Nine Below Zero

RICHARD BATSON

Blakeney Harbour Room

It was just above zero on a chill winter night outside the room, but boiling with rocking rhythm and blues inside as these master musicians blew into the unlikely arena of Blakeney's “Legion club”.

The band began in 1977, bringing punk energy to R and B, have shared the stage with names such as The Who and Kinks and are still touring Europe - with a winter diary that includes Italy, Sweden, Denmark . . . and Blakeney.

Apparently enjoying their rural surroundings, NBZ launched into a programme which showcased their roots, togetherness and individual skills.

Leader Dennis Greaves can crank raunchy rock riffs along with subtle flavours of country and jazz from his guitar, showing the band's wit and ability to do different, including putting a new spin on old standards. Mark Feltham made his amplified blues harp sing, chatter and howl and bass player Gerry MacAvoy and drummer Brendan O'Neill, celebrating his birthday at the Blakeney gig, underpinned it all with a driving rhythm section.

Covers included excellent versions of Canned Heat's On The Road Again and Michael Jackson's Rockin' Robin, to finish off a gig which must have also had the local seagulls doing the hop in the harbour.