Review - Jo Harman and Comany, Live at Lustleigh Hall

Jo Harman and Company's sold out performance in Lustleigh showed just why they are attracting such critical acclaim and attention as they continue to attract prestigious club and festival bookings across the UK. With a powerhouse band of virtuoso musicians - all of whom appear on the Jo Harman 'Live at Hideaway' debut CD - local born, now Brighton based, Harman demonstrated why she is so widely regarded as one of the UK's finest new vocalists. With bluesy material which blurred the line between rock and soul - think Buddy Miles meets Rolling Stones meets Mavis Staples - this outfit showed why their respective CV's include the likes of Bob Dylan, Tina Turner and more; guitarist Mike Mayfield, in particular, delivering some blistering solos through the two hour set. Although the mixture of covers and classics - such as Steven Stills 'Love The One You're With' - had the capacity crowd dancing away it was the ballads such as 'When I Get To Memphis', 'Sideways' and Jo's own gospel to her departed father 'Sweet Man Moses' that showcased Harman's extraordinary blues fuelled vocal talent to spine chilling effect. Having already been booked to appear at the North Devon Festival, Jo Harman and Company return to the County on Friday 22nd July at Chagstock Festival. Catch them while you can.