Once more, we witness Aynsley Lister as he makes his annual visit to the North West. This time, we head to the brilliant Waterloo Music Bar in Blackpool.

A MASTER AT WORK

Aynsley Lister and his band’s set follow much of the tried and tested format; 5/6 numbers in first set, a short break then a longer uplifting rockier set. His standard opener, Everything I Need, sets the mood, pleasing his avid followers and two newcomers alike.

A new number, Wait For Me, is played from Lister’s latest album Along for The Ride (reviewed here).  This is only the second live performance of the song. There is also an instrumental in a classic Chicago blues style, (in the key of G, Aynsley announces). It also includes a brief crowd pleasing drum solo. Jon too, has his moment during the performance with a neat bass solo. Together they make an awesome rhythm section to complement Aynsley’s superb guitar work. 

A UNIQUE PLAYER

Although his playing has elements of Robben Ford and Hendrix, Lister is a totally unique player who can chuck out powerful riffs, solos and bottle neck as well as having a delicate touches. Did anyone noticed a tiny Jimmy Page riff? Was this is intentional or not?!

Standard numbers Hurricane and Soul and Running Out On Me are again included in the second set with Jonno encouraging the audience into clapping at the bouncier moments.

As Aynsley quietly plays chords from Purple Rain, his traditional encore which signalling the end of the evening, he tells us Craig has been playing with a dodgy elbow. No one would have noticed! As the audience head into more rapture, he gives us one more number to end a stunning evening. Made Up My Mind  ended with another drum solo, with said dodgy elbow, whilst Aynsley and Jonno shared  riffs.

A GREAT VENUE

Special mention is to be made of this fabulous rock venue. It is gaining a well deserved reputation as a mecca for all that is good in rock music. Once famed as the venue for a major Crown Green bowling tournament, it has been totally transformed. There is not a spare inch on the walls and ceiling covered in poster and t shirts relating to nearly every artist from Abba to Zappa. Gibson and Fender guitars are displayed on walls in the other rooms. Drum kits transformed into light fittings (surpassing anything created on Find it, Fix It, money for nothing type programmes) are suspended above the bar along with two motorbikes.

One room is totally dedicated to Lemmy with his white boots encased along with other Motörhead memorabilia, Even the drinking cups have heavy metal insignia on them; propping up he bar is a gent in a get up who could have been the ghost of Lemmy meets Brian Johnson! Was he part of the bars props or just a dedicated metal muso?

This venue must surely be an inspiration for artists to give of the their best. Lister and his band do. An all round brilliant night.

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