Big Joe Louis. London Blues Man

 " God Almighty ", Hunter S Thompson once said at the end of an Albert King gig, at the Whiskey A Go Go back in 1967. He came out onto the cold Strip &, for once, was left speechless & shaken by what he had just experienced. This is exactly how I felt last night after watching the fantastic Joe Louis perform a solo Blues session in Brixton. We, the audience, were treated to an incredible performance of great Blues, coupled with passion & a sheer brilliance that humbled everyone of us.

 The gig began with an explosive version of an old Charley Patton number, that was personal & intense. Then like some Crawling King Snake preparing for battle, Joe eased effortlessly into a slick, fast & intense session, which never let up for one moment. I felt a roller coaster ride of unrequited love, rejection, desire, & deep happiness as he drove on. One after the other, originals & classics, Joe shot his Gibson out at us like some incredible Gatlin gun firing so powerfully that civic rest maybe be threatened if he continued.

 Later, Little George joined Joe on stage & I was left humbled by the sheer intensity of their personal dynamic together. With these guys its personal. George`s Harp tore through the venue like a tornado, & I saw many heavy jaws hanging round the joint as he blew on through two tracks. So professional, exciting, so real.

 Spending time at Joe`s gig last night was an experience that I am grateful to of had. It was invigorating, life-affirming & excellent. If nothing else, I now know how Hunter S Thompson felt that cold night on the Strip back in `67 !

 "Let the good times roll, Brother "