The Fandango Brothers @ The Crimea Tavern Castleford W.Yorkshire

A great rocking blues'n'boogie night was had by all as the Fandango brothers hit the town of Castleford W Yorks. Borrowing heavily from the ZZ Top back catalogue as well as others from the Lone Star state, the Brothers could do no wrong. Beginning with “Tush” they hit the punters with an example of what was to become a great selection of songs. Stevie Ray Vaughan's”Pride and Joy” was brilliant and so was “Cold Shot” from the Texan guitarist. A superb “Fool For Your Stockings” showcased the bands blues credentials whilst “La Grange” encapsulated the Texas boogie impeccably. The Crimea's dancing ladies were soon up on the dance floor as the more commercial ZZ offering of “Gimme All Your Lovin'” had the whole room rocking to the beat. Staying with the commercial end of the genre,” Sharp Dressed Man” kept the momentum up. This band play the bearded one's music so authentically it's little wonder they are so popular.

There was a change in style as the wah wah intro to” Voodoo Chile” rang around the room and across the river. This rendition of Jimi's song was absolutely incredible and full marks to “Chillo” for his riveting guitar solo, and boy was it riveting; it was one of the best renditions I have EVER heard!

In between the songs some of the crowd persistently requested some AC/DC. The band teased the punters by playing impromptu riffs in the style of the Aussie rockers! The crowd were very appreciative and took it in good part. The band threw a bit of Rolling Stones chic into to the proceedings with a fine version of “Brown Sugar”, with Steve Corbett taking the lead/rhythm lines, bassist Chris Howard doing the Jagger bit. From Wiesbaden, Andy Moser on drums and Mark “Chillo” Angelini also on lead/rhythm guitar. What a great band, so entertaining, and doing much more than being a ZZ Top tribute. When they do pay tribute to the bearded boogie band, they do it so well as “Got Me Under Pressure” was played superbly, and one of my faves,”I'm Bad I'm Nationwide”. With the addition of “Cheap Sunglasses” and “Tube Snake Boogie” this band just knocked the place out. Great Band, Great Boozer, Great Night!

Steve Lally ©