South of France Blues: 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