Seasick Steve at The O2 Academy, Leeds; Tuesday 27th January 2009

Steve isn't the greatest guitarist or even the greatest singer, but he has a great feel for the old time blues and plays straight from the heart. He has soul, in the wider sense of the word. He connects with the audience and shows genuine appreciation that we're listening to him. He also writes good original songs, but in the country blues tradition, kept simple.
He played with a Swedish drummer, Dan, who gave wonderfully sensitive, yet enthusiastic, support on the kit and a young guy (Steve's son?) on percussion and occasionally second guitar. The washboard sounded particularly effective on some of Steve's numbers.

Steve said Dan was the only drummer he's been able to play with - I can well believe it; he has to be really good to follow Steve's varying tempo. Good to see them grooving together & communicating through the music.
A full house really enjoyed the evening. Good on ya Seasick Steve, strangely a modern hero.