EVENTS

SOUL, RHYTHM & BLUES REVIEW

WESTON PLAYHOUSE

12 October 200

This is supposedly one of the UK's most authentic live Blues Brothers Tribute shows, Jake & Elwood and the Black Rhino Band. It was unfortunate therefore that the venue was by no means full. Equally surprising was the fact that a good number of people left at the interval before the show really took off. The audience was mixed but mainly in the 40-60 bracket.

Jake & Elwood stick strictly to the original Ackroyd/Belushi concept. However given that it was a stage show it was a shame that there was no storyline to follow. It was left to the audience to know the story. I guess most of them did but there were some young members in the audience who may not have and a storyline, no matter how loosely based on the film, would have been helpful.

The music of course was paramount and in this the Blues Brothers performed exceptionally well, both of them had excellent voices, and their dance routines were in keeping with the originals. The band following a typical Memphis soulband with guitars, drums and horns, and harmonies were tight and loud.

The audience, apart from one or two, were slow starting but eventually the strength of the performances won them over. I would have thought though that some people would come along 'in costume' as the Blues Brothers is well and truly 'cult'. Sadly this was not the case.

At 75 minutes of pounding Soul this was good value. It was a shame that the audience was small but I'm sure those that were there had a very enjoyable evening listening to the old Soul Classics performed with verve and enthusiasm.

Review by Kim & Thomas, many thanks

(c) Life & Soul Promotions