The Nimmo Brothers, Barely Alive.

Lev 1 and 2 Esquires Bedford. 17th October 2008.

Bands containing siblings come in three distinct categories. The brothers Gibb always portrayed a united front, whilst the notorious Gallaghers certainly have their tantrum moments. The legendary relationship between Ray and Dave Davies of Kinks fame was especially fiery and tempestuous! Our visitors tonight, THE NIMMO BROTHERS appear to be in the Gibb corner. Steve and Alan are at all times comfortable in each others company. Happily they reminisce about writing songs in the back garden family paddling pool when they were a young age.

Forming in 1997, the Glaswegian brothers are backed up by the additional guitarist and drummer, whose presence is a seamless addition to the Nimmo clan's plying of pure blues rock. Their tireless gigging schedule has certainly honed their musicianship. We often see blues apprentices trying to impress, but The Nimmo Brothers come across as true master craftsmen. They are the real deal, gratefully appreciated by, what I feel is, a sadly meagre turn out. It is the quartet's second visit to Bedford, although this is their Esquires debut. They seem to revel in the atmosphere and lap up the feel of the old place.

Alan Nimmo, who does most of the communicating, tells us that at present, their set contains a good deal of rockier material which they have accrued from touring around the country these last couple of years. However, this evening that philosophy seems to be torn up and thrown away as, sensing the rich ambience of the crowd's reaction to their deep and bluesy offerings, The Nimmos concentrate on that ideal for much of their ninety minute set. It's ideal for a 'Nimmo Brothers virgin' like myself (!), but I sense that some of the die-hards would have appreciated more blues-rock.

In the space of ten minutes, the bands' sound is truly encapsulated as a barnstorming rocker is contrastingly followed by the tender ‘All I want’. A beautifully performed slow blues ballad that breathtakingly contains the lyrical "You can be my inspiration". Stevie Nimmo sings with gentle aplomb to a hushed and respectful audience. With new album ‘Picking up the pieces’ satisfying fans' demand, Alan Nimmo informs us that the band rarely travel quite far as south as Bedford, but I feel there is quite a genuine affection between both band and crowd. This sense of being far from home is shown with the song ‘A long way from everything’. The Nimmo Brothers debated whether to include it tonight. I'm sure everyone was glad that they did. The song, much like their journey from Glasgow, includes plenty of twists and turns, but the wild applause at the end is the perfect arrival! The sense of fun the emanates from The Nimmos is shown perfectly when Alan, in his thick Scottish brogue, dissects the word 'quality', a word that said either in Glaswegian or Bedfordian pretty much sums up this talented band. ‘Reason to believe’ is dedicated to the crowd whose appreciation demands an encore, which the brothers are only too willing to reciprocate.

Opening the evening are Bedford's elder statesmen of the music scene. The self-deprecating, but wonderfully named BARELY ALIVE. The quartet perform a forty minute set choc full of classic covers which veers mainly towards the blues. With a nod to George Harrison and a respectful cover of ‘Cocaine’, it's the perfect appetizer to the main course.