I paid a visit to The Blues Kitchen, Manchester last night to witness a band, named, Daddy Long Legs described by Rolling Stone magazine as playing, "Chicago blues, fired at the Moon by the demented children of the Pretty Things" on the first night of their British tour The stage was bathed in blood red lights and then bam! lead singer, Brian Hurd dressed in what looked like a preachers frock coat, adding to the already evangelical feel to the night, rips into a howling, harmonica blast as the band kick in and they can kick. Guitarist, Murat Akturk who I thought bore a resemblance to Johnny Marr, the haircut perhaps? unleashed a barrage of dirty, raw, blues riffs which held me speechless, and then the drummer, oh yes the drummer...you ever seen a drummer use a maraca as a drumstick? Josh Styles does as he powered the band along, thundering away at his kit, making Rat Scabies look timid. Brian Hurd prowling the stage like a demented preacher soon whips the audience into a fervour with the band, relentlessly steaming on with gospel, Mississippi, hoodoo, garage, romping stomping, beats with, no let up in the pace or the fervour. Pink Lemonade, Evil Eye, Lowdown Ways, Death Train Blues, Motorcycle Madness, Bad Neighbourhood all harp driven bangers have the audience, dancing and singing along, and when Brian Hurd leapt in to the audience to lay his hands on the converted, it was like watching a young, manic Jerry Lee Lewis in his prime, sublime. There was even a song dedication to John the Postman, the Manchester legend known for his onstage antics singing, Louie, Louie... which I thought was a nice touch. This is the first time I have ever seen the band live, I know they have played Manchester before, but I was astounded how good they are and I can honestly say I rate them as a live band as good as The MC5, Dr Feelgood, Legendary Shack Shakers, I can only urge you to see these sinners if your tastes are similar...or you are in need of a jolt of pure rocking music I leave the last word with Brian Hurd when asked, what are Daddy Long Legs... "Rock and Roll salvation through the spirit of roots and blues" Webpage: DADDY LONG LEGS (officialdaddylonglegs.com)
