Big Bill Morganfield at the Leeds Irish Centre with Guests Crosscut Saw

There might be those who think that here is an artist living off his famous father's reputation but I will put the record straight right here and now. Big Bill Morganfield needs none of that. He is a hugely talented artist in his own right and tonight's performance proved this fact to me without a shadow of a doubt.

This concert was promoted by the very brave John Keenan of JFK Promotions, a man known for his quality and enthusiasm. Leeds is not the greatest city for boasting a blues audience and the turnout was poor as far as numbers are concerned. The fans who did attend the concert were true fans of the blues and made their appreciation for Big Bill known at every opportunity. They loved him.

So Big Bill and Tad Walters started the set with some country blues. Sat down as they played their National Steel guitars, the two sang Can't Be Satisfied , which was a great start to the evening's entertainment. Tad Walters then sang the lead vocals on 38 Pistol . Tad is a very talented young man as well as the band's bass player. Bill changed his electric National for a red Telecaster for the third number, Treat Me Right. With a Muddy Water's style riff and Bill's vocals, I started to realise we were in for a great gig. The last number of the Duo set was Kansas City with Tad taking the vocals and Big Bill playing some tasty lead lines on his Fender. The picking was brilliant. I had no idea that Bill was such a good guitarist!

At this point the full band entered the stage. Tad Walters strapped on his Bass. Smudge Smith sat at his keyboard and the band's percussionist/road manager Chris Page settled onto his drums before playing Crying Days . The beat was strong and the band sounded superb together.

The guitar intro to Just Keep Lovin took us into a great stomp which gave Bill a chance to do a quick tweak on his machine heads whist Smudge treated us to a high quality keyboard solo. Big Bill followed up with his own tasteful solo and the result was to attract dancers to the Irish Centre's floor!

Bill has a great stage presence and I suppose it would be hard not to when you are six foot seven inches tall! Regardless of his size, Big Bill just draws you in with his excellent voice and moving with the beat, swinging his red Telecaster. I bet the ladies like him. Tad Walter's backing vocals on the song No Trace of You and more of Bill's superb guitar playing make this memorable addition to the set.

Smudge Smith, the band's keyboard player, had forsaken his keyboard by this time for a sunburst finish Telecaster to play the classic I Just Wanna Make Love To You . This was no clone of Bill's illustrious father's version of the song. The band's full sound with a steady bass line from Tad Walters and Big Bill's picking was a joy to listen to. Smudge Smith showed that he isn't just a keyboard player as he shared some intricate lead lines with Muddy's little boy. It was worth the drive on this foul weathered night just for this one song. It was amazing, just pure blues from the flesh and blood of one of the blues world's greatest legends.

Yet another outstanding guitar solo introduced Don't Go No Further keeping the small but select audience enthusing and enjoying the groove, (actually a mixed audience of veteran blues fans, live music addicts, and musicians). This fine composition was notable for it's brilliant guitar solos. The band's rhythm section was superb and at the end of the next song, Bill asked the audience “How Y'all feelin'?…….give it up for the guys” The audience were quick to reply to Bill in the most enthusiastic way! Feeling happy with the response, Big Bill introduced the next song as Dead Ass Broke which showed the man had rhythm by the wagon load! Big Bill is indeed of large proportions and moves with the groove. With the leather-capped and very amiable Tad Walters on backing vocals and bass ,Chris Page metering out the percussion, and Smudge Smith taking the lead guitar lines before Big Bill took over, this was an excellent number from the Blind Pig Records Rising Son CD.

A fantastic slide intro to another Muddy waters classic Long Distance Call , just reminded me of Bill's Dad! This was real blues with all it's pauses, phrases and the essential components which make this a truly great and classic song. Big Bill's WC Handy award was no flash in the pan, he is a fantastic bluesman.The slide solo must be something to do with the genes! No, not those jeans , Bill was wearing a pair of black leather trousers, a smart glittering red and black shirt and a Bo Diddley style brimmed hat. He looked the part alrighty! You could see the family resemblance too when this very pleasant mannered performer smiled.

Keeping things in the family, Big Bill and the band played another Muddy classic, Got My Mojo Working . What a great mover with Tad Walters and Smudge on backing vocals.The dancers on the floor had been on their feet for quite some time as this number was completed and is a testimony to the quality and enjoyment of the evening's set. The fans called for an encore as soon as this great band retired. The band responded to end the evening with another number, one that showcased Bill's soulful voice. As they retired finally from the Irish Centre's roomy stage, the audience again showed their appreciation for they knew they had experienced something very special indeed. They certainly had done!

Apart from praise for the band, I feel some recognition has to be shown towards the promoter John F Keenan. John responded to requests for more blues in Leeds and came up with quality goods in the shape of Big Bill Morganfield. Unfortunately, the punters in Leeds let John down and it looks like he lost out financially. Without the promoters, there would be no concerts, no live music. John Keenan should be applauded for his fine efforts in promoting live music.

Steve Lally