Memories of Shakedown Blues

I am indebted to Tony Burke for forwarding to me an article that appeared in a local Peterborough magazine entitled 'Shakedown Blues - end of an era'. This told the story of the regular blues shows that were organised by Gerard Homan for many years, which saw American and British blues artists appear in a village hall near Peterborough. The article told how Gerard organised his first show way back in 1965 and how, with a hiatus in the middle, these shows continued for over 50 years. Gerard died in 2018 but his co-organisers Martin Chillcott and Ian Sheldon continued to put shows on until deciding recently to bring them to an end. The early shows included artists such as Alexis Korner, the Artwoods, Champion Jack Dupree, Juke Boy Bonner, Arthur Big Boy Crudup and Mississippi Fred McDowell while more recently performers have included Lazy Lester, Maria Muldaur, Texas Johnny Brown, Little Willie Littlefield, Doug Macleod and Big George Brock. The shows attracted visitors not just from the local area but from much further afield. Living in London at the time I went there only once, in January 2007, to see Artie 'Blues Boy' White and Travis 'Moonchild' Haddix. I was accompanied by two attractive black women - my late girlfriend Maxine and one of her friends - and they turned heads as we arrived at the village hall. According to Dave Carroll I failed to mention in the report I wrote for The Vinyl Word a 'delightful cameo at the gig when he assumed the role of Richard Pryor as Daddy Rich and arrived with a Pointer Sister on each arm.' Here they are with Travis (Maxine is on the right).

Here's the review, which on reflection is somewhat uncharitable as I later learned that Artie had suffered a stroke and was jet lagged. 'It's not easy turning an English village hall into a Mississippi juke joint but it nearly happened at the Longthorpe Memorial Hall in Peterborough last night. Former Ichiban blues men Artie 'Blues Boy' White and Travis 'Moonchild' Haddix put on a show which would not have been out of place in Chicago or the deep south, with off colour jokes from a bemused looking Artie and searing guitar from Travis, and the locals were politely enthusiastic. Not many people could get away with wearing a bright pink jump suit on stage and Artie isn't one of them. He was far from dynamic, sitting on stage like an immobile Mr Blobby, but his deep soulful voice carried him through, as did his slightly lewd stories. Travis, meanwhile, bounced around beside him and showed that he is an excellent guitarist and blues singer. They were well supported by the Mike Carr Allstars, whose jazz routes showed through at times but who proved themselves well able to transfer their talents to the blues. Travis, who is from Cleveland, said that he had never played with Chicago-based Artie prior to the show the previous evening in Stamford, but you wouldn't know it. They seemed like old friends, even if Artie did seem to be in a trance most of the time. This was my first visit to one of the Shakedown blues gigs in this unlikely corner of the UK, but full marks to promoter Gerard Homan for putting the shows on and attracting blues artists of the first rank. I will definitely go again.' Sadly I didn't go again as, having moved to Hampshire, the distance was just too great. A great memory though.