Whilst it was not so cold this year, it sure was blustery and showery as we drove down through Kent to the Camber Sands Holiday Centre for the thirteenth Rhythm Riot! Weekender. Whilst those of a superstitious nature may have been concerned, the quality of the music was sublime. Yet again this weekender built on what had been delivered previously and simply has to be the leading worldwide celebration of forties and fifties - with a dash of early sixties - music. This is an international event as there were people in attendance from most continents of this world. The two dance floors were constantly solid with jivers and boy could they jive 'n' bop. As always, the music is the prime focus of this review but, again, mention of the whole scene is important. As one checked in, the Union Canal String Band served up an entertaining mixture of hillbilly music. The large specialist vintage clothing market (complete with changing rooms) seemed to have expanded in size yet again and the specialist record dealers had bountiful stocks, boy I had a field day. For those wishing to visit the historic town of nearby Rye, the courtesy shuttle bus was the now traditional fully restored 1956 Bedford coach. In addition, one could hop a lift on the Sunday afternoon by grabbing a spare seat in one of the vehicles taking part in the classic car cruise. There were the now customary queues at the beauty parlor, hairdresser and barber, a shoeshine stand and a pin up photographic studio. The Rhythm Riot Radio was back with Mark Lamarr providing two one hour exclusive shows broadcast direct to each apartment, as was the exclusive Rhythm Riot television channel showing vintage documentaries and movies from the forties and fifties. Finally, for now, there was constant supply of dance music until 5 am in the morning on each of the three days. The following review, as usual, concentrates mainly on the happenings in the upstairs main hall but also attempts to cover other of the happenings.

Friday, 20^th November 2008 (the joint started to jump)

Opening act was the four piece Belgium band The Baboons who showed good stage confidence in what was essentially a rockabilly based set, with a good mixture of covers and originals. The lead singer had a nice harsh edge to his voice as he served up 'Lonesome Train', 'Birdoggin' along with the band's own 'All Set ForThe Weekend' and 'Bungalow'. For myself, the highlight of the act was their interpretation of 'Got My Mojo Working' performed 'Mystery Train' style. A good band and a fine start to the festival of music.

Next up was one of the R&B legends, Big Jay McNeely backed up by the Rhythm Riot Kings of Rhythm lead by Big Boy Bloater. Making his now customary entrance from the back of the hall and working his way through the audience honking away on the saxophone and singing 'I Can't Stop Loving You', the anticipation levels built. Indeed, he was into his second number, 'Big Fat Mama' by the time he reached the stage. Here was a guy in his eighties playing away like there is no tomorrow. This time around, Jay was singing and playing, as opposed to mainly honking away on his sax and this resulted in a great balanced set. Then came the demented 'Insect Ball', a superb R&B song, before we were treated to the classic 'There Is Something On Your Mind' and then onto 'Nervous Man Nervous' (the first instrumental of this performance) in which Jay really let rip. Whilst much of the performance was devoted to the content of McNeely's latest CD 'Party Time', this had developed into one of his most memorable shows since I had first seen him on stage at the Electric Ballroom in London way back when. After his version of Eugene Church's 'Pretty Girls Everywhere', there was another highlight with 'Get Up And Boogie' (a song in three parts) in which he was joined on stage by two piano players hammering away at the same time on the same on the same instrument. Then came one of the great sax lead instrumentals, 'Deacon's Hop' and the oh so tasty 'Young Girl Blues'. Come the time for the finale, the lights dimmed thus picking up on the white gloves and the fluorescent painted sax as Jay launched into '3D'. Magnificent stuff and the number climaxed with McNeely lying on his back on stage honking away. A truly wonderful performance.

By way of contrast, the ensuing act was the Swedish trio The Domestic Bumblebees who launched into a mixture of blues meeting rockabilly complete with slide guitar on 'Gonna Shake It, 'My Girl' and 'She's Supposed To Be Mine'. After correcting the initial sound balance problems, these three young guys were rocking away like crazy on 'Good Looking Mama' and Presley's 'I Need Your Love Tonight'. Up to now, the bass player had been plucking away on an upright instrument but now he switched to second lead guitar and the guys cut loose on Fat's Domino's 'I'm Ready'. I was instantly reminded of The Fendermen and this was awesome stuff. This instrument line-up continued with 'California Sun' during which each of the lead guitarists took it turns to throw themselves on to the stage floor, still playing,, whilst the drummer stood up and continued to thump the skins. Both visually and musically exciting. Then it was back to the more conventional line up with the string bass for a couple of numbers before Boppin' Steve joined them on piano for the concluding number which built in layers of enjoyment. Another first rate act.

It was now 2:00 am in the morning, at which time I was usually locked up in the land of dreams, but here I was standing in front of the stage watching the vocal pyrotechnics and manic showmanship that is Barrence Whitfield.

Saturday, 21^st November 2009 (the joint was shakin' to its foundations, complete with lashings of bump 'n' grind)

Live music started at lunchtime with the Dutch band The Ragtime Ramblers performing their customary quality hillbilly and rockin' country set. These lunchtime sessions appear to constantly increase in popularity, no wonder when there is music of this excellence provided.

