[rating: 4]
Jazzlines is a programme set in Birmingham to entertain and educate people in jazz-related music. Put plainly, free jazz gigs in Birmingham. The musicians offered upon their schedule offer a wide range across the genre, and looking upon their flier I noticed one band that I was already familiar with – Steve Ajao Blues Giants. Leaning toward the blues end of the spectrum (almost entirely), the Blues Giants have been a steady part of the music scene in Birmingham for many years now. Each of its three members carries a rich musical history and style that would require a whole review to explore, but with limited room to gallop here I shall attempt to introduce each one with three words. Steve Ajao: Howlin’ Guitar Virtuoso. Mike Hatton: Six String Bassline. And Pete Hammond: fantastic-drummer that-occasionally-goes nuts-on-a-washboard. And yes, I did say washboard!
Located in the ICC, the performance took place at a stage rather like someone had built a miniature symphony hall just off the main foyer. It had a small stage, about 50 seats on the ground level with a bar on the side, and two tiers of balconies overlooking the musicians. The whole space is pretty open, allowing for the whole building to hear whatever band is playing. Arriving only a few minutes late, there were already droves people clustered around the bottom floor. Everyone loves a free gig apparently.
Let me just say that the Blues Giants are amply named; Steve and Mike tower over the audience like pillars. Mike certainly seems to make the most of his enormous hand span, taking to the six string guitar. Where for most this would be a novelty, in his hands it appears perfectly natural. Consistently, he has shown how a bass can serve as a lead instrument, having seen him perform solo sets at other venues. Sadly, we did not see as much of this in this particular gig and instead were treated to Steve and Pete taking centre stage. Steve Ajao opts for an ordinary six string guitar, which he wields with such ease and gusto you’d think it was time he graduated to an eight string; coupled with his raspy vocals, the British blues musician makes every song drip with authenticity and character. Pete ‘Washboard’ Hammond as a drummer simply can’t be knocked, but his talent on this instrument is often overlooked in comparison to his much more grandiose washboard that is always a fan favourite. Because of its purely acoustic sound Pete often scales the audience whilst playing, usually settling on some poor souls table. However for this gig he rushed out into the crowds, up the stairs, and started playing on one of the balconies. Steve, with his wireless guitar, wandered into the crowd (quickly lost), leaving Mike stood as the only member on stage. You could still hear them, amidst all the laughter, though you couldn’t help but admire the harmony of the band as they continued to play in complete unison no matter where in the crowd they were.
The hardest part I have left until last. It is hard to pin down the style of music Blues Giants play, as most tracks originate from all corners of the genre. My one gripe with the group is the distinct lack of original music in their sets. However any layman would simply not recognise many of the covers, even myself (someone who loves the blues) only discovered this by researching the band. Their gigs are a like being exposed to an Anthology of blues music with more popular tracks, such as Boogie Chillun and Crossroads, equally paired with less known songs from Hound Dog Taylor, Tony Joe White, and such. It’s a band that explores a huge part of the genre unbeknownst to the audience and does so with great talent and showmanship, thus fitting perfectly into the Jazzlines programme and what it hopes to achieve.
Steve Ajao Blues Giants continue to perform frequent gigs across the Midlands and are surely not to be missed. You can find out more information on them at their website, or find them on:
