Although they’ve been around for over a decade and have 8 albums under their collective belts and have toured with the likes of Joe Bonamassa and Peter Frampton, it seems as though the UK has finally woken up to the delights of one of the hidden secrets of Southern Rock.
With the whiskey soaked, gravel hewn voice of Robert Jon Burrison and the scorching, dirty slide work from Henry James and the slamming honky tonk piano of Steve Maggiora, Robert Jon & the Wreck come across as a lethal cocktail of prime time Lynyrd Skynyrd and Mick Taylor era Rolling Stones.
From opener “Devil Is Your Only Friend” to the heads down steamroller of “Waiting For Your Man” and the more reflective “On, Miss Carolina”, with its lazing on a sunny afternoon vibe, this was potent stuff.
At times, it felt like standing at the side of the stage at Woodstock witnessing some of the greats before they made their break through and make no doubt about it, Robert Jon and the Wreck are on the cusp of greatness.
It’s perhaps testament to their quality that keyboardist, Steve Maggiora, has just returned to the band for his first show this evening after a stint with Toto and his return brought a tear to the eye of Burrison.
Talking of musicianship, step forward Henry James on guitar. A real guitar hero of the old school whether cranking out a delicious Funky riff or delivering some searing slide or making his guitar scream and wail, this guy has the chops and then some. If his name is not up there with some of the greats sometime soon, then there really is no justice in the world.
Robert Jon & the Wreck were the perfect start to the weekend. It was energetic, emotional and inspiring, everything you need to forget the woes of the working week. It won’t be long before they step out of the clubs and into theatres, arenas and beyond. Catch them while you can.
Review and Photos By Mick Burgess
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