In 1980, Nine Below Zero (NBZ) released their first record Live At The Marquee from which they quickly became one of the most popular British Rhythm and Blues acts of the time. Back in the day that meant regular TV appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and The South Bank Show, as well as touring as the undercard with The Who and The Kinks.
Nearly 40 years on and with a storming appearance at Glastonbury 2016 and acting as support for Squeeze last year, NBZ have rightly earned a reputation as 'one of the best blues bands around today'. On Friday they gave the crowd at the Bullingdon an absolutely scintillating high energy reprise of this debut album, but now as an 8-piece band.
But before we get to that, I've got to mention excellent support from a barefooted folk-soul singer to watch out for. I’d previously seen Charlie Austin last summer at the ‘last’ Cornbury (2017), where her brilliant blues-infused vocals were backing tonight's headliners. Since then I’ve learned that she’s already played Glastonbury, Bestival and sold-out London’s Scala with her other band Lux Lisbon. On Friday night she brought her own finger-picking folk-soul singer/songwriter set to the Bullingdon.
Austen is showcasing her solo EP with carefully crafted lyrics, intricate guitar parts, a solid groove and unusual melodies to suit her bright and powerful voice. Although not original in drawing inspiration from her various relationships and breakups, those songs like 'Traces of You' are delivered with a genuine smile and soul as well as a conspicuous lack of shoes...!
Austen’s personality and talent help to quickly establish an easy rapport with the audience, and she delivers a captivating short set of material from her new CD. Her new track 'Slave to Chemistry' continues the examination of love and loss, and other stand out tunes include 'Little Yellow Birds', and the lovely seascape she paints in 'Copenhagen'. Charlie Austen is an artist well worth catching, because she is surely going places!
Right, back to NBZ. Adding to the original duo that is Dennis Greaves (Guitar/Vocals) and Mark Feltham (Harmonica/Vocals), they have a familiar backing line of Mickey Burkey (Drums) and Ben Willis (Bass). As an 8-piece they’ve now added keyboards (Andrew Noble), brass (Chris Rand (Saxophone) & Paul Jordanous (Trumpet) and female vocals from Charlie Austen; and what a brilliant stroke that is!
Classic tracks from Live At The Marquee such as ‘Homework’, ‘Riding On The L&N’ and ‘Hootchie Cootchie Coo’ are lined up with other key tracks such as ‘11 + 11’ from the Third Degree album and songs from It’s Never Too Late, co-produced with Squeeze founding member Glenn Tilbrook.
Classic tracks such as ‘Stormy Monday’ are sung by the super talented and still bare-footed Charlie Austen; her voice might be likened to the likes of Elkie Brooks and Sam Brown, but what Austen brings is a joy and energy that is truly infectious. You’ll catch her soon working with Bryan Ferry.
Speaking about how he feels the Live At The Marquee tracks work in the 8-piece band, founding member, lead vocalist and guitarist Dennis Greaves said: 'We couldn’t afford brass and keyboards back then, so the harmonica had to do it all but now it really does sound like a big band! It’s as if it was meant to be.'
What wasn’t meant to be was a booking clash on the evening with NBZ’s old friend and R’n’B legend in his own right, Wilko Johnson, playing just along the Cowley Road, which may have split the audiences for each set. Clearly undeterred a couple of people clearly darted between both sets, which is certainly kudos to all concerned!
This short Spring tour only has half a dozen more dates but the band will be making some festival appearances over the Summer. If you get the chance, make the effort; you’ll not be disappointed.