Wilko Johnson, The A Band.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 6th June 2008.

Once again, Silver Promotions struck gold (well certainly for this reviewer). One of my all-time musical heroes stepped on to the Esquires stage. WILKO JOHNSON is a true legend, who from 1972-1977 made Dr Feelgood one of the most exciting live bands around. Following on from Silver's last gig from Eddie And The Hot Rods, Dr Feelgood moulded the punk explosion with their raw pub-blues-rock sound. With Wilko the manic guitarist, the perfect foil to the superb, and sadly missed, Lee Brilleaux. For a short time Canvey Island ruled the British music world, as the fantastic album "Stupidity" topped the album charts in October 1976.

What of Wilko in 2008? Well, the mop of hair has gone! But that finger can be pointed at many of his supporters in the crowd this evening! What he does retain is his enormous stage presence as he steps on stage, flanked by Norman Watt-Roy (ex-Blockheads) and Monti (ex-J.A.M.C. and Blockheads). Sadly, and in my view shockingly, the venue is not full, and this is a sad indictment of the times for live music in this town, both young and old.

The band are smartly attired as Wilko takes time out to survey his audience and grandly announces "Good Evening". In fact, he says little during the set, conscious of the fact that we are all here to appraise his magnificent musical skills. The first part of the evening features a number of bluesy-folk tunes that fully focus on the pedigree musicianship of the trio. One particular song even includes some lush soft-reggae undercurrents. However, its the old rock'n'roll schooling that these gents were brought up on that truly strikes a chord. Of course, it's all the more poignant this week with the passing of Bo Diddley.

Wilko's classic "Sneaking Suspicion" is radically slowed right down to a chilled out bluesy offering. His famous skittering moves may have mellowed over the years, but he can still turn his guitar into machine gunning actions at the audience while staring scarily from those expressive eyes. All the more menacing with his bald pate! The crowd warm to an elongated blues jam that then melts into the old standard "Wooly Bully", but it's only the precursor to what comes next. I'm sure I am not the only person who gets a nostalgic glow as Wilko announces "This is a song I wrote back in the 20th century". The following "Back in the Night" is sensational, the performance is timeless. This is then repeated by the old Dr Feelgood classic "She Does it Right". For me, that's the highlight of the evening. The applause that follows is richly deserved and the trio return for "(Bye Bye) Johnny B. Goode" which develops into a ten minute jam. There is another reappearance for a stripped down rocking good version of "Route 66" to send everbody home truly sated and elated from such a memorable set.

For the opening slot, it's a rare Level 2 outing for long-time Bedford blues stalwarts THE A-BAND. Dennis, Tim and Richard royally entertain the early arrivals. An addition is promoter Rob 'Mr Silver' Vernon joining them onstage for a couple of numbers. "It's Alright" and the perennial favourite "Mustang Sally" seem to engage the best audience response.