THE BLUE TRIUMPH – JANUARY 2008

Midnight Blue returned to the Phoenix Arts Centre in Leicester on January 20th and triumphed
in spectacular style to an ‘SRO’ audience (sold right out – or is it standing room only?).
A packed audience waited in anticipation as The Blue took to the stage with a showbiz walk on.
Skins opened proceedings, setting the beat for a laid-back ‘Moondance’ which eased into ‘Live the Life You Choose’ – a blues song penned by ‘The Professor’. The band was on top form and song after song was receiving a great reaction.

MNB’s usual rock numbers were shelved for the majority of the show and the more relaxed Sunday afternoon set was going down a storm – including a first-time outing for the Jimmy Reed classic: ‘Bright Lights Big City’ featuring great harmonies from ‘Pipes’ and ‘The Teacher’. The set was an ideal chance for Mark ‘The Preacher’ to impress on piano & Hammond organ; he rose to the challenge in magnificent fashion. Skins had his own challenge: he had to completely change his usual ‘rock’ style drumming to a blues-based style without losing the band’s usual exciting and driving sound. But true to form - he managed brilliantly.

Before you get the impression that it turned into a Sunday of ‘laid back blues fest’ ….. you couldn’t be more wrong! In the second half the set gradually upped its level: a storming Nina Simone number ‘I’m Feeling Good’ was swiftly followed by Mike ‘Oxo’ guesting on electric fiddle for ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ climaxing with a full-power Hendrix song - ‘Fire’. The band couldn’t resist a pure rock song! – so - with a first for the Phoenix - there came an astonishing version of The Who’s ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ – and the set finished to rapturous applause and wide smiles from the band. The band now gather to plan the next MNB album – and beyond (2 or more are actually being considered!).
So, watch this space …………