REVIEW

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys/Artrix

BROMSGROVE'S Artrix Theatre was lit up on Saturday night as King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys returned for their traditional New Year's gig.

For the fifth year I booked my ticket, and this world-famous band was as brilliant as ever, showcasing their unique takes on classic jazz standards.

Dancers filled the floor for two hours of fantastic blues, rock and boogie-woogie courtesy of the finest blues band to come from outside of the United States, and the crowds were crying out for more even after the encore had finished.

A particular highlight of their performance is, and always has been, a 10-minute rendition of the classic song 'Tequila' which kicked off the second half of their performance in style.

If you get the chance to see this world famous band in action, take it. I cannot reccomend them highly enough, even for people who aren't fans of blues music.

As someone who is completely inept at playing musical instruments, I was in awe at the skill of guitarist Bullmoose K Shirley, whose rendition of BB King's 'You Upset Me, Baby' was incredible.

Boogie woogie pianist 'Mighty' Matt Foundling was also exceptional, as well as eccentric double-bassist Shark von Schtoop, who periodically threw a carrot into the air which he usually keeps in his top pocket!

For over 30 years Mark Skirving (King Pleasure) and his band have been touring the world, supporting greats such as BB King, Ray Charles and Cab Calloway.

I would highly recommend seeing King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys live in concert and I will hopefully do so again in 2020.

By Tom Banner