THAT'S WHAT THEY WANT
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anson Funderburgh and Sam Myers form that classic marriage of opposites. The one lean and laconic, full of youthful vigour; the other short and dark, oozing world-weariness. And over the years - on record and through relentless touring - they have honed a tight blues act that makes them worthy headliners at this weekend's Great British R&B Festival in Colne, Lancashire.
Funderburgh is a crisp and economical guitar player - the latest in a long string of Texas axe heroes stretching from T-Bone Walker via Freddie King to Stevie Ray Vaughan - with a style that has become his own over the decade and a half since his first album with The Rockets appeared.
But while he learned the blues from records, partner Myers - who is a solid frontman as well as uncompromising singer and harmonica player - got his from life. A veteran of the 1950s scene that saw him performing with the legendary slide guitarist Elmore James, he kicks up a storm in a suit that barely covers his boxer's physique.
And, though the make-up of the rhythm section constantly changes, the twosome can always find players capable of pounding out the beat without boxing the frontmen in too much. As the cracking live album of a couple of years back and the just-released CD That's What They Want attest, this is an outfit that can turn its hand to just about any style - the swamp- rock sound of the bayous associated with fellow Texans The Fabulous Thunderbirds, the roadhouse R&B of Delbert McClinton and blues classics from the likes of Little Milton and Muddy Waters, as well as their own compositions.
Whatever line of attack they choose, tomorrow night's crowd should be warned not to expend too much energy responding to the efforts of Billy Branch, home-grown Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes and the other aspects of an annual festival that boasts 650 artists on eight stages, workshop sessions and a real ale event to boot. The fans will need everything they can muster if the toast of the Lone Star State are on anything like vintage form.
Municipal Hall, Albert Rd, Colne, Lancs. Info: 01282 661234
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments