Although not a regular at The BBC (Bletchley Blues Club), every time I do visit I always leave with a catchy tune buzzing around my head and a real feeling of contentment having seen a great new act (to me anyway)… tonight was no exception.
This was, I believe, only the second gig from “Long Road Home”, their first being an appearance at this year’s Cambridge Rock Festival back in June, which, as I have heard on good authority, was very well received indeed.
So, back to the BBC on a chilly November evening. I arrived just before the start of the “Mojo Mules” acoustic set, thoroughly entertaining and original it was too. I really enjoyed their take on some good old blues classics, and an amazing version of ACDC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie”, great fun!
On to the main event. As “Long Road Home” took to the stage and began their first number, I immediately knew that a good night’s entertainment was in store. A tight, punchy sound, with well-rehearsed and well-written songs, performed on the slightly cramped stage of the BBC, showed the professionalism and experience of a band of seasoned musicians, really enjoying this latest stage in their musical journeys.
The band played two sets of high-quality, original blues/rock, with a smattering of unusual covers, very well arranged and performed. The crowd was in the mood to be rocked (and bluesed!) and they were not disappointed, even the half-time raffle didn’t detract from the excitement of a band who clearly knows how to play and how to have fun.
Their own original songs, from the upcoming debut album due out in Spring ’23, were well received. I particularly enjoyed the title track, “Long Road Home” and the Robin Trower-esque “I Don’t Belong Here”, cracking tunes. Another stand-out track for me was “All Good Things”, congas and all!
Their finale track, a cover of the Bobby Bland (and Whitesnake) classic “Ain’t No Love in The Heart of The City”, was spine-tingling, a real end-of-show belter, despite the slower tempo … well done lads, a great end to a great evening.
Fantastic musicianship, strong vocals and thoughtful song-crafting make “Long Road Home” a band to be reckoned with … I reckon I will definitely go and see them again soon, and I suggest you do too!
Keith Simpers