@ The Carling Academy, Newcastle - Friday 22nd September

Gig Report

From bands like Stone The Crows, Rod Stewart, Spencer Davis Group, Keef Hartley Band and the Big Roll Band, CannyGigs is proud to present these stunning musicians in one band!

Maggie Bell, Colin Hodgkinson,

Miller Anderson, Zoot Money

and Colin Allen

"It's Friday night, so forget Coronation Street and get the weekend off to a great start with this rare, once in a lifetime gig."

MAGGIE BELL - the Scots Queen of the Blues, once the star of Stone The Crows, is one of the greatest blues and soul singers of her time. Maggie was born in Glasgow into a musical family and as a teenager, sang with local dance bands.  In the sixties she toured German US Airforce bases, before returning to Scotland with guitarist Leslie Harvey to form ‘Power’, which later became Stone The Crows. All was going well, but in 1972 due to a tragic accident, Leslie Harvey was electrocuted on stage. Jimmy McCulloch joined the band and they continued to tour and record, but eventually the management decided that Maggie should continue as a solo artist. Jerry Wexler wanted to team up with Maggie and the result was 'Queen Of the Night' which earned rave reviews. Maggie was encouraged to record her second excellent album, ‘Suicide Sal’. For many years Maggie has lived in Holland where she continued singing and touring in Europe. Now she’s back home in the UK and has teamed up with Zoot Money, Colin Allen, Colin Hodgkinson and Miller Anderson to go on the road once more. CannyGigs footnote ... not many of you will have had the opportunity to see Maggie Bell, this is one gig we have been trying to get for many, many years and now it is going to happen. It's a Monday night, normally a naff night to stage a gig, but all the more reason for you to forget Coronation Street and enjoy this rare, once in a lifetime gig.

ZOOT MONEY - One of the best “good time performers” in the business. Zoot not only plays great keyboards but also sings with guts and emotion. He’s been a formidable contributor to the British music scene for four decades! Playing with Alexis Korner, as well as his own Big Roll Band he became a permanent fixture at the Flamingo in Wardour Street – known for his somewhat outrageous antics on stage. Influenced in his early days by Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles. He’s been a writer, musical director, producer and actor. He tours, not only as a solo artist, but also with his own Big Roll Band and performs regularly with Alan Price. This man is not only hugely talented, but great fun too! A footnote from CannyGigs, Zoot is a major player in the History of rock. He did not have great chart success, but back in the 60's he was one of the top names on the live circuit. You would regularly find Zoot Money topping the bill with he likes of the Beatles and the Who as the support bands. He is an amazing character!

MILLER ANDERSON - (He's one of the most talented musicians I have ever seen - says CannyGigs) The guitarist who’s played with many of the top bands since the 60’s. Miller came to London in 1965 from Scotland. He joined the Keef Hartley Band in 1968 as vocalist & guitarist & recorded five albums on which he was also the main songwriter. The band appeared at the legendary Woodstock Festival. He has been a member of Savoy Brown, Chicken Shack, Mountain, T-Rex and Donovan’s band. Miller has toured as a guest musician with Deep Purple, appearing on their live CD/DVD recorded at the Albert Hall in 1999 and of course Miller has been a member of The Spencer Davis Group for the past 15 years and has recorded & appeared live on Jon Lord’s (Deep Purple) solo projects.

COLIN HODGKINSON - Colin began his career opening for the Beatles in 1963. Developing his talent as a formidable bass guitarist, he joined Alexis Korner in the late 60’s & stayed with him for almost 20 years. Has played with Whitesnake, Brian Auger, Chris Farlowe, Spencer Davis and Tony Ashton. In 1999 he was invited by Bill Wyman to open on his Rhythm Kings tour with a 30 minute solo set and in 2001, Gary Moore asked Colin to open on his successful UK tour. During his career, Colin has recorded with many renowned rock artists including Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Jan Hammer (Miami Vice), James Young, Neal Schon (ex-Santana). 2004 saw Colin touring extensively in Europe & the UK with The Spencer Davis Group.

COLIN ALLEN - Played drums with Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band, Georgie Fame John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Stone the Crows, Focus, Donovan and Bob Dylan. He’s also played with many US blues artists including – Albert King, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, Etta James John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson, Memphis Slim & soul singer Solomon Burke. He lives in Sweden & over the years has played with many of Sweden’s top artists. Lately Colin has been appearing at various UK & European blues festivals as a member of the “British All-Star Blues Band.

  It was a long time in coming, but I'm sure everyone there will agree it was well worth it. Maggie Bell is was in fine form and certainly has not not those powerful vocals, if anything, she's even better.

The band were in excellent form playing a set which had blues, R&B rock and even a touch of soul. The understated Miller Anderson was just sublime on lead guitar - he has to be one of the best .....

Zoot Money, Colin Hodginson and Colin Allen never deliver less than 100% and both Zoot and Miller's vocal contributions to the gig were very well recieved.

I'm also delighted to report that we had a big crowd and have invited them back for a return gig next year. Wait and see ......