The UK Blues Awards 2024 Emerging Act of the Year nominee Connolly Hayes rocked up to headline the Old Bush Blues Festival 2024 Friday line-up.
The band was Jess Hayes (vocals), Frankie Connolly (vocals & guitar), Richard Clarke (guitar), Beau Bernard (bass), Andy Wilder (drums) & guest Stevie Watts (keys).
Jess and Frankie had been makes waves in the Blues scene with their separate bands before meeting at the Isle of Wight Festival 2023 and deciding to join forces. They were influenced by Bros Landreth, Tedeschi Trucks, Marcus King and Chris Stapleton, to name a few. So, they started to write and record some original songs which culminated in the release of their debut album ‘Remember Me’. This has been very well received with the soulful sound and differing vocal style depending who is on lead vocals.
One of the great things about the band is their soulful vocals, to a a great dance blues beat. Their rhythm section of Richard, Beau & Andy gives them a strong solid foundation and at this gig were complimented by well known UK Blues Award winner Stevie Watts on his expressive keys.
They kicked off with ‘Secret’ with its funky beat, soulful vocals from Jess which had the crowds up and dancing. This was followed by a brand-new song ‘Meet in the Middle’ with its blues & funk beat and strong vocals.
The title track of the album ‘Remember Me’ has great soulful vocals with its funky beat and strong rhythm section and great guitar breaks from Frankie.
The next song ‘Tired of This Love’ slowed the pace down a bit and showcased the great complimentary vocal styles from Jess & Frankie in counterpoint to each other.
On ‘That’s What Love Will Do For You’ bassist Beau showed off his skills before the gentler song ‘Midnight in Harlem’ with Jess’s husky voice with great backing vocals.
A lot of songs have the American South feel and soulful rhythms and band introduced another new song with ‘Lover Ain’t a Fighter’, influenced by Jackson Browne, with Frankie and Jess on lead vocals.
After great applause from the packed crowds the band played an encore with the Stephen Stills classic song ‘Love the One Your With’, with guest vocals from Tina Fothergill.
