This turned out to be the party of the year, make no mistake about that.  The adrenalin flowed fast due to the presence of Paul’s and Johnny’s families and friends in this north-east bedrock of blues, the millennium’s equivalent of the Club A Go Go, the venue that made Eric Burdon and The Animals famous in the 60s.

Paul proved why he has left every other harmonica player in the world standing with a performance that was both energetic and technically brilliant.  Sonny Below led from the back on drums and his perfect synchronisation with bassist Rod Demick kept the rhythm section tight.  Add to the mixture Earl Green’s soulful vocals and the guitar wizardry of Whitehill and you’ll understand why the occasion was special.  Highlights, of which there were many, included Take your Time and Money World, songs that are destined to become classics.

Just when the audience thought it couldn’t get any better, after two encores, it reached even greater heights.  This was due to the guest appearance of Paul’s 14 year old son, Ryan, on lead guitar.  Playing the Gibson proudly given to him by his dad, he played the blues with a feeling and passion that belied his youth.

Having reviewed so-called stars such as Nawfel on my travels around Europe with Blues Matters, this young man’s skill and commitment stand out like a beacon above everyone else.  Ryan represents the next generation of blues artists who need both encouragement and the right venues to display their talents.  Sadly, his Blyth high school probably knows little about his talent but, fortunately, it is being nurtured by his dad whom he visits in London, and his mother, Denise, who is determined to allow Ryan the scope to express himself through the music that he loves.  This combination augurs well for the future of the Lamb dynasty.

A final word for the organisers of this event and heartfelt appreciation to Graham Anderson in particular.  With Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Smither lined up for next spring, and Hubert Sumlin and Rory Block already having graced the stage of Live Theatre, Jumpin’ Hot Club is firmly re-establishing Newcastle as the blues centre of this country after a 40 year gap; long may they continue.