Brian Meakin Band, live at JJ Smyth's

Brian Meakin loves guitarists. He's self-taught and cites a number of players as influences: Hendrix, Ray Vaughan, Gallagher, echoes of whom could be heard throughout tonight's show. The trio kicked off with 'Black Magic Woman', which was characterised by colourful atmospheric solos. Bassist Jed McConkey mostly did a walking bass but could also do a seductive swagger on groovier songs like the Ramones' 'I Need Your Love'.
Michael Meakin's drumming was textured, but got more routine as the show went on. Michael and Brian were in a Doors cover band called The Back Doors, and it showed, with Brian occasionally mimicking Robby Krieger's flamenco vibrato while Brian mirrored John Densmore's textured sensitivity.
They also played 'Johnny B. Goode', where Brian got the legendary solos down. As a singer, he didn't swing like Chuck Berry, but still kept the high spirits. He also sang 'Purple Haze' with an earthier twist than the Hendrix original. Blues and rock may seem very close, but there are occasional large gaps that Brian Meakin mines to create his own sound.