King Mud @ Jug Jaw's Beat Club
What a brilliantly exciting way this is to experience live music.
When Jug Jaw's Beat Club burst onto the Norwich scene a few years ago I totally bought into what it was all about and since my first experience of these nights I have not missed any of them. Recently Jug Jaw's has become affiliated with the Red Rooster Punk Rock Blues stage and the musical marriage is a perfect combination.
Jug Jaw's brought to Bedford's Crypt the first UK gig from King Mud and my fifth gig in five extremely hot days. King Mud comprises of Freddy J IV of Left Lane Cruiser and Van Campbell from Black Diamond Heavies. Wonderfully described as sounding like "Seasick Steve jamming with ZZ Top ... but heavier!" Now that alone was enough to excite me.
The evening was opened by Chasing Creation who made a big and loud impression not just on the audience but also on King Mud themselves who were listening from the merch stall and immediately came over to congratulate the band at the end of the set. Respect to King Mud too for this lovely gesture. Chasing Creation played with a good energy, especially their drummer who was a blur at times.
Having experienced the gloriously intense sound and volume of James Leg in this same venue some months previously I had an inkling of what to expect from King Mud, basically that low-down dirty blues, crucially played really loudly through vintage 1960s amps and PA courtesy of Jug Jaw's' Chris and Steph. Playing as a three piece with drums, bass, guitar and vocals the set was every bit as loud and intense as I anticipated, Blasting his way through the strings of two guitars during a 90 minute set, undeterred Freddy told stories while the band jammed as he re-strung the guitar ahead of the next glorious punky blues onslaught. It was obvious that they were having a blast and were thrilled to be playing here. The set was mainly of originals but as well as a Robert Johnson cover I loved the references to "native music" covers that they played, The Troggs and Dr. Feelgood. "Nobody knows Dr. Feelgood like you guys know them, it's an honour to play it on this sacred ground!" Standing close to the 60s Shure tower speakers the volume was intense but it was an honour for me to hear them in this way.,
This gig was the latest in a long-line of almost legendary gigs in The Crypt. Jug Jaw's Beat Club nights are special and unique. Even the stage layout with the vintage gear looks like a work of art and there are nice touches throughout the beautiful venue. The aim of these nights was to create, as near as possible, the feel and sound of the 1960s British beat club heyday. I think they have nailed the authenticity of that and what a privilege it was to see King Mud play here. We are lucky to have these events. What a brilliantly exciting way this is to experience live music.