As is the custom, Saturday night at the Rhythm Riot was once again the time for the ladies and gentlemen to strut their stuff, dressed in vintage glamour, especially admirable considering the appalling weather conditions outside. The outfits and hair styles in evidence in the main hall were a continuing palpitating joy to this ol' man.

For openers on the evening session, Jessie & The Orbits made their Rhythm Riot debut. This three piece combo of good musicians is fronted by a sensuous and attractive young lady who has a good voice and excelled on the legendary LaVern Baker song 'Voodoo Voodoo'. With a bit more stage experience under their collective belt, this group has the potential to be a headline act.

After a short break the next act up was, probably the foremost, UK vocal group The Roomates who for this appearance had reduced down to four front vocalists from the five strong line-up that existed when I caught their act last month.

Then it was the turn of the true veteran Clarence 'Frogman' Henry to take the stage backed up by the hard working house band. His voice is totally in tact as is his stage presence but he does perform a preponderance of those confounded medlies.

Then came an act from Melbourne, Australia, Benny & The Flybyniters who can best be described as producing a fine brand of R&B meeting rockabilly. Benny is clearly the front man but the rest of the band are excellent musicians, especially the sax man.

Next was a Rhythm Riot favourite, namely Ray Collins Hot-Club from Germany. This was the big band version of the outfit and comprised three saxes, trumpeter, bass, piano, guitar with Collins leading the outfit, often playing a xylophone (or was it a vibraphone - either way it was bloody good).

But before we leave Saturday night, mention must be made of the happenings downstairs in the Queen Vic Pub. Renamed (as per last year) The Lady Luck Room, it featured various DJs playing obscure and different music, Jules & The Gamblers plus burlesque shows featuring Chrys Columbine, Missy Malone and the inimitable Miss Dolly Blow Up. Yet again, and to provide a balanced review, I attempted to pop in and watch the routines. However, the place was so jam packed, I could not even get in the door.

Sunday, 22^nd November 2009 (the joint was still standing - just).

The morning commenced with The Indoor Boot Sale which again was heaving, to say the least, with punters and stall holders buying and selling as multitudinous vintage items changed hands. As background, DJ Simon Tugwell played a great selection of music, some of which rocked like crazy. After that, it was time for another Lunchtime Session in the Queen Vic Pub that retained the clever title of 'Blues From The East Sussex Delta' and featured the talent of British stalwart Jim Carlisle. The weather that day had been atrocious and failed to clear up for the previously mentioned Classic Cars Cruise that left the site to cruise through the streets of nearby Rye.

Come the evening, the Queen Vic Pub took on yet another guise and was temporarily turned, as in previous years, into a swing club. DJs Woody and Tim's Jumpin' Jive spun the discs whilst the Japanese band The Travellers returning after a ten year gap played a live music set that the programme described as the epitome of cool, amen to that.

The first act in the upstairs main hall was one of the hottest acts on the circuit currently, namely The Revolutionaires whose seemingly boundless energy was a lead talking point that night. Then it was time for the appearance that I had been salivating about, The Blue Rhythm Boys.

The third main visiting American act, i.e. Larry and Lorrie The Collins Kids, then came on stage accompanied by The Ragtime Wranglers. Unfortunately there were amplification problems in that Lorrie has a naturally softish tone to her voice but the sound level was set so high that she often came across as shouting. That said, the act and the songs were all there once again. After 'Hop Skip And Jump and 'Mercy', Larry took the lead for the blistering guitar instrumental of 'Hurricane', a song composed with the legendary Joe Maphis and named after the latter's wife Hazel.

These festivals often give up an act who is relatively unknown but who give such a blistering show that they instantly gain entry into the classic performance list and the must see again schedule. Such is the case with the next act, Harmonica Sam, a young guy from Sweden.

The concluding act for this Rhythm Riot was Paul Patterson who was fronting his own band as opposed to being part of High Voltage or Union Avenue. His guitar technique makes him one of the foremost pickers in the UK today and he is no mean slouch as a vocalist either. He also has a great set of musicians backing him up as they exhibited their collective talents on 'Shake On Style', 'Voom Voom' and 'Caravan'. The set contained mainly vocals taken at various tempos and, on occasion, with a welcome degree of novelty included such as 'Boo Hoo, that came complete with all the necessary voice changes. The age old song 'Banks Of Loch Lomond' came out as 'Surfin' Loch Lomond' complete with a great Dick Dale guitar style treatment, simply just wonderful. To a varied musical content, we were also treated to 'Man Of Constant Sorrow', 'Rambling Man' and a great version of Dale Hawkins 'Tornado'. The set and the weekender's live music happenings, closed out with 'Pistol In My Pocket' and 'Hard One', both excellent songs. This had been another good performance.

That was it, all in all, another great weekender with a consistently high standard of music. I am advised by the Promoters that the event was a sell out. I certainly enjoyed the whole scene and am booking my place for next year. Announced headliners for then include The Cleftones, Sonny Burgess, Eddy Clearwater, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys and The Ballroom Kings. (one can only hope that Harmonica Sam is bought back - did I say he was good?). Check out for details by telephoning (0)20 8566 5226 or logging on to the web site www.RhythmRiot.com for further information and booking details.

© Tony Wilkinson - November 2009