Forget Master Chef...This is a Top Drawer, Solid Gold, Five Star menu..
Over forty years ago, the gifted poet Maya Angelou wrote the poem 'Caged Bird'. It is well worth reading and re-reading. The autobiography and film "I know why the caged bird sings" were to follow. This hugely powerful and metaphoric piece can move you at several levels but the great thought that it embraces is the revelation that the caged bird sings for Freedom.
As the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival looms into view just down the road, The Hat is struck by the resonance of that image, the simple idea that by lifting your voice you can sing for 'things unknown and longed for' – your song can be heard on a distant hill and you will be free. In the unlikely event of there ever being a justification needed for a gathering to celebrate the joy of the blues, that would surely be it. The tough history of the blues, coloured as it was with pain, discrimination and shattered dreams also carries with it the hopes, loves and aspirations of the mind - never to be caged and dreaming of being free. I am quite taken by the idea that all those musicians, singers and song-writers can gather together now and celebrate that freedom in their own individul and talented way, whilst acknowledging its past. They write. play and sing to us about love, pain, tragedy, humour and endeavour - and in doing so, bring huge pleasure to the watcher and listener.
Pleasure....aaaah, yes...Pleasure. But Pleasure, as you will all know, can be somewhat subjective. One person's Cake and Chocolate may be another person's Handcuffs and Whips. The trouble is knowing when to stop. The line-up of artists playing at Hebden threatens to be a positive orgy of stuff that is so good for you it should probably carry A Health Warning. A table piled so high with goodies that you Really Really want. Trying to fit in all the acts that you want to see is going to take some serious planning, some pointy elbows and a pair of swift heels. Fortunately, the main venues are all within walking distance and for the Really Organised Leisurely it is possible to stop at a free licenced Juke Joint on the way between them and hear yet more top music - if you feel your staying power is flagging.
The line-up for each day is intimidating in its 'come-and-get-me' attractions. Even for The Hat, who has Access All Areas and a history demonstrating an enormous capacity for Unstinting-Non-Stop-Pleasure, the schedule can be quite demanding. I shall pause here to mention - for the sake of any first timers to Hebden – that however capacious your appetite, it is important that you leave enough room for Paddy's Midnight Jam sessions – which as their name suggests, can be rich, goody-filled and very moreish... Don't say I didn't warn you.
This year, as usual, the headliners on all three days are sublime and from the Top Drawer. The very idea that Ron Sayer, Aynsley Lister, Paul Lamb, Jo Harman, Kyla Brox, Marcus Bonfanti and Paddy Milner are all to be seen at various times over three nights on the Main Stage is rather like letting your children loose at an eat-as-much-as-you-like buffet. I know you will do your best - 'like a drunk in the midnight choir' - but a word of warning. Beware only turning up for the Main Course as you may well find yourself missing out on one of the Blues World's Top Menus. In his last blog, The Hat has already pointed you in the direction of the talented young blues dogs prowling round the festival. Make sure you seek them out along with the many other stars some of whom are new to our Hebden family. If you go to the Artist page on the festival website you will find some amazing videos of these guys in action (http://yorkshirebluesfestival.co.uk) ...Here is a 'Do Not Miss' suggestion - or three ......you must catch Russ Tippins, Rabbit Foot and Lucy Zirins, try very hard to see Northsyde, the Jules Carter Trio, George Lindsay, Boneyard, The Mentulls and the Blues Boy Kings...and you should absolutely not miss...ah hell...they are all terrific...you're smart....don't miss Anyone. You will find a way. As for The Hat? His minders have assured him that they will all be carrying spare grape juice, smarties and oxygen masks....
Finally, an appreciative nod to the guys at the British Blues Awards. Once again they have delivered, unfussily and seemingly, almost without a hitch, the lists of nominations for the 2013 awards. A few 'verbals' broke out on the social media over who was in and who should have been in - it would be a weird world if that didn't happen - but by and large their lists represent the UK blues scene pretty well.
Of course, Hebden is always happy to see on the Nominees Lists many of the artists who have appeared on our stages as part of our family. The amount of talent on these lists demand respect not just for their playing, writing and singing skills but also for the sheer hard work that has ensured that they continue to rise to the top and stay there.
This year, once again, Hebden has its share of nominees playing at the 2013 Blues Festival - and this is a good moment for the Hat to suggest that you get voting....AND of course let me remind you that the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival itself appears once again as a nominee for The Best British Blues Festival 2013. Read and Vote Here.... http://yorkshirebluesfestival.co.uk/Awards_2013.html
Hurrah for Freedom, my friends and let the Caged Bird sing...
Pip Pip!
The Man in The Hat
Pic thanks to Jason Elliott
Hurrah for Freedom, my friends and let the Caged Bird sing...
Pip Pip!
The Man in The Hat
Pic thanks to Jason Elliott