Blues in Britain (The Fly, 14 Nov '07)

Dublin-born Imelda May was here to warm-up for her headline set at the Borderline in two days time (to be supported by Hey Negrita), and better still, as a rehearsal for her many date supporting role to Jools Holland and crew over the next couple of months.

The semi-secret warm-up not only explained the third billing at this lowkey gig but the reason for the stripped down band on offer tonight. Her usual keyboards were missing for this incarnation, which is hardly a surprise if she's about to share a stage with Mr Holland. She also had a new bassman and it was important to give him a decent airing. Confidence was high though as she calmly strutted onto the tiny Fly stage. Tight jeans and tight red t-shirt hugging her five foot three frame, with slick and high kiss curl and long pony tail told you what sort of music to expect. Seductive rockabilly and smoky jazz with blues riffs throughout. Flashbacks to the passion and fragile vocals of timeless Billy Holiday and Dinah Washington yet with band sounds recalling The Paladins and the likes of Jimmie Vaughan's guitar style served as a perfect backdrop.

Opening with 'Voodoo', Imelda told us straight away what she is about; mystery and magic. 'Feel Me' had a Latin flavour and her 'Big Bad Handsome Man' threw in a trumpet to continue the band's versatility without compromising Imelda's throaty and unfazed vocals. 'Falling In Love With You Again' was a love song that is perhaps destined to define her musical direction as the flavour of the next song, 'Smokers Song', also had that Carmel tone with a clear blues melodies in the background. Imelda kindly introduced each song and next up was the only song in the short set not penned by her, a jumping skiffle tune called 'Wild About My Lovin'. She went powerful and rocky next with the title track from her new album, 'Love Tattoo' before closing with the up-tempo, and future encore favourite 'Johnny Got A Boom Boom' as she jived with a bodhran beat.

With warm-up in the bag, the tour with Jools Holland can confidently go ahead and this wildcat minx with jazz-a-billy sound adds herself to our genepool of blues divas, with a twist.