Soulful of Blues

Written by John Hurd (Original Article at www.english-network.de)

What could be better than good music? Free good music is the answer and Saturday evening in the Bonn Marktplatz was the place to find it. The Zebulon Jazz Trio and Soulful of Blues made for a pleasant evening watching the sun go down and the blues rise up.

First act onstage was The Zebulon Jazz Trio. There was a bit of everything in their performance – from Jazz to boogie to classical so I’m (for once) lost for words. If I look at the flyer for tonights show then I find two words – ‘Cajun Jazz’ – so that must be it. They are, for sure, a winning combination with enjoyable accordion sound and some excellent Italian vocals but it’s the virtuoso performance of Phillippe Nicola that steals the show. There are no words between the music, but plenty of intense faces to show that the music comes from the hearts and souls of the musicians.

Main act of the day is Bonn’s own blues stalwarts ‘Soulful of Blues’. The band, led by Hans-Georg Rehse, has been around a long time, supporting such top acts as Luther Allison and Robert Cray and they know how to play them blues for sure. Helped out by an excellent sound mix and a glorious Hammond Organ sound (I’ve always been a sucker for bands with one of those).

Hans Georg is obviously a fan of the three kings – BB, Albert and Freddie. Material from all three of them gets a workout during the set, with BB’s ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ utilising the band’s brass section to the full and a great version of Albert’s ‘Why Me?’ my particular favourites. By the time we arrive at the dreaded Bonn Concert watershed time of 10pm there is only time for one quick encore and it’s quite a surprise after so many old classics to hear Keb Mo’s ‘Dangerous Mood’. Maybe ‘Soulful of Blues’ weren’t dangerous – but they were pretty damn good and more than proof that you do get something for nothing sometimes. Let the good times roll indeed!

Last Updated (Sunday, 19 August 2007)