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Review: Papa George, The Bridge, Milford




The fluid and engaging Papa George Band recently played a headline set at Milford Blue’s Club hosted the wonderful Bob Long.

Opening act, World Gone Wrong, were Graham, Alison, Gill and Peter. Between them, they played banjo, mandolin, harmonica, guitar, skiffle board and fiddle.

Many songs originated from the 1920’s and 30’s but the music was fresh and uplifting. I soon found my foot tapping to little-known numbers such as Sweet Potato Blues by acclaimed jug-band King David; and the wonderful He Calls That Religion by The Mississippi Sheiks.

This very talented group of musicians performed with a smile on their faces and when they played White Freightliner Blues by Townes Van Zandt, I was there, shoveling the coal into the steam train’s furnace.

The main act Papa George Band were a three-piece in which Derby Todd plays drums, Peter Stroud, bass and Papa George plays electric guitar. The first set contained many of Papa George’s own compositions including a red-hot track called Blackjack where the guitar played a scintillating mix of riff and lead.

The second set featured more recognizable covers such as Red House by Jimmi Hendrix and a straight-up, no frills version of Lady Madonna which reminded me of how good the Fab Four’s lyrics could be.

When Papa George announced their last song at 10:15pm, there were murmurs from the packed crowd. “Don’t worry, this song can go on for 20 minutes,” they assured us and then launched into a blistering version of Oh Well, by Fleetwood Mac which nearly blew the proverbial roof off.

Bass and drums were superb but Papa George’s guitar was the highlight. Never self-indulgent and always fluid, he must rank as one of the top blues/rock guitarists playing the live circuit today.

Once again, thanks to Bob Long and all the volunteers at The Bridge who enable such quality acts to play in Milford.

Ian Hey



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