"We always relish a visit to The Running Horse in Nottingham, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately!) its a little far from our Lincolnshire home to be a regular haunt. The city venue isn't large by any means, but its homely feel, & friendly & welcoming atmosphere make it a great place for both performers to perform, & audience to enjoy a great evening's music.

Mick Pini used to be a regular fixture at venues across the Midlands until he moved from his hometown of Leicester to Germany a while back. Now Midlands audiences rarely see the guitarist who they've grown to love, not just for his prowess on the fret board, but his genial ways & appreciation of his many fans.

Backed by an excellent band, Mick was coming to the end of a 14 date British tour. The departure of the band's previous bass player shortly before the tour meant that high stepping Kevin Jeffries was hastily brought into the ranks, joining Julian Grudgins (for tonight 'Cadenza Blue') on keyboards & Michael Hellier, whose subtle & tight drum work provides a fine platform for the band's music.

Opening his first set with 2 numbers off the recently released album 'Blues Gonna Be My Way', an instrumental jaunt 'Avenue 54', & the Chuck Willis song 'I Feel So Bad', which quickly reminded us what a fine, & often underrated guitarist Mick actually is. He has been playing the blues since the 60's, a contemporary of Peter Green, Mick dedicated his version of Green's 'Watch Out' to the great man.

Julian, whose keyboard work is notable feature of the band's live performances, sung the BB King number 'Woke Up This Morning'.

Nights at The Runner are always a bit special & tonight was no exception as Mick introduced a behatted harmonica player from the audience to accompany the band for several numbers during the evening. It transpired that Stephen Nurse had seen Mick performing for the first & only time 3 years ago in Leicester, the astute guitarist discovering then that he was a musician & inviting him on stage for a number. Stephen's soulful harmonica work added a new dimension to the bands sound, on a number of songs including Little Walter's solemn 'Last Night'.

Mick's guitar work is often mesmerising, his choice of material reflects his own love of guitar orientated blues, Peter Green, B.B. & Freddie King whilst his original songs such as 'What Makes A Woman' mirror that style.

One of the biggest ovations of the evening followed the gospel flavoured 'Like A Road', which by all accounts hadn't been fully appreciated by some blues purists. Somehow they perhaps missed the fact that blues is not only a musical form but something that comes from the heart too.

Bringing the evening to a close, the band left the stage to Mick for a solo rendition of Green's 'The World Keeps Turning', (an acoustic version of this song can be found on a new CD of acoustic blues classics recorded by Mick & Peter Paul Bruder) before the band returned joining Mick, to treat us to 'Green Onions' & 'Help Me', two of our favourites. An excellent ending to another great night at The Runner!"

Links:
Movinmusic: agent Mike Hellier's official home page, featuring the Mick Pini Band, Blues Move a.o.
Above photo on loan from Movinmusic's website.