Todd Sharpville - Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2012
The Festival headliner Todd Sharpville delivered everything expected and more. Playing with a group of absolutely top flight musicians in the shape of Paddy Milner on keyboards, Pete Clark bass and the astonishing Mark Teixeira on drums, he held the stage and our gaze for every second.
He has great craic with the audience and you can see the rapport with his band players. There were some wonderful moments.When they played 'Everything will be alright', Paddy felt obliged to top and tail it with an outrageous dsplay of keyboard virtuosity; and Todd's version of 'I need you so bad' was taken from slow poignant brilliance to a no holds barred rip-em-up - and oh, what a delight to see a drummer get the opportunity to take a proper break and show his mind-blowing spectacular skills.
Gifted musicians having fun is a no-brainer as a spectacle. How could you not enjoy Paddy doing some ostentatious double handed keyboard slapping on 'Red Headed Woman' and almost turn it into a square dance! And don't forget Genghis, Todd's dog, who is clearly a HebdenFest Groupie. Also The Hat is anxious to say how nice it was to hear Todd, who has a great line in stage chat, take time to thank the festival organisers and pay tribute to the vibe they have created in such a short time. Brilliant Band, Nice People. Hot Night. Wang Dang Doodle....
