearly from that distance. 

I am not adverse to jacking up the volume when listening to my blues or rock - at home or in the car. It is, after all, important to feel the music. But care must be taken not to distort the music, it must be respected - and so too are the rights of those that, for whatever reason, may not wish to share the same music. I do feel that being able to hear the words of a song 1 kilometre away rather excessive.

Despite my one or two negative comments my complete admiration goes to all who performed. Although some were better than others they all had to be good to be there.

And this brings me to my list of favourites. To name who I thought was best is not possible because of the diverse talents and different styles. So, I will list them in the order that they appeared:

• Viktor Huganet - Rocker extraordinaire
• Malted Milk - A real blues band
• Cisco Herzhaft - Fantastic entertainment
• The Honeymen - I bought the CD, they must be good!
• Connie Lush - The belle of the Festival
• Nine Below Zero - Great blues, great rock, great fun
• Rachelle Plas - One to watch

Oh, and the Tour de France? It was won by Alberto Contador.

Coming next : Dr Feelgood, JJ Milteau, Mannish Boys, and Alex Henley Band

A bientôt