Caught Live: 3rd Trevor Burton Charity Show @ Hall Green 19/09/13

The Move featuring Bev Bevan, Trevor Burton, Tony Kelsey and Phil Tree

#591: Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! It seemed perfectly apt to travel the thirty or so miles to Hall Green Stadium in Birmingham to attend The 3rd Trevor Burton Charity Show yesterday (Thursday 19th September). And that faith was rewarded by a truly superb evening of top musicianship featuring Trevor Burton, Bev Bevan, Abby Brant, Tony Kelsey, Phil Tree, Pez Connor, Bill Jefferson, Joy Strachan-Brain, Kate McWilliam, Geoff Turton and Danny King in aid of the Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust and Daybreaks Kennels.

The Trevor Burton Band Americana combo

The evening was superbly coordinated and organised by John and Jan Davis and the event was a credit to them with a excellent sound and lighting rig showcasing a top class bill of artistes from the very home of 'Brum Beat'. First up was the trio who are The Trevor Burton Band with mini-set of sublime blues (including, naturally, "Hey Joe") who were then supplanted by new recruits Tony Kelsey and Abby Brant as well as, later Quillettes Joy Strachan-Brain and Kate McWilliam, to give those gathered a delicious taste of their Americana incarnation. The seven (7) piece combo owned the stage and then delivered what can only be described as a polished set with a Celtic flavour yet very much innovative, much to the delight of the appreciative audience. The guitar cohesion between Tony Kelsey and Trevor Burton on the night also merits special mention.

Mods & Sods (photo courtesy of Rob Perkins)

 Next on stage were Mods & Sods who produced an impressive performance with their live interpretations of classics by the likes of The Who, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Jam and Paul Weller before giving way for the arrival of The Move and friends. It was, as always, great to hear Move classics such as "Flowers In the Rain", "Fire Brigade" and "I Can Hear The Grass Grow" live.

The Move (photograph courtesy of Kieran Gurdin)

Guest appearances by "Made In Brum" band mates Joy Strachan-Brain, Danny King and Geoff Turton brought forth highlights such as the beautiful "Nights In White Satin", "Save The Last Dance For Me" and "Hold Me". For me, the highlight of the evening for this writer was the haunting rendition of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" - led by the extremely talented Abby Brant on keyboards and vocals. The evening culminated with a full stage giving "Blackberry Way" due justice with the closing "Gimme Some Loving" encore the feel of a inspired jam session.

A successful and enjoyable night delivered not only musical satisfaction but also over £1,000 each was raised for both Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust and Daybreaks Kennels charities.

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends The Move, The Trevor Burton Band, Quill, Geoff Turton, Danny King, Abby Brant and Mods & Sods to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, The Move, The Idle Race, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 21-Sep-2013