Presented by Rockfact Music Club & IRON-T21

Rockfact Music Club, Münchenstein, Switzerland – 25.01.2020

The connection between blues and rock is called Blues rock. Originally it was music of British descent. Through Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Cream and Yardbirds a fan base was established and the music became suitable for the masses. In the USA, the Texans ZZ Top appeared with their brusquely played Blues rock and the city of Memphis in the state of Tennessee had also contributed to the development of American Blues rock. Switzerland also has good blues musicians such as Philipp Fankhauser, who was also very successful in the USA. Besides solo artists there are also bands that live and cultivate the spirit of the blues. Two local Blues rock bands played on a Blues rock night at the Rockfact Music Club. Tension Riders started on 9:15 PM. The Blues rock trio around

bandleader Rod Singer started with "Unchain...Ready for take off". He was in a good mood and showed that with a good vocal performance and guitar solos. Bassist Pascal Rechsteiner (ex-Darkmoon) gave the sound the groove and reminded of the Texas Blues rock legend ZZ Top. Funnily enough, Rod said "we play more instruments instead of talking to each other" and caused laughter. A bit rugged "Texas Art" but very likeable. Rod dedicated the song "Innocent gangsters" to the people, who were labeled as gangsters even before their birth. Here one could clearly hear the influence of the George Thorogood classic "Bad to the bone". A great song, which animated to move. "Cosmicrunner" followed over astrophysical events like the big bang. "I was born in this town" was played as a new song and dealt with the development of the city of Basel from then to now. They were nearing the end and the covers "Tush" by ZZ Top and "Cocaine" by JJ Cale rounded off their performance. What bandleader Rod Singer and his bandmates Pascal Rechsteiner on bass and René Tanner on drums showed tonight was a good performance with a lot of passion. It was a pleasure to experience them live and to feel the spirit of the blues. Bluesrock with Texan influence, which is heard in motorcycle clubs, does not miss its effect. Setlist Tension Riders Unchain…Ready for take off Dust my broom Surreal love Innocent gangsters The heat Cosmicrunner I was born in this town Rider When you got a good friend Tush – ZZ Top Cocaine – JJ Cale After a short break for rebuilding the band Crossover Blues Band entered the stage on 10:45 PM. Active since 2002 and after a change in vocals with vocalist Helmi Zürcher (Blues Priority, Terrible Noise) they are now on the stages of this world. "Green Onions" announced their performance. The five-piece presented itself in good shape and with the aim to rock the place. Real Blues rock sounded. Singer Helmi Zürcher put heart and soul into the singing, which one could feel and thrilled from the beginning. Guitarist Loris Mariuzzo (59 Container Blues Band, Bluesteel) showed guitar solos and changed the stage sides with bassist Ady Schulthess (Intruder, Jesse James Junior). A lot of action was offered. The sound was accompanied by Hammond organ player Patrick Brunner, who sweetened the ambience with his playing. Interestingly, all band members were allowed to play solos on the song "Bomb that ticks". That was cool and doesn't happen often. Surprise succeeded. Afterwards there was a short break and the first set was over. Refreshed and strengthened the band members returned on stage. "Sweet Home Chicago" opened their second set. Helmi Zürcher tried to animate the audience to sing along, which didn't work. Anyway, the music speaks for itself. "Hush" would have been the last song. But the audience wanted to hear an encore. The Deep Purple classic "Smoke on the water" followed and the performance ended. What the group Crossover Blues Band showed that evening was great from beginning to end. That's how concerts are fun. Setlist Crossover Blues Band Set 1 Green Onions – Booker T. And The M.G‘s Fool for the bright lights – Climax Blues Band Black magic woman – Carlos Santana A hard days night – The Beatles Get back – The Beatles Low down and dirty – Poppa Chubby My baby left me – Elvis Presley Nothing but the blues – Walter Trout Gambler’s roll – Allman Brothers Band Bomb that ticks Set 2 Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson Hoochie coochie man – Jimi Hendrix Mojo Working – Muddy Waters Lights down low – Mark Elliot Buffalo woman When the blues catches up with you – BB Chung King & The Buddaheads When a blind man cries – Deep Purple Highball shooter – Deep Purple Demon’s eye – Deep Purple Hush – Deep Purple Smoke on the water – Deep Purple Thanks to the mixers Jerry Thomas Ferrat for mixing Tension Riders and Stefan Walker for mixing Crossover Blues Band. Conclusion: A great evening with a lot of Blues rock ended. However, the number of spectators was disappointing for such a concert and it remains to be hoped that more people will attend small concerts in the future. Livereport and photos by Dominic Latscha