Last Friday night, the Gov played host to one of USA’s blues greats, Chicago native and eldest son of Muddy Waters, Mr Mud Morganfield!
The night kicked off with crowd warmer, the Teskey Brothers, a Victorian duo that played a great set of acoustic blues/soul tunes. Their sound was simply divine – beautiful harmonies, plenty of harmonica and guitar work.
After a short break, the crowd anxiously awaited the main show. Mud’s six piece band walked out on stage holding their instruments and jumped straight into an instrumental 12-bar blues. Soon after, dressed in black pants and a striking gold lamé jacket, Mud Morganfield shimmied out on to stage. His deep voice and infectious smile made the crowd burst into high clapping, cheering and piercing whistles. The man had arrived and brought his Chicago blues to Adelaide!
On stage (with a crushed velvet back drop and subtle lighting), the band pumped out around 12 songs including an encore. Morganfield played his well-known tunes including Hoochie Coochie Man, Got my Mojo Workin’, and his own version of ‘Baby please don’t go down to New Orleans’.
Morganfield sat front and centre on the stage, truly owning the night. Next to him was his Harmonica player, who’s sound really enhanced every song. Although Morganfield may be a ‘chip off the ol’ block’, he certainly doesn’t ride off the back of his late Father’s fame, Morganfield is a true polished and soulful artist that has paved his way to being one of the USA’s most precious jewels in its blues musical crown. As always, last night he had great stage presence and charismatically connected with the crowd.
After the band finished and walked off stage, the lights in the venue stayed dim… true sign that an encore may ensue. The crowd wanted more and their clapping, yelling and whistling became louder and louder, almost like a frenzy. They wanted Morganfield! After a short time, the band walked back on stage and picked up their instruments followed by a composed and cheeky Morganfield who treated us all to his tune, ‘Mannish Boy’. The blues great led the band to deliver a great show that will be etched in my memory for years to come.
Words by Kendall Clarke
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