Music

Coin’s Central Plaza saw its first-ever – and hugely successful --acoustic blues festival take place on Easter Saturday. Organiser Terry Clear, who works closely with the foreigners’ department of Coin Ayuntamiento, explained how the acoustic nature of the event allowed such a variety of performers on stage with minimal changeover times, essential for a one-night event. Apart from this, the event gave exposure to the often-overlooked pure roots of the blues, which have been the influences of most top blues and rock musicians. First on stage was Moonshine Still from Marbella, who set the scene for the evening with a set which moved seamlessly through delta blues to gospel and beyond. Toronto’s Steve Payne interrupted his tour of Germany to take the stage in second spot, and performed a solo set which demonstrated perfectly what a fabulous invention the guitar is when in experienced hands. Steve’s humour was never far from the surface, throwing in an impromptu “Begin the Beguine” for the enthusiastic dancers at the front of the audience. Steve’s set concluded with a duet with Shar-Baby which included classics such as “Bright Lights Big City.” Commenting afterwards on the mood of the festival, Steve said: “Hey, even the dogs are enjoying it,” indicating the streetwise strays around us. Hot Gamblers, an all-Spanish trio of guitars and harmonica accompanied by the evening’s resident drummer, Andy MacKennie, had the hard job of following Steve. Hot was the word for these guys, who can rock like Dr Feelgood, pass through the Southern swamps and then skiffle with the best. You don’t get to hear much kazoo playing these days! Harp player, Gustavo, mentioned the camaraderie that had been such a great part of the event for all the bands, along with the opportunity to showcase such a range of true blues. From Philadelphia, Richard Ray Farrell took the chair, welcomed enthusiastically by the audience, many of whom remembered him from his years living in Spain previously. A fine mix of classic and original material continued the mood of the evening. Blues and Beyond, an English duo from Vélez Malaga, exhibited some expressive solo-ing during their original set which included “Canción del Mar,” a composition for two guitars, and a song dedicated to: “My second ex-wife!” The duo remained on stage to ably assist Alabama’s Shar-Baby with her own set of authentic material. Shar Baby’s comment: “This is the beautifullest city in the world” raised a few cheers. Her first time in Europe, she declared adamantly that it would not be her last. Also on stage were Steve Payne, singer Maggie Ross and members of the next act, Spinning Coin. A six piece band, Spinning Coin includes members from America, Argentina and Britain, who entertained us with great songs played with washboards, dobros, Spanish Cajas and of course yet more great harmonica and guitar work. It was a great evening all round, and well worth battling against the cool temperatures. On the strength of the night’s proceedings, the town’s Mayor very quickly gave the go-ahead for next year’s festival. According to organiser Terry Clear, it will include a visit by Mud Morgan Field Waters, son of the legendary Muddy Waters, possibly the most cited influence by players such as Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and countless others. The festival will be an absolute must for all music lovers, and we at Local Connections will have the details for you at the earliest possible opportunity. (need a byline…who wrote this pls?)

Name:	*
Username:	*
E-mail:	*
Password:	*
Verify Password:	*
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Local Connections

Coin sings the Blues

Alhaurin swings

Come & Sing

Secrets of the 60s

Remember the 60s

Latest News

Popular

Shop Galleries

Latest Events