Leicester’s Jersey Budd, with his band Silverball, took over The International Music Venue in Leicester, supported by Jamie Pelos and Jake Thompson. After supporting other key UK Blues acts such as Laurence Jones and Blue Nation (with lead singer/guitarist Neil Murdock in the crowds), Jersey was the headliner in this Leicester’s local talent bill.
With Jersey Budd on lead vocals and acoustic guitar his band members were Rick Wilson (bass & backing vocals), Jono Martin (lead guitar and backing vocals), Andy Price (keyboards) and Mick ‘Murph’ Murphy (drums).
Jamie Pelos kicked off evening singing some passionate songs accompanying himself on guitar with songs such as ‘Favourite Girl’ and ‘Green Light’ with most of the set brand new songs created for this gig.
He was followed by the second support act Jake Thompson with a mix of originals (with some covers) including ‘All My Love’ , ‘3am’ which was played on Radio Leicester, with his powerful voice matched with great guitar playing, which he has been creating in the studio.
After a short break Jersey Budd & Silverball took to the stage and kicked off with ‘Thieves’ with a great stomping beat. Followed with a classic Jersey Budd song with ‘Justified’ with passionate lyrics.
Then an upbeat song ‘Bright Soul’ with a great funky backing beat matched to Jersey’s unique vocal style with great lead guitar breaks from Jono Martin. Then the heavy drum beat to ‘Time Stands Still’ with Jersey giving it all with great harmonies from Jono & Rick
Next was a song dedicated to a leaving Leicester FC female football star with ‘Change of Heart’ with a slower pace with lovely keyboards.
From the 2023 EP ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’ we had ‘Last Time’ with matching harmonies with lovely lead vocals from Jersey with his husky voice. The next song ‘Alone in Piccadilly’ started with only Jersey’s vocals playing harmonica & guitar, supported by Andy on keyboards. Jersey was joined by Jono and Rick on harmonies at the end.
Followed by the single ‘Into the Ground’ recorded at Rick’s studio with a great band sound, during which Jersey reminded the crowds that streams aren’t financially worth much, so always look to buy the physical albums & EP direct from the artist.
After introducing his band to the crowds Jersey led into ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’ with its catchy lyrics and up tempo beat. Then a slower but heavier number with ‘Never Been Alone Again’ with Jersey enjoying himself with the strong lyrics, with the tempo slowing towards the end.
Jersey always hangs it all out to give his gruff passionate voice full reign with great heavy support from his band with great support from The International crowds.
A quicker one with ‘Heartbreaker’ with great support vocals from Jono & Rick with strong keys from Andy followed by the lovely keys intro to ‘Different Kind of Love’ which steps up into a pacey song with its heavy beat, great vocals and harmonies. Murph joined in too on backing vocals. ‘Thinking for Two’ was about valentines set to a slower pace with soulful vocals from Jersey.
Before the final encore Jersey thanked the large crowd for turning up and supporting him and the band with live music. First up was ‘Belong’ which was another slower number with Jersey’s strong vocals and great beat and Jersey & the band finished with ‘She Came Back’ an upbeat song with solid drums and powerful vocals from Jersey and great lead guitar from Jono.
