Press/Reviews

Review in Eastern Daily Press 5th November 2012

Not another quiet night out .....

My head is ringing! Norwich Arts Centre, yet again, brought us a
living legend of the British music scene. Geno Washington almost
exploded onto the stage with the most energetic performance we are
ever likely to see. The wall to wall audience, many of a far more
recent vintage than the star, loved every moment. Exuberant might
describe the singer, his stunning backing band and all those joining
in the deafening riot of noise. His backing trio was effectively his
famous Ram Jam band but without the horns. Greg Lester on both Fender
and Gibson guitars (including a perfect slide guitar demonstration)
was truly masterful in his amazing playing. Steve Bingham held
everything together with a typically tight bass that we could feel as
much as hear; whilst Geoff Hemsley gave us a masterclass in rock
drumming with a particularly effective bass drum.

Geno burst onto the UK blues scene in the early sixties. He was from
a poor corner of Indiana, coming to Norfolk through military service
in the US Airforce. He soon made his mark on the national scene with
two best selling albums, unusually both recorded live. He continues
to star and perform worldwide, but, as he told me: “I love playing
here in Norwich, my home from home.” Next year he moves into his
seventies but you would never guess it from the passion he puts into
his performances. In summary, possibly the music world’s most
exciting performer ... and I have seen live BB King, Jimmy Hendrix and
Bob Dylan!

Roger Haywood