Paul Jones and Dave Kelly share the Blues

Posted on 16th June 2024

When British blues royalty pay a visit to Diss, it’s a rare treat not to be missed. Paul Jones and Dave Kelly are no strangers to the Corn Hall, having previously appeared as part of The Blues Band and as a duo. It was in the latter incarnation that they performed an acoustic set of blues classics, a recipe added to with a light sprinkling of their own compositions.

The pair made an unassuming entrance, notwithstanding a warm welcome, as seated throughout  they took us through some of the musical influences and songs that have meant so much to them over the years. With a winning combination of chat and music, we heard work from the likes of Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Albert Collins and Muddy Waters. Some of their solo music was showcased, as were a couple of Manfred Mann hits. It should be no surprise that Kelly is so good on the guitar, but divested of colleagues and amplification, his mastery of the acoustic slide guitar was all the more obvious and impressive, while Jones, armed with a suitcase of harmonicas, switched between playing and singing with an ease that at times defied credulity.

This was an evening characterised by good humour and casual charm, of the occasional sing along and the not so occasional cheeky reference to the very many records the pair have produced over the years. A heartfelt tribute to Noah Lewis, a superb version of Summertime, and a compelling version of In the Mood were just some of the more surprising songs in an evening that felt as much like a conversation as a gig, with Paul Jones in particular sharing stories from his long and varied career. If I say that made the evening a genuine education I should also hastily add it was a very entertaining one.