Originally published by L.S. Media. October 11th 2009.
Joe Brown has been performing for audiences up and down the country for longer than most, but his infectious enthusiasm for entertaining his loyal army of fans has never seemed to desert him. Arriving on stage with a cheery smile and to much applause from one of favourite cities, Joe proceeded to give the audience everything they had come out for. Good music, a little bit of Cockney banter and a few stories of his career.
In his band Joe had assembled some great talent to play the gig including Phil Capaldi, Roland Jones and Joe’s son Pete who was the butt of many attempts by Joe of “come here and make your dad proud”.
These musicians blended well as they performed a selection of Joe’s hits, personal favourites and the odd Elvis Presley cover for which Phil Capaldi did a magnificent rendition of Don’t be Cruel. This wasn’t the only cover of the night as Joe sang a slow version of U2’s I Still Haven’t found What I Am Looking For.
Surprisingly Joe and the boys also covered Ram Jam’s 1977 hit, the rock disco classic Black Betty, which in suitable fashion had been re-arranged and given Joe Brown’s particular twist. The result was a foot tapping and jovial song with none of the connotations that had previously been connected with the song.
After taking a small intermission Joe came back on stage with his previously lost banjo and proceeded to play duelling banjo’s with his son and the opening to Cloverleaf Rag before the rest of the band rejoined them on stage to carry on the music together.
The second half of the show was jam packed with great songs which included Sea of Heartbreak, Souvenir D’ Alvita and the beautiful False Hearted Lover.
Joe finished an impressive night of old time rock and roll with the wonderful Isham Jones song See You in my Dreams which he performed at the George Harrison memorial gig at the Royal Albert Hall.
A night for which those that were there will remember fondly and a lesson for everybody to remember that you may get older but rock and roll will forever keep you youthful.
Ian D. Hall