Big Al and The Blistering Buicks were ‘Rockin’ The Joint’ at the Oddfellows Arms, Apsley, Sunday afternoon session.. 😎 The current band is manned by the talented Alan Reed vocals/sax/guitar, Dave Jenkins, bass/vocals/bvs, Keith Abingdon guitar/vocals/bvs, Ian Salisbury keyboards, Lee Collins, drums. All top class players. Nick was their soundman. The band gave an excellent performance as always, Big Al’s sax giving a big sound when played and Dad Humour (funny though), interspersing the numbers. Nice vocals from him. They were playing standard covers, but with some surprises, like their own composition by Reed/Abingdon, My Kind of Girl. A rocking little tune not dis-similar to Dr Feelgood’s songs. Dave Jenkin’s took the vocal on a great version of The Kinks’ ‘All Day And All Of The Night’. Keith sang on a few songs, the outstanding one for me was CCR’s ‘Old Man Down The Road’. He also strapped on his 12-string (ooh missus!) and they played The Byrds "So You Want To Be A Rock’n’Roll Star’. Plenty there for all tastes, they take no prisoners as far as music genres go, playing Pop, Soul, Blues, Rock’n’Roll, Reggae and Ska. Songs like John Hendrix/Georgie Fame’s ‘Yeh, Yeh’, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ (soulful vocal from Big Al on that!), The Hollies’ ‘Long Cool Woman In Black Dress’ performed with a punchy arrangement. Madness’ ‘Night Boat To Cairo’… …audience participation was encouraged throughout their sets, it peaked at the end with Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’, the crowd singing full blast. Another great Sunday at The Odds! And another successful gig under the band’s very full belt. Excellent! 👍😎👏👏👏👏🌈🌈🌈🌈

This Sunday at The Odds was Chris Hargrave, fronting the nucleus of his previous band The Bluejays. They now brought us their special brand of quality music with The Latest Flames. Featuring Chris vocals/rhythm guitar/harmonica. John Clare lead guitar/vocals/bvs. Andrew Heart bass/bvs. Les Cole drums. They stray refreshingly, somewhat away from the regular cover versions of songs and arrangements. Tunes like Manfred Mann’s Pretty Flamingo, Billy Joe Royal’s Down In The Boondocks, Crosby, Still’s… good advice, Love The One You’re With, Chris Isaak’s haunting Wicked Game, Frankie Ford’s inviting, Sea Cruise… John took on the vocals of The Small Faces’ All Or Nothing. Dancers took to the floor! Always nice to see the other musicians doing backing vocals. Two great sets, with audience requested encore.

Chris is a great frontman, with more than adequate support from his merry bunch of fine musicians.

Gary and band, Great gig at Oddfellows, Apsley.

Truly amazing that when you closed your eyes,

you felt Bob was singing himself.

And it was clear to see by all the love and passion you have for Bob's music.

Great singing and musicians.

I love the way you style your gig/show Gary,

going through the time and period Bob wrote his song and when he 1st played it.

Giving more insight to Bob.

The Oddfellows pub, a beautiful and homily venue for good music,

run by the nice landlord's Brett and Kim.

Again, Gary, a gentleman, cant wait to see the next gig.

And best of luck with your stage project of Bob in Weir.

Thanks Aidan.

Review from Carrie on Facebook page

'You guys were bloody brilliant at the Oddfellows Arms this afternoon. Saxophone solo out the front at the end was immense! ❤️'

Absolutely brilliant. Great vocals great band. A real soulfull night was blown away. Real soul gems with a mix to include more well know chart stuff for non-soulies too. Will definitely see this band again hopefully they can get as bigger venue in a soul oriented night