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

Cahors Blues Festival - Day One

So you couldn't get there eh? Well that's too bad. You missed something really good and you MUST MUST MUST make sure you are in Cahors next July. It truly is a great blues festival and I can say, from first hand experience, that I heard more good blues music in Cahors than I did in Memphis, Tennessee.

If you did get there then I hope these ramblings will help you to re-live one of the best Blues festivals in France.

Cahors is a majestic town built on a horseshoe bend of the river Lot which meanders leisurely through wide valleys and steep gorges eventually running into the Garonne.

It’s architecture is typical of the region. It’s many narrow streets and secluded squares fashioned from its rich and varied history. Within the centre ville it cannot be much more than 20 or so paces between cafes and restaurants where one can while away an hour or so with a cafe crème or a cool beer, or enjoy some of the fine cuisine and excellent wines for which the region is famed. And, if that is not enough, there are dozens and dozens of interesting little shops selling everything from boutique cloths to local produce, or even a house if you like!

Within the town the festival was extremely well advertised. Barely a shop or billboard did not display a poster listing the main events to take place during the week. However, a major omission was that none of advertising gave any clue to where the Blues Festival was to be held, and for this reason we missed the opening (free) show of Loïc Hula Boy. Bearing in mind that Hula Boy did not provide a highly amped show the only way that we found the 'Blues Village' was when we saw a display of perhaps a hundred Harley Davidson’s, and being drawn to these, we then saw the entrance to the concert area.

Very fortunately we did not miss the second act on a very hot and humid (35c) Saturday evening. For, what did not sound too inspiring in the programme turned out to be a cracking performance by young Vicktor Huganet.

Saturday 10 July

Viktor Huganet (French)

My initial reaction to Viktor, as he went about preparing for the off, was that he looked like a nice boy with early George Michael bleached streaks in his hair and a chin as smooth and fair as a baby’s bum. In no way was I prepared for an exceptional performance by an all round good rocker. Although I was pretty impressed with his Gretsh White Falcon semi-acoustic guitar. Very nice.

Supported by a Max Headroom look alike on drums and a resistance fighter on bass they did look an odd bunch .... but a very good odd bunch they were. A definite 'son of Setzer'!

The label said he sounds like Eddy Cochran and ‘just like Eddy’ he was, punching out song after song from the late 60’s / early 70’ in a style that could have matched the King himself. "Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie", "Mystery Train", "That's Alright" and stuff I have forgotten because I was having such a good time. All three are fully competent musicians who clearly enjoy what they do. As I looked around the audience it was hard to find anyone who was not foot tapping or clapping to the many songs that were so good to hear again and so good to hear done well.

Well done Viktor - a real good rocker – I’ll definitely get to see you again.
 

Malted Milk (French)

Malted Milk are a blues band I had noticed, and read about, on the Dixie Frog Records site and one that I had marked as a ‘must see’. From the hand of Robert Johnson, and then popularised by Mr Clapton, Malted Milk is a classic blues track - and these boys did the name proud.

First of the paid shows, and to start at 9pm, the setting sun did not provide any relief from the heat that radiated from the ground, the walls, the railings, even the air that seemed in short supply. Fortunately the beer, at 2 euros a plastic beaker, was ice cool. Yeh!!!

Three guitars (lead, rhythm, and bass), keyboard, drums, and a couple of brass (sax and trumpet) supplied the sound with Arnaud Fradin (also lead guitar) and Yann Cuyeu (rhythm guitar) providing most of the vocals.

The band work well together and, at the same time, interact with the audience during their powerful, first class, two hour session.

The mix of Mississippi, Chicago, and West Coast blues were all given an added ingredient – Malted Milk – and I really was very disappointed when their time was up.

Although each and every one of the band gave a brilliant performance, in my opinion, worthy of special note was the drummer Gilles Delagrange who I thought was inventive whilst still providing a deep pulsing beat with enviable concentration. The final beat of the show drained the last of his massive energy, running down his arms and into the battens, whereby he simultaneously let go of the sticks and sprang up and in the same motion made strides away much in the same way a weight lifter would do after just completing his record lift – needing to wind down such tremendous physical and mental energy.

Now marked as a ‘must see again’.

Popa Chubby (USA)

The late night show, sponsored by Harley Davidson, was the man that fills the stage with his size and presence. When he entered on stage I took a double take cos’ he looked just like my mate Tank wearing a spotted tea-cloth on his head!

Popa opened the show with an elongated version of  “Hey Joe” – a brilliant track which set the scene for what was to come – and during which he became a fountain of perspiration that burst from him at the same rate as his repertoire of heavy rock music. A bikers dream!

Improvisation in music is what makes Blues so diverse and interesting, enabling the artist to put his soul into his sound, but I do find some over extended versions difficult to follow and I loose the drift of the original tune. Yes, I may be a pleb but at the same time, I was left in no doubt whatsoever that this man Popa Chubby knows how to squeeze every note known to man out of his well worn guitar.

A big show by a big man.

Loads more to come - keep looking .................

June 2010 - Extra

“I’VE GOT A BOTTLE IN MY POCKET AND A BLUES SONG ON THE RADIO"

Bonjour,

I’ve had ‘Dark Hours’ by Mean Read Spiders (see my March 2010 posting) playing in my car as I’ve been driving around in the blazing summer sun. It is one of my all time favourite CD’s and I just cannot hear enough of it. The music is superb – lively and varied – and I always find something new in the lyrics.

Many people mistakenly think The Blues is all about sad songs. How wrong they are and, despite it's title this great album is far from depressing. Rain or shine it never fails to lift the mood.

Of course much of The Blues is the musical description of bad times – that’s the legend! – BUT, it is music set in sad times to lift the spirit. Just listen to track 5 ‘Feel So Bad’ about an evil hearted woman who has just left him in misery but, and this is the great line, he's ‘Got a bottle in my pocket and a blues song on the radio’. Brilliant. Get my point?

Need more proof. Listen to the award winning Connie Lush from Liverpool– now she is a lady to brighten your day. She is up for “Woman of the Year” and “Best female Vocalist” British Blues Awards. Click on these links and vote with your digits – please.

21 June is national FĒTE DE LA MUSIQUE in France.

On 24 June in New York City there will be a Blues Summit with blues legend James Cotton and friends who include pianist Pinetop Perkins and blues harp player Mr Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith. Plus, Hubert Sumlin and the great Taj Mahal. Sure to be a memorable night.

Anyway –

CAHORS BLUES FESTIVAL

We are only 6 weeks away from one of the main blues festivals in France and, if you haven’t got your tickets yet you need to shift your butt.

The nearest international airport is Toulouse (Blagnac) just 1 hour from Cahors or there are train services directly to the town. By car Paris is just 5h30 away. So there really is no excuse, wherever you are, get down here and have a weeklong fun time in a great town.

Saturday 10 July

17:00               Loic Hula Boy    (FS)  

19:00               Viktor Huganet  (FS)

21:00               Malted Milk

23:00               Popa Chubby

Sunday 11 July

17:00               Rolf Lott    (FS)

19:00               Hoffman Family Blues Experience (FS)

Monday 12 July

17:00               Cisco Herzhaft  (FS)

19:00               Fred Chapellier & La Master Class (FS)

21:00               Roland Tchakounté, Amar Sunday, &

                        Fred Chapellier

Tuesday 13 July

16:00               Le Tremplin Cahors Blues Festival

Wednesday 14 July *

17:00               The Honeymen (FS)

19:00               Kevin Texas Band  (FS)

21:00               Nina Attal

23:00               Connie Lush & The Blues Shouters

Thursday 15 July

17:00               Jean Chartron (FS)

19:00               Nina Attal (FS)

21:00               Nine Below Zero

23:00               Liz McComb

Friday 16 July

17:00               Bad To The Bone (FS)

19:00               Las Vargas (FS)

Saturday 17 July

17:00               Lonesome Wally  (FS)

19:00               Dave Goodman  (FS)

21:00               Blues Power Band

23:00               Joe Louis Walker

FS = Free Show

For the ‘Pay Shows’ day tickets are available at 30 euros or 26 euros if purchased in advance. Or a ‘Festival Pass’ is available for access to all the shows for 70 euros or 65 euros if purchased in advance.

Advance tickets are available via http://www.ticketnet.fr/shop/fr/resultat.asp

*          The 14 July is the national celebration of Bastille Day and the town of Cahors will not be an exception to this annual extravaganza and spectacle. An added bonus !

WHAT’S ON IN FRANCE

June

08                    B.B. Brunes are at Place de la Victoire, Bordeaux (33)

09                    Mark Knopfler is at POP Bercy, Paris

10                    B.B. Brunes are at Plage du Mourillon, Toulon (83)

12                    B.B. Brunes are at Esplenade de l’Europe, Montpellier (34)

15                    B.B. Brunes are at Quai d’Honneur Mairie, Marseille (13)

16                    B.B. Brunes are at Parc Mistral, Grenoble (38)

24 – 27             Burgandy Blues Festival, Le Creusot (71)

26                    Eric Bibb is at Chambery, Savoie (73)

July

04                    Stevie Wonder is at Arena de Nimes, Nimes, Gard (30)

05                    Joe Bonamassa is at the Zenith, Toulouse (31)

09                    Joe Bonamassa is at Nimes, Gard (30)

09                    Uncl’ STF is playing at Jarden du Cure, Renne le Chateau    Aude (11)

09                    Al Green is at L Olympia, Paris
10                    Nico Wayne Toussaint is at Dax Motors N'Blues, Dax (40)

10-17                              Cahors Blues Festival, Cahors, Lot (46)

16                    Uncl’ STF is playing at La Guinguette, Lac de Montbel, Léran ,      Ariege (09)

22                    Mark Knopfler is at Nimes, Gard (30)

27                    (to 1 August) Cognac Blues Passions, Cognac, Charente (16)

Thanks for reading.

A bientôt