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Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings with Special Guest Maria Muldaur

Venue: The Sage
Town: Gateshead
Date: 19/11/13
Website: http://www.billwyman.com/

I have to admit to being unsure what to expect from this show at The Sage, other of course, than Bill Wyman, ex bassist with the Rolling Stones. I couldn't, however, have predicted what treasures the night held in store.

Bill Wyman took to the stage and immediately thanked us for coming out, telling us that they do this for the love of it, not as a career move. He then immediately introduced the Rhythm Kings, in all their musical glory, playing more instruments than it was possible to keep track of; Graham Brand, Gary Brooker, Geraint Watkins, Terry Taylor, the great Albert Lee (who I was very excited to see live) and Beverley Skeet on vocals. Sadly, Georgie Fame was notably absent, as he is currently recovering from a recent illness, but Wyman was right when he said the band would still give us a fantastic evening.

During the course of almost 3 hours and two sections to the show, they mesmerised the audience, taking turns to lead, in the style of Transatlantic Sessions. It is interesting that this should be the first comparison to come to mind as I am in no doubt that any one of those musicians would be totally at home on stage with the Transatlantic Sessions musicians. As one sang, the rest jammed and danced, exuding sheer joy from every part of the stage.

The banter between them was highly entertaining and indicative of the wonderful esteem in which they all hold each other, as friends and as musicians. Geraint frequently had the audience in fits of laughter as he regaled us with almost coherent stories.

A musical journey through both songs they had written themselves and covers, encompassing Jazz, Blues, Country and Cajun sounds, had me (in my head at least) back in New Orleans several times; what a shame we couldn't all have a dance on Bourbon Street!

Perhaps the highlight of the night was the special guest; Maria Muldaur. She joined the stage during both parts, performed with the band and treated us to a few of her own songs, both from her new CD and her back catalogue. Those who are unsure who she is will know when I say I never thought I'd ever see her grace the Sage stage to sing us her 1970s hit, Midnight At The Oasis! It turns out she and Bill have been friends for years. What an amazing voice she still has all these years later. I was lucky to get to speak to her briefly in the interval and what a lovely lady she is too.

All too soon the night came to a close with a stunning encore; Beverley and Albert Lee delivered a beautiful version of The Everly Brothers' Crying in the Rain (a fitting choice, since Lee used to play with the Everly Brothers) before the whole ensemble got us all to sing along to Chuck Berry's You Never Can Tell, which was the perfect song to end such a great evening;; dancing saxophones and all.

For a night which left me uncertain what to expect, it certainly delivered and then some. I'll be back to see them next time they come through our area, for certain.

Helen Mitchell