Solomon Burke R.I.P.

US soul singer Solomon Burke, who wrote the classic song Everybody Needs Somebody to Love, has died at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport aged 70.

Born in Philadelphia, he began his adult career as a preacher and hosted a gospel radio show. In the 1960s, he signed with Ahmet Ertegun's Atlantic Records - home to Ray Charles. His first hit record was a cover version of the country song Just Out Of Reach. The self-proclaimed King of Rock & Soul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and won a Grammy in 2003. Burke, dubbed by legendary Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler as "the best soul singer of all time", continued to perform and played Glastonbury's Jazz World stage in 2008.

Burke leaves behind 21 children and 90 grandchildren....He certainly practiced what he preached.

Autumn with the BBB

ooh it's turned cold hasn't it.

We noticed the change in the season at Maidstone Mela when the heavens opened and soaked the crowd. But what a fantastic night, thanks again to everyone who braved the weather and gave us such a warm (sic!) reception. Gary Sculpher played guitar for us that night with Wayne Lee on keyboards, otherwise it was the usual suspects.

But what else have we been up to over the last month...

Mid september we performed as an 8 piece for Howden's Joinery at their dinner dance/awards event at the rather spiffing Grovesnor Hotel on Park Lane, London. We played a 30 min set at the end of the evening after Jimmy Tarbuck entertained the packed room with a motivational, informative and hilarious recounting of some moments from his life and career. Matt Hewitt was due to perform as Jake (Mario being oop north for a friends wedding) but had to call in sick last minute. Luckily close friend and fellow allumni from "the official tribute to the blues brothers" Mr Paul "Mcgoo" McGee was free to stand in alongside Chris Cartwright at the front of the stage.

In fact McGoo stayed with us the following weekend at the wedding of a family friend of Kylan's. Matt Hewitt returned from illness to play Elwood with Paul as Jake alongside Wayne Lee on Keys, James Arben on Sax and Giles Straw on Trumpet (all other players as per team sheet!)

Then onto The Sands Venue in Gainsborough where we had a top night and some morer changes to the team sheet. Ant Blues appeared as Elwood , Gary Sculpher on guitar, and a completely new horn section of Tom Tait on Trumpet and Russell Henderson on Sax.

Looking forward we have Mario & Chris doing a duo show at Castaways restaurant this Friday (8th) and a few corporate shows over the next couple of months in our 4 piece lineup. Add to this a visit for the full band to The Lights Theatre in Andover on November 20th and four shows in December at Bibis in Leeds and we are all busy blues bunnies.