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On learning that Brian was back in town, I ventured to S.A.'s premier room to get blown away again by this awesome talent. I should say at this juncture that being a musician myself in this industry for 34 years and having seen many 'thoroughbred' performers, this sometimes jaded palate is not often impressed. But Brian is an impressive, consummate artist. He performed songs mainly from his solo CD, 'Don't Ask Me', opening with the title track, a not-so-subtle swipe at the commercial music sector (although somewhat tongue-in-cheek). Then he swung into full throttle with a combo of beautiful blues ballads, including the biting 'The River Ran Red' and an emotive 'In the Pines'. Next came a terrific version of Cab Calloway's 'Minnie the Moocher', and a particularly stunning haunting rendition of Tom Wait's 'Jersey Girl', indeed a highlight of the night. At the end of the performance, Brian was recalled by an appreciative audience for an encore. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable, engrossing performance, laced with guitar virtuosity, feel, dynamics, variety and a good dose of humour, from a person that this reviewer thinks that when talking about Australian 'blues icons' like Matt Taylor, Phil Manning, etc., should be considered right up there in the same league. I was so impressed that I purchased Brian's 'Don't Ask Me' and Turning Blue's excellent 'Live - The Tasmanian Tapes', something this munchkin rarely does. All blues aficionados should get behind, and support artists of this calibre. John Haffert, South Australian Blues News, August 1999
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