Bobby Rush at the Jazz Cafe

Bobby Rush is always a delight to watch and last night's show at the Jazz Cafe was no exception. He's been described (by Dave Carroll) as the 'Donald McGill of the blues' and that's not a bad description. (For those unfamiliar with McGill's work he was the king of the saucy seaside postcard, featuring busty young women, fat old ladies, drunken men and honeymoon couples). Bobby Rush is equally non-PC, a throwback to the chitlin' circuit of the fifties and sixties when bawdy humour was not only acceptable but expected. (It still is in Louisiana and Mississippi among black audiences, but maybe less so elsewhere).

Now 85, Bobby has lost none of his energy and his 90 minute show included many of his best known songs, along with nods and winks, spontaneous guffaws and, of course, the presence of one of his glamorous lady dancers - the ever wonderful Mizzlowe, who played along to Bobby's jokes and innuendo with good humour and obvious pride in her companion. She appeared in a pink catsuit at the beginning of his set and, after quite a long gap, reappeared as a vision in black. It's always a delight to see her of course and she is a vital part of his revue, as is his band, most of whom have been with him for many years.

I've seen Bobby many times in the States, at Porretta and a couple of times in London, where his good natured, but somewhat bawdy and old fashioned humour has not always been appreciated. (This was particularly the case when he played the Barbican a few years ago. The audience didn't know what to make of him). The Jazz Cafe crowd, though, appreciated him for what he is: a living legend - and gave him a good reception. He proudly told the audience that he has been recording for 67 years, mixed with the likes of Muddy Waters, Little Walter and John Lee Hooker in the early fifties, and has made 377 records.
There were many of his usual songs on display, some of them more like monologues or raps, including 'She's Fine', 'Hoochie Coochie Man', 'Garbage Man', 'Chicken Heads, '19 Years Old', 'Booga Bear', 'Night Fishing' and his latest Grammy winning song 'Porcupine Meat (Too Fat To Eat but Too Lean to Throw Away'). He used his harmonica skills effectively and, played guitar rather more than in most shows, even sitting down for a few numbers.
There were brief snatches of some of his favourite impersonations, including Michael Jackson and Elvis, but on this occasion he did not produce the customary giant pair of knickers to extol the virtues of a big fat woman (maybe he thought British sensitivities would not appreciate it). So perhaps it was a slightly toned version of his act, but great fun none the less. He is probably the last act of his kind, and long may he remain so. As his song 'Got Me Accused' - a song about a miscarriage of justice - pointed out, 'this may be the last time you see me'. Let's hope not.

Big Joe Louis and his Blues Kings provided excellent support earlier in the evening with some solid blues, including 'Old Mother Nature and Father Time' among half a dozen numbers. A fitting way to start a night of blues in London - and a good way to celebrate my birthday.