Ian Siegal @ Nice 'n Sleazy, Glasgow, 28 April 2013

Ian Siegal, a 42 year old English blues singer and guitarist, took to the stage, solo, last night and kept us entertained for about 75 mins, however, before we get to that, lets have a quick word about the Glasgow support band. A five piece wonderfully called Dirty Diamond & the gun slinger  With a name like that I was hoping for something great and we got it! 

The band play an up-tempo bluesy rock-a-billy style and all songs were self penned, with 'Ol Clyde River being one that stuck with me. They have an EP on Spotify and I would urge you to check them out, any band fronted by a latter-day Clark Gable look-alike has to be worth looking up, no?

So, to the main event. Ian Siegal (nee Berry) plays in the style of Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley and Howlin' Wolf and has a great voice, which surprised me as it is not so evident on his recorded work. It is deep and resonant and he used it to great effect, even sounding a tad Johnny Cash at one point. Indeed, his opening song would have you believe that he is an American country blues singer, his voice is so steeped in the sound and vernacular of the style!

Along with his own songs, Ian sang a Kris Kristofferson number, a chorus of an Elvis Costello song and he finished on a medley of Big George (Ross) Watt songs. It was a touching tribute to the big man (Big George and the Business) who sadly passed away on 2 April this year aged 54.

Swapping between two amplified acoustic guitars (one a dobro) Ian kept the evening moving along with many amusing anecdotes between songs of his life in the business and his love of the job he does. A fine night out and a home grown talent worth catching up with if you like this sort of thing.

One minor gripe, never been to Nice 'n Sleazy as a venue before and it looked promising as a small, intimate basement with room for all of those who attended (possible 50 odd in total) to sit comfortably and see the action. However, when Mr Siegal took to the stage, about 10 arseholes felt that they were more important than the rest of us and stood at the front, blocking almost everyone's view. Ho hum....!