UK Theatre Network

Joe Brown  on Thursday 3^rd March 2011

I always get slightly nervous when I enter an auditorium only to find I’m probably one of the youngest there… and I’m no spring chicken! But I needn’t have worried with Joe Brown who had no problems entertaining us all from the start to the end. The evening was clearly separated with a very cosy relaxed seated, slightly folk styled first half followed by a more dynamic, energetic (as much as an old guy can) slightly folk styled second half.

The line up was Mike Nichols on Bass (of many types), Phil Capaldi on Drums (of many types) and Roland Jones on Guitar (you’ve guessed... of many types) plus Pete Brown, who showed us that he had inherited his dad’s talent and then learnt just a little bit more, entertaining us with some of the songs from his own repertoire.

Joe played the obligatory guitar when necessary but seemed to favour the Rock Banjo or Roll Mandolin, with the occasional splash of Fiddle, Ukulele and Mandola, all lending themselves perfectly to the play list which contained a varied content of both covers and Joe’s own material. I especially enjoyed Ram Jam’s ‘Black Betty’ with lead Mandolin and Chas ‘n’ Dave’s popular ‘Ain’t No Pleasin’ You’ and then ending the evening with a very touching song called ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’ – I suggest you all buy this one, if you don’t  like it straight away, i believe you will one day! The added bonus of the whole band being able to sing made for some great vocal harmonies to enhance the alternative compositions often used.

Joe was clearly in his element on stage and obviously enjoyed not only singing and performing but also was totally at home chatting with his long standing fans who also enjoyed reminiscing about the life and loves of yesteryear, making sure that we all knew who his famous friends were.

The whole experience created by the band and especially Joe and Pete was relaxing and fun, and I think everyone left smiling, glad they’d made the effort, mid-week ‘n’ all! They are touring right through to 27th April 2011 throughout the UK and if you fancy a nice night out then you couldn’t do much better than go see Joe!  www.joebrown.co.uk

Reviewed by:
Malcolm Emms