How can a poor man stand such times and live?

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings obviously weren't sufficient in the way of geriatric British bluesmen and so it was off to the King's Hall to see 'The Blues Band'. Not that front man Paul Jones - of the Radio 2 Rhythm & Blues show - looked all that old and he managed a few more high kicks than I'd like to try. Tom McGuinness however did, even when rather showily playing his guitar behind his head.

I've been listening to Jones' show for so long that I am one of those who believe it should never have moved from Thursday at 8pm (and that must have happened around ten years ago) so it was slightly disconcerting to hear his speaking voice in a different context. His singing voice and harmonica style were of course familiar. The band played mostly stuff from old blues guys - Elmore James, Son House, Slim Harpo, Howlin' Wolf and the like, but also songs by Dylan, Ry Cooder and, unexpectedly for me anyway, Gil Scott Heron. They were excellent, as will be of no surprise to anyone, and I invested in a Best Of CD to while away the commute.

The King's Hall Ilkley will not be televised

The only downside to the evening was an appearance on stage by the publicity junkie Anne Hawkesworth, a name which will mean nothing to those outside Bradford, but which is all too familiar to those in Ilkley. Thankfully there is one blog from which she is forever barred.

Doh!