Big Blues Party, Mr Kyps

THE Big Blues Party at Mr Kyps is now in is fourth year, and the appearance on Friday evening of some of the finest local blues musicians helped secure its reputation as a popular and enjoyable start to the new year.

Organised by The Producers' former harmonica player Hugh Budden, the evening began with a set from the Southampton-based Blues Etc, who warmed the crowd up with some classic blues covers as well as one or two of their own songs (with some amusingly risqué lyrics).

Next up were the JuJu Men, who upped the tempo with their rock 'n' roll style and drew the majority of the crowd on to the dance floor. Budden provided harmonica accompaniment throughout this evening, and hugely talented Steve Darrington also made regular appearances on keyboards. The constant switching around of band members and the finale of a Blues Brothers extravaganza featuring all the musicians helped present the evening as a showcase of the best in blues music and local talent. The Big Blues Party provided an ideal antidote to the post-Christmas blues.