Not the usual opening to a concert of the blues, Williams entering the tin shed venue via the main entrance followed by his bassist and percussionist, singing “Black Mountain”, the Nick Drake arrangement.

The first half dealt with the great British guitarists, the abovementioned Drake, the lesser known Jackson C Frank, John Martyn and so on. Whilst, with the exception of the Jackson tune (which wasn’t really blues, but who cares!) he chose blues based numbers, artists featured were not really blues based. But that ultimately was not an issue as the songs certainly were, Jelly Roll Baker, Rev Gary Davis’s “Cocaine”.

In the second portion Williams dealt with the more electric artists, Alexis Korner, Eric Clapton and the like. This division, whilst arbitrary actually worked well, separating the two very distinct blues styles.

To be able to deliver a show such as this a very solid finger style guitar ability is pretty essential and Williams certainly delivers in this respect. There is little doubt that he is a fine guitarist. He has a very relaxed presentation and his introduction to the songs was informative, interesting and not too long! But more than that was the great support from his great bassist and percussionist.  There were some great bass solos, adding much to the programme.

Cal Williams not only knows his stuff but he is excellent performer and this was a top show. Bring him back for Fringe 2022!

Michael Prescott